View Vacancy - High Commissioner’s Chef & Residence Manager A1 (01/20 GBE)

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

Main purpose of job:

The British High Commission Gaborone is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, security, economic and consular interests overseas.

The High Commissioner’s official Residence supports the High Commission’s work via the provision of diplomatic entertainment to build and maintain a network of senior and influential contacts, accommodate official visitors, and provide a venue for meetings, training and other events. The Residence is also the private home of the High Commissioner and her family.

It is essential that the Residence is well run to support all these activities, projecting a positive image of the United Kingdom, and demonstrating high standards, excellent service and value for money. The jobholder will work closely with the High Commissioner and her husband, the wider High Commission team, and will have management responsibility for the Residence team.

The successful candidate will have the relevant catering experience to produce a range of meals for the High Commissioner’s family and for official entertainment. This will range from small intimate meals to formal multi-course lunches/dinners, buffets, afternoon teas, cocktail events and larger receptions.

The job holder will also have responsibility for the effective running of the Residence as a whole, working with the other Residence staff, colleagues at the High Commission, and a range of external service providers to supervise that the property and gardens are maintained to a high standard and to devise and deliver a wide range of innovative and creative events.

Main duties and responsibilities:

  • Ensure the High Commissioner’s Residence functions both as a home and official venue.

  • Plan and prepare menus for official events, house guests and family dining – adapting cuisine for guests with special dietary requirements and to reflect cultural preferences.

  • Supervise the physical housekeeping of the Residence maintaining Health and Safety standards and records with the support of the Residence team.

  • Identify maintenance issues, reporting them using agreed processes and overseeing contractors as required.

  • Ensure kitchen, cleaning and gardening equipment are well kept, clean and inventoried –making recommendations for new requirements.

  • Procure groceries and beverages for events working within agreed budget parameters and accounting for all spend in an accurate and timely manner.

  • Work in close co-ordination with the High Commissioner’s PA to manage the Residence diary of events and visitors.

  • Contribute to the planning, design and delivery of all events held at the Residence – including procurement and oversight of additional supplies and services.

  • Hire and supervise additional kitchen, service or events staff where required.

  • Maintain good records of all official entertainment and accommodation provided, including menus, costs and guest feedback when obtained.

  • Manage the two Residence staff: including their learning & development, performance management, and leave and overtime planning.

Appropriate chef/cooking qualifications.

Experience in professional cooking and catering for events ranging from formal dinners to large receptions.

Knowledge of traditional Setswana and European cuisine.

Understanding of budgetary and food control practices.

Knowledge of food safety and sanitary procedures.

Excellent interpersonal and team-working skills.

Good organisational skills.

Good standard of spoken and written English

Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Knowledge of other international cuisines.

Experience of managing a team.

Experience of wider areas of events planning.

Facilities management experience.

Working knowledge of procurement and/or contract management best practice.

Knowledge of Setswana would be advantageous.

2 April 2020
Administrative Assistant (AA)
Permanent
36
Africa
Botswana
Gaborone
British High Commission
1
BWP 7,891.44
4 May 2020

Working patterns:

This is a full time position where flexible working is encouraged when this can be fitted around the requirements of the role. Working hours will generally be day times on Mon-Fri, with the occasional need to work evenings, weekends or early mornings.

The successful candidate will have access to the wide range of online and face to face learning opportunities provided to all members of staff at the British High Commission. There may be opportunities for occasional travel within the region or to the UK for training and development purposes.

Staff accommodation can be provided on site if required.

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, 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.

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.