Main purpose of job:

The successful candidate will be expected to provide high-quality catering for the Ambassador’s Residence in Conakry, and wider Residence support as needed.

Roles and responsibilities:

Food preparation 

• Prepare and present a wide range of appropriate high quality food to a high standard, suitable for providing excellent hospitality to the Ambassador’s guests, in line with direction from the Ambassador and Residence Manager as required. This may include breakfasts, lunches and dinners as well as special events such as cocktail receptions or buffet events
• Ensure that excellent hygiene procedures are followed at all times 
• Agree menus with the Ambassador and Communications & Events Manager and test new items in advance of events as necessary
• Plan for specific food requirements of guests, taking into account allergies, religious restrictions and preferences and come up with creative alternatives
• Plan food preparation to ensure that there is adequate time for all events in the Residence diary

Procurement

• Shop for high quality food and other domestic requirements of the Residence at competitive prices

Cleaning and maintenance

• Monitor kitchen hygiene and sanitation practices as well as follow kitchen safety standards
• Study the FCDO Health & Safety guidance and apply it in practice, creating and carrying out weekly / monthly cleaning schedules
• The jobholder will liaise with the Residence Manager in the preparation of all official events, ensuring timely and effective delivery through effective communication and directing additional kitchen staff as required
• The jobholder may be required to provide wider Residence support, for example, helping with set-up for major events

Other

• Provide versatile residence support where needed
• Work with external caterers, as required, so that they can use kitchen equipment and ensure that they follow the standards expected in the Residence

Resources managed:

No formal line management, but may be called upon to direct additional kitchen and serving staff as required.

• Full professional proficiency in French (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*)
• Experience of catering for large events (finger food type) preparing 3 course meals or working as a chef
• Ability to demonstrate chef skills to the highest level and ability to create new, high-quality dishes
• Professional knowledge of cooking ingredients and procedures · excellent kitchen management and food hygiene control
• Being able to work under pressure and complete tasks to a high standard
• Excellent organisational, communication and planning skills
• Ambition to learn new things and open to personal development
• Readiness to work flexibly, including evenings, if required and with advance notice

Language requirements:

Language: French essential, English desirable

Level of language required: Proficient