Caretaker/Maintenance Couple for small Complex - Sao Vicente, Cape Verde

Immediate start - Based on a small 11 villa complex on the island of Sao Vicente, Cape Verde. 

English speaking - couple or single male.  It ideally fits a healthy retired couple who want a relaxed lifestyle in the sun with accommodation and a small salary. Sorry but the situation, environment etc. means no young families.

You should also be prepared to do general cleaning around the complex, which consists mainly of sweeping and washing down the villas and cleaning the swimming pool and Jacuzzi.  Everything needs to be kept clean as the complex is situated on the frontline next to the beach, there will be some gardening, mainly weeding and watering.  Applicants with some knowledge in building skills (i.e. plumbing, electric, painting) would be preferred because maintenance is important. 

You must be prepared to work on your own initiative, operating as your own bosses’ day to day. The role has limited pressure, however you are still expected to perform every day duties plus any requests from the administrator.  It is important that you are friendly, approachable and prepared to take instructions from the Complex administrator who is based in the UK.

At present the complex is undergoing some refurbishment, however when completed some owners will wish to rent out their villas.  This will give the applicants an opportunity to increase their income by supplying cleaning & change over services plus any additional internal maintenance duties asked by owners.

I would emphasise that this is quite a remote area at present, it is considered an up and coming tourist area, but significant change may be several years away.  Therefore, you must be prepared to feel isolated at times unless you go into town.  Locally there is a small hotel business run by a friendly French couple, and one restaurant on the beach front that only opens on Sunday lunchtime.  The local village approx. 10 mins walk away has a shop and restaurants plus a regular transport service to Mindelo.

The island is very laid back, languages spoken are Creole and Portugese (very little English is spoken locally).    The island has its own international airport approx 20 mins away from the complex. The main town named Mindelo (approx. 50k residents) where all the shops, bars, restaurants and services are based is a 20 min journey from the complex.  Some English is spoken here with a local Irish bar.

The monthly salary is approx. €500, plus a 2-bedroom apartment supplied.

The apartment is part furnished; 1 bedroom (fully) plus all white goods and some smaller kitchen items. Some smaller items must be supplied by yourselves plus bed linen and towels etc.  The previous couple had an internet supply to the apartment.

Please note successful applicants MUST be prepared to supply transport at their own cost or use public transport. It is also necessary that you apply for your working visas at the local police station at your own cost. Initially you enter the country on a tourist visa valid for a month and will have to apply for a further work visa.

Applicants must apply in writing initially. Interviews can be held in the UK or by skype call. References will be required providing evidence of applicable experience.