Residence Chef at British High Commission (BHC) Nigeria

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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Residence Chef - AA

Location: Abuja
Type of Position: Permanent
Working hours per week: 35
Start Date: 1st May 2025
Grade: Administrative Assistant (AA)
Type of Post: British High Commission
Job Subcategory: Cook/Chef
Job Category: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Residence and Support Staff)

Main Purpose of Job

• To provide a high-quality culinary and hospitality experience at the Residence of the British High Commissioner (HC) in Abuja as well as wider Residence support as needed.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen operation of the residence as well as a large number of official events. These range from (in)formal breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to cocktail receptions, buffet parties, barbeques, seminars, workshops and afternoon teas as well as special events such as the annual King’s Birthday Party (KBP) reception.
• Providing excellent hospitality to the High Commissioner’s guests, in line with direction from the HC, the HC’s spouse and Residence Manager as required.
• Responsible for creating innovative, modern menus and applying culinary trends to prepare food in line with the objectives of each event or occasion.
• Select and buy ingredients for preparing meals, where feasible using organic and sustainable produce. Actively seek out and compare prices of food stock to ensure quality, and value for money.
• Knowledge of special dietary restrictions and ability to come up with creative alternatives.
• Negotiate effectively with external vendors and contractors, to ensure that we get excellent value for money.
• Responsible for budgets, bills, receipts and contract staff as relates to leading the kitchen and catering.
• Manage food supplies, equipment, and work areas. Build organisation and functionality in kitchen operation.
• 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 daily/weekly/monthly cleaning schedules.
• Collect receipts and related paperwork, ensuring compliance with the embassy’s financial requirements and ethics. Support the Residence Manager in maintaining menu cost records.
• Liaise with the Residence Manager and Chief Steward in the preparation of all official events, ensuring timely and effective delivery through effective communication and directing additional kitchen staff as required.
• Work with the Residence Manager to promote the use of British products at official functions, where feasible.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Experience as a professional chef, ideally in an international setting.
• Strong background and track record in preparing modern British/International food.
• Delivering under pressure, on time and with high quality.
• Formal culinary training and qualification.
• Good communication, organisational, planning and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent kitchen management and food hygiene control.
• Ability to respond quickly to feedback
• Readiness to work flexibly, including evenings.
• Be able to work long hours and weekends, where necessary.
• Be a team player
• Maintain a list of suppliers of fresh food, supermarkets, gastro-services, delivery companies, catering companies, etc.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience:

• Proven experience in successfully catering for big events.
• Being able to lead a team when catering for larger events.
• Understanding of local seasonal produce.
• Part of a local chef community.
• Experience in pastry/dessert station
• Able to use a computer especially to write emails, use Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and search the internet for menus/to improve skills.

Required behaviours:

• Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service

Working Patterns
If the job is suitable for flexible working patterns, please provide details:      

• Conditioned working hours for this role are 35 hours per week. This role requires flexibility to sometimes work outside of conditioned hours, e.g. during Ministerial visits and HC events. Overtime pay will be provided in these circumstances.

Salary
USD 1,141.20 / Month

Other Benefits and Conditions of Employment
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

• We place a strong emphasis on learning and development.  You will be encouraged to undertake developmental training and get involved in corporate activities.

Application Closing Date
18th March, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• 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 Abuja are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Nigeria
• 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 12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate