Residence Chef/Cook - S2 (09/24 KG)

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.

Job Category  

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Residence and Support Staff)

Job Subcategory  

Cook/Chef

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, experience-based segment and the behaviors and technical/ professional skills-based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

Main purpose of job:

The Chef is responsible for the day-to-day catering and smooth running of the British High Commissioner’s Residence. The Chef will work closely with the High Commissioner and Events Manager to design, plan and prepare meals and refreshments for official events hosted by the British High Commissioner and wider British High Commission team. Working with external caterers on larger events throughout the year. 
The role is key to the UK’s image and reputation.  The job-holder will demonstrate proficiency in managing the kitchen, providing a high-quality service across a range of areas (food and beverage) as well as knowledge of a range of culinary skills. The job-holder will draw on their experience of different cuisines (preferably British and Rwandan), specialty ingredients, baking and patisserie. There are on average 2-3 lunch or breakfast events, and 1-2 evening events per week. For larger events temporary kitchen staff are hired. 

The Chef will work as part of a wider Residence and High Commission team to deliver UK objectives in Rwanda in line with UK values and best practice. The Chef is responsible for ordering and procuring supplies, ensuring efficiency and value for money at all times. 

We are looking for a talented dedicated, honest, flexible, creative and motivated chef, with a real passion for food. 

We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business.

Culinary preparation

• Design, plan and coordinate meals in accordance with set budget and requirements; adjust plans according to customer’s requirements (e.g special dietary requirements) and changing circumstances.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene to high standards, of kitchen/pantry areas and all tools/equipment including work surfaces and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Supervise British High Commission and contracted staff on food preparation and kitchen arrangements for events.
  Purchasing
• Ensure appropriate and timely ordering and purchasing of food online and other catering-related purchases from local suppliers.
• Ensure catering is on-budget, represents value for money, and that invoicing, and payments are transparent and accountable in line with the High Commission financial systems.
  Maintain Inventory
• Ensure quality of produce, efficient control of stocks and resupply to ensure value for money and minimum waste, and account promptly and fully of expenditure.
• Responsibility for the inventory in the Residence kitchen.
• Manage accurate inventory of drinks and food consumed, stored in fridges/ freezers, other drinks and cooking ingredients etc.
• Manage quality of raw food preservation, cooked food preventability and left over food preservation for future use within its shelf life. 
  Hygiene and Cleanliness
• Ensure professional hygiene and health and safety standards in the preparation of meals, management of the kitchen and its equipment, keeping storeroom clean and orderly and reporting maintenance issues.
• Plan and implement deep cleaning of the kitchen every two weeks.
  Record Keeping
• Submit proposed menus and budgets to the High Commissioner consideration.
• Keep an accurate inventory of all receipts and log all expenditure.
• Maintain files of past menus and recipes.

Wider Support 

• Provide meals for the High Commissioner and family and appropriate domestic support as the Residence’s Chef/cook.
• Where not catering for an event provide support to the wider team in offering service to guests, welcoming guests etc.
• Participate in wider British High Commission corporate initiatives and L&D activities.
• Oversee growing of herbs in garden for use in kitchen.
• Oversee composting for Residence Garden.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience  

• 5 years+ professional experience of continental and Rwanda cuisines; pastry and baking; cold kitchen, hot kitchen, canapés and desserts.
• Proven ability to cater for a range of events, from small family/official meals to large receptions and events.
• Ability to plan and execute menus independently.
• Fluency in English and ability to read and execute English recipes to a high standard.
• Good numeracy an ability to maintain a budget.
• High levels of discretion, with a resilient, flexible and ‘can do’ attitude and ability to work with others within the High Commission and Residence team.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to plan and make a good use of time when the Residence is officially quiet.
• Functional computer skills.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience  

• Diploma in Culinary Studies from a recognised educational establishment.
• Food Safety, Hygiene Certificates.
• Culinary Awards.
• Drivers license

Required behaviours  

Communicating and Influencing, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together

Application deadline: 14 November 2024

Application Link

Grade: S2

Type of Position: Permanent

Working hours per week: 36

Region: Africa

Country/Territory: Rwanda

Location (City): Kigali

Type of Post: British High Commission

Number of vacancies: 1

Salary: RWF 583,333

Type of Salary: monthly

Start Date: 1 January 2025

Other benefits and conditions of employment  

Learning and development opportunities

• British High Commission Kigali has a strong learning and development offer and is committed to staff development. 

Working patterns

• Gross conditioned working hours are 36 hours per week including a 1-hour lunch break.
• The job requires flexible working based around events and Residence activities. Overtime is payable where total hours worked in a week exceed 48 hours, and for weekend working.
• Be punctual and make an effective use of all working hours

Additional information  

The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position
Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Kigali are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Rwanda
All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit

The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to;

• Obtain the relevant permit
• Pay the fees for the permit
• Make arrangements to relocate
• Meet the costs to relocation

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles
Please note: Job grade AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates
Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application
Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6/12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.