Fancy a new challenge in 2006? If you know a thing or two about telephones, and like managing a team of telecoms boffins, then how about applying for the job of telecoms manager at Buckingham Palace?

Yesterday the job was posted in the ads section of The Guardian complete with a picture of the palace presumably to attract job seekers with a love of stately piles.

The successful candidate will be responsible for "communications services to all royal residences" and must be "a proactive and experienced manager".

Responsibilities include "ensuring that quality and security standards are maintained and monitored", begging the question of whether securing communications on mobile phones is part of brief.

The Royal Household, notorious for paying below industry averages, said that it pays a competitive salary and benefits including a 15 per cent employer contribution to the pension scheme.

No doubt journalists and comedy terrorists need not apply.