View Vacancy - Chef to British High Commissioner

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.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Residence and Support Staff)
Cook/Chef

Note : All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, motivational segment and the competency based questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Main purpose of the job:

To cater for all official and non-official meals at the High Commission Residence.

Roles and responsibilities:

Cooking

  • Prepare both official and family meals at the Residence.
  • Use local and seasonal produce from the market.
  • Cook both European and local meals to a high standard.
  • Have a real interest in food, cooking and presentation of food.
  • Should prepare meals with minimum wastage.
  • Must be able to cope with the pressure of work during peak season of visiting guests and large functions. 

Shopping

  • To source well and use local seasonal vegetables, meats & ingredients.
  • To be cost and quality conscious while shopping for food.
  • To be in charge of official and personal shopping for the household.

Maintain Inventory

  • Maintain accurate inventory of food consumed, stored in fridges/ freezers, other cooking ingredients etc.
  • Maintain up-to-date shopping ledger, cost of meals and submit regularly to Residence Manager.
  • Preserve food & leftovers correctly.

Hygiene and Cleanliness

  • To maintain high levels of cleanliness & hygiene in the kitchen and in preparation of all meals.
  • To be responsible for cleanliness & maintenance of kitchen, all kitchen equipment, utensils, electronics, refrigerators and freezers.
  • Must keep refrigerators & freezers clean and clear of unwanted/ expired food.
  • To plan and implement deep cleaning of the kitchen every two weeks.

Record Keeping

  • Submit proposed menus and budgets to Residence manager for consideration.
  • Keep precise inventory of all receipts and log all expenditure.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

Responsible for managing both official and personal budget. Use corporate credit card, occasionally petty cash and  accurately account for expenditure of both.

Language requirements: 

Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent

Other skills / experience / qualifications: 

Essential on arrival:      

  • Should have a professional experience in cooking continental and European cuisines, pastry and baking, canapés and desserts.
  • Should have the ability to cater for small family/official meals, large receptions and events with ease and professionalism.
  • Should be able to read menus and recipes in English and execute them in a high standard.
  • Have the ability to plan & execute various meal menus independently.
  • Work well with others within the residence team, be able to share responsibilities equally.
  • Have the ability to plan ahead and make a good use of time when residence is officially quiet.
  • Have the ability to cope with pressure
  • Ability to read, write and speak English

Desirable:      

  •  Have worked in a similar capacity before.
17 November 2019
Administrative Assistant (AA)
Fixed Term, Full-time
45
24 months
South Asia & Afghanistan
Sri Lanka
Colombo
British High Commission
1
LKR 83,058 + 12% EPF + 3% ETF per month
2 December 2019

For British High Commission (BHC) candidates, the Local Staff BHC Terms & Conditions will apply. 

For other than BHC candidates, starting salary will be LKR 83,058 + 12% EPF + 3% ETF per month. Other benefits include 13 month’s salary and medical insurance coverage.

Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. 

The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system.  The High Commission takes pride in its organisational culture and its strong and diverse team. We offer leave entitlements as per Sri Lankan labour laws.  

We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment.

Working Hours

  • Gross conditioned working hours are 45 per week with a 1 hour lunch break.
  • Willing and able to work flexible working hours according to events and guests at the Residence
  • Be punctual and make good use of all working hours
  • When required, overnight accommodation at the BHC residence can be provided when business needs require a late finish and/or an early start.

Please note that applications will only be considered with (a) and (b):

(a)  Complete the Online Application Form 

(b)  Complete the Motivation Segment in the Online Application Form

Internal candidates applying for this position need to upload their appraisal forms for the previous 2 years (if applicable). They should also inform their current line managers, and check for the eligibility clause if on probation, else the applications will not be considered.

We will accept only online applications received by ­­midnight on 17th November 2019.  

  • Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and no telephone enquires will be dealt with. However, the status will be updated on the recruitment software which will be viewed by the applicant.
  • The appointment will be subject to police and other checks including references, educational and professional. 

We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or creed. We are also open to applications from people who want to work flexibly.

Other information:

Those who advance in the selection process will be interviewed based on the competencies above.

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.

This opportunity is closed to applications.