View Vacancy - Residence Head Chef

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

The British Embassy in Cairo is looking to recruit a Residence Head Chef, job grade S1.

Main purpose of job:

This is an executive position responsible for the supervision and delivery of high-quality, well-presented food for all representational events at the British Ambassador’s Residence. The quality and presentation of food at public events, including receptions for up to hundreds and even thousands of guests, as well as breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for VIP guests and Ministers, plays an important part in maintaining the reputations of the British Embassy in Egypt.

 

Main duties and responsibilities:

  • Prepare and cook foods of all types, either on a regular basis or for special guests or functions.
  • Meet with the Ambassador’s (HMA) spouse, Residence Manager, and/or Residence Butler & Administrator to discuss menus for special occasions and events.
  • Undertake menu planning in consultation with HMA spouse, Residence Manager, and/or Residence Butler and ensure menus are displayed showing choices.
  • Ensure individuals on special diets or with specific cultural needs are catered for and that choice is also available.
  • Ensure that adequate stocks of food are maintained (fresh, frozen, and dried).
  • Maintain menu or work records for each event.
  • Determine how food should be presented, and create decorative food displays.
  • Responsible for the supervision of any extra or assistant chefs working at the Residence.
  • Requisition of kitchen stock, materials, supplies or equipment.
  • Submit a food cost projection to Residence Manager and Residence Butler & Administrator before the event, including estimate amounts and costs of required supplies, such as food and ingredients.
  • Ensure that the food expenditure is kept within budget in consultation with the HMA spouse, Residence Manager, and/or Residence Butler & Administrator.
  • Meet with sales representatives in order to negotiate prices and order supplies.
  • Check the quality and quantity of raw and cooked food products to ensure that standards are met and notify suppliers, Residence Manager and Residence Butler & Administrator of any deficiencies.
  • Ensure that the kitchen is always clean and food is stored safely, and that kitchen hygiene and safety measures are consistently followed.

This list is not exhaustive and you may be required to carry out additional duties according to business needs.

 

Key competences:

  • Collaborating and Partnering - It is about having effective working relationships with people in your workplace. To get your job done it requires working collaboratively, sharing information and building supportive, responsive relationships with co-workers and teams.
  • Delivering at Pace - Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility for your own actions. It is about working to agreed goals and activities and dealing well with set-backs.
  • Making Effective Decisions - To be effective in this area you will know when to ask for advice and make decisions about your own work using previous experience of similar situations. It is about being objective; using sound judgment, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice. 
  • Managing a Quality Service - Effectiveness in this area is about trying to improve the quality of service, taking account of customer needs and requirements in your work area. People who are effective organise their time and activities to deliver a high quality and efficient service.
  • Excellent cooking skills. Great knowledge of international menus preparation and cooking techniques, canapés, food presentation and pricing techniques.
  • Minimum of 5 years or more in same or similar positions.
  • Knowledge and experience in food safety and kitchen hygiene.
  • With personal discipline and professional work behaviour.
  • Deep understanding of produce and ingredients.
  • Ability to write menus that are both creative and profitable.
  • Ability to be flexible with extended working hours and different shifts routine.
  • Strong customer focus and ability to deliver quality service.
  • Courtesy and consideration in dealing with staff and other customers. Able to present a professional image of self and the Embassy.
  • Team player who is also capable of leading others and of working on their own initiative.
  • Good English and Arabic language skills, both written and spoken. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely.
  • Holds a recognised certificate or qualification in food safety and kitchen hygiene.
  • Familiar with computerized kitchen sheets, including menu engineering & planning.
  • Good IT and computer skills. Knowledge in using MS Office applications.
  • Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
30 October 2021
S1
Fixed Term, Full-time
42
12 months
Middle East & North Africa
Egypt
Cairo
British Embassy
1
USD
475
14 November 2021

Eligibility:

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Egypt.

Remuneration:

The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role, including a non-negotiable gross salary of USD 475 per month subject to insurance and tax as per the usual regulations based on a 42 hours per week. However, 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. 

We offer a competitive package including medical benefits, performance related bonus, recreational facilities, opportunities for job related training & development, etc.

This is for a full time employment, on a fixed term basis, initially for one (1) year. The contract may be extended for up to three (3) years, subject to satisfactory performance and on on-going business requirement.

There are no other allowances payable as part of this package. No accommodation and relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

The British Embassy is committed to helping staff develop in their careers through formal and informal training and coaching. A healthy and active Learning & Development committee supports staff in their goals. In addition, we have access to the substantial amount of resources that the Embassy and UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) International Academy provides.

How to apply:

Interested candidates must attach the following documents in English when applying online:

  1. An updated Curriculum Vitae.
  2. Please provide examples of performance in each competency on the motivation section of the online application form.
  3. A covering letter stating why you feel you have the necessary skills to perform well in the above role.

The closing date for applications is 23:55 (Local Time) 30 October 2021.

Please note that incomplete applications or applications received after the stated deadline will not be taken into consideration.

Due to the large amount of applications, we receive only those shortlisted for the interview will be contacted.

The start date mentioned in the job advert is a tentative start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security-vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances.

Personal data collected will be treated in strictest confidence under the terms of the UK Data Protection Act and used for recruitment purposes only. 

 

The British Embassy Cairo is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. Staffs recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of service according to local Egypt employment law.

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.