About Company
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, is an international humanitarian organization providing medical assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters, and to victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, creed, or political affiliation. With a strong and vital presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the Ituri Province, MSF is dedicated to delivering life-saving care in challenging environments. Our teams work tirelessly to address health crises, epidemics, and humanitarian emergencies. We believe in the power of support and well-being for our staff, which includes providing nutritious and comforting meals in our staff kitchens, crucial for maintaining energy and morale amidst demanding work.
Job Description
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Cook to join our team in Bunia, Ituri Province, focusing on our staff kitchen. In this critical role, you will be responsible for preparing wholesome, delicious, and culturally appropriate meals for our international and national staff members who are tirelessly working to deliver humanitarian aid. This position goes beyond simple meal preparation; you will play a vital part in supporting the well-being and morale of our frontline workers by ensuring they have access to nutritious food in a safe and hygienic environment.
Your daily tasks will involve planning diverse menus, managing food supplies, adhering strictly to food safety and hygiene standards, and accommodating various dietary needs. Working within a dynamic humanitarian context, your ability to adapt, maintain calm under pressure, and contribute positively to a supportive team environment will be highly valued. This is an opportunity to contribute directly to the effectiveness of humanitarian operations by fueling the dedicated individuals who make our mission possible. You will ensure that every meal reflects our commitment to staff care, providing a sense of comfort and home in what can often be a challenging setting. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for cooking, an understanding of international culinary practices, and a deep commitment to maintaining impeccable standards of cleanliness and efficiency in the kitchen.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and prepare a variety of balanced and nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for all staff, accommodating different tastes and dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, allergies).
- Ensure strict adherence to MSF's food safety, hygiene, and sanitation protocols for food handling, preparation, storage, and kitchen cleanliness.
- Manage kitchen inventory, including ordering, receiving, storing, and rotating food supplies efficiently to minimize waste and ensure freshness.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and functional kitchen environment, regularly cleaning cooking equipment, utensils, and work surfaces.
- Collaborate with the logistics and administration teams to coordinate meal times, staff numbers, and kitchen resource needs.
- Monitor and control kitchen expenses, ensuring cost-effective use of ingredients without compromising quality.
- Report any equipment malfunctions, hygiene concerns, or supply issues to the relevant supervisor promptly.
- Contribute to a positive and respectful atmosphere within the staff compound, interacting professionally with all team members.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 3 years of proven experience as a Cook in an institutional kitchen, hotel, restaurant, or similar catering environment.
- Thorough knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP principles) and excellent personal hygiene practices.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare a wide range of international and local cuisines.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and meal preparations simultaneously.
- Basic literacy and numeracy skills for inventory management, recipe following, and record-keeping.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multicultural team in a challenging and fast-paced environment.
- Physical stamina and ability to stand for long periods, lift heavy items, and work in a warm kitchen environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Culinary diploma or professional certification from a recognized institution.
- Previous experience working for an international NGO or in a humanitarian setting.
- Familiarity with local food ingredients and cooking methods in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Ability to communicate effectively in Swahili or Lingala in addition to English or French.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and local standards.
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
- Generous paid time off and holidays.
- Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful humanitarian mission and make a tangible difference in the lives of our staff.
- Supportive and diverse international working environment.
- Opportunities for professional development and training within MSF.
- Meals provided during working shifts within the staff kitchen.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their application, including a comprehensive CV and a compelling cover letter detailing your relevant experience and motivation for this specific role. Please apply through the link below. Ensure your application clearly demonstrates your suitability for the Cook – Staff Kitchen position in Bunia.