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. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Residence and Support Staff)

Cook/Chef

Main purpose of job:

To provide a consistently high-quality culinary service at the Residence of the British High Commissioner in Lilongwe, supporting official, representational, and residential hospitality requirements.

The jobholder will be responsible for planning and preparing meals for official events, lunches, dinners, and other Residence functions, including menu development, sourcing and purchasing quality ingredients, food preparation, and maintaining accurate stock records.

The role also includes providing wider Residence support as required, contributing to the smooth and professional delivery of events in line with FCDO standards.
Roles and responsibilities:

1. Food Preparation & Catering Delivery

  • Prepare, cook, and present high-quality food for the Residence and a range of official events.
  • Cater for formal and informal breakfasts, lunches, dinners, cocktail receptions, buffets, barbecues, seminars, workshops, afternoon teas, and special occasions.
  • Deliver meals in line with agreed menus, event requirements, and timelines.
  • Ensure consistency in food quality, taste, and presentation.

2. Menu Support & Dietary Requirements

  • Contribute to menu preparation and implementation, following guidance from the Residence Manager.
  • Demonstrate awareness of dietary requirements, allergies, religious and medical restrictions, and prepare suitable alternatives as required.
  • Apply basic culinary trends and techniques to enhance menu variety while maintaining practicality and cost control.

3. Procurement & Stock Control

  • Assist with sourcing and purchasing food ingredients, including organic and sustainable products where possible.
  • Compare prices from approved suppliers to support value for money.
  • Receive, store, and manage food supplies correctly, ensuring appropriate stock rotation and minimal waste.
  • Collect receipts and supporting paperwork in line with Post financial procedures.

4. Kitchen Hygiene, Safety & Organisation

  • Maintain high standards of kitchen cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety at all times.
  • Follow FCDO Health & Safety guidance and local food safety regulations.
  • Carry out daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks according to established schedules.
  • Ensure kitchen equipment and work areas are kept clean, organised, and safe to use.

5. Teamwork & Residence Support

  • Work closely with the Residence Manager and other Residence staff to ensure smooth delivery of events.
  • Assist with event set-up and service preparation as required.
  • Provide wider Residence support during major functions, including basic housekeeping and logistical assistance.
  • Communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues and suppliers
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

The job holder will not have any direct staff management responsibilities but will coordinate with extra Chef during events that require one

  • Qualified Chef with a minimum of three years’ professional experience delivering high-quality catering in a reputable hospitality, private residence, or similar environment.  Proven ability to work effectively under pressure, delivering food to agreed timelines while maintaining consistently high standards of quality and presentation.
  • Certificate in Food & Beverage or Professional Cookery will be an added advantage.
  • Formal culinary training with a recognised professional qualification.
  • Good communication, organisational, planning, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to follow instructions and work to agreed priorities.
  • Strong practical knowledge of kitchen operations, food hygiene, and safety controls, with the ability to apply these consistently.
  • Ability to respond positively and quickly to feedback, making adjustments as required to improve service delivery.
  • Willingness and flexibility to work evenings, long hours, and weekends when required to support official events and representational activities.
  • Reliable team player, able to work cooperatively with the Residence Manager and other Residence staff to achieve shared objectives.

  • Demonstrable experience in catering successfully for large-scale events, functions, or high-volume service environments.
  • Ability to take informal responsibility for coordinating or guiding colleagues during larger events or busy periods, under the direction of the Residence Manager.
  • Good understanding of local and seasonal produce, with the ability to use it effectively in menu preparation.
  • Knowledge of local food suppliers, markets, and sourcing options to support efficient procurement and value for money.
  • Experience working on a pastry and/or dessert section, with the ability to prepare a range of basic desserts to a good standard.
  • Basic IT competence, including the ability to write emails, use Microsoft Office applications (Word and Excel), and search the internet for menu ideas, recipes, or professional skills development.

Changing and Improving

26 February 2026

S1

Permanent

44

Africa

Malawi

Lilongwe

British High Commission

USD

693,26 (Base salary is subject to tax and other statutory deductions)

monthly

1 April 2026

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. Job shadowing will be arranged at another post

Working patterns:

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.

Please ensure that your application is authentically written based on your own experiences. If AI tools are used, their usage must only be limited to specific tasks such as ensuring formatting consistency and keyword relevance. The core content, personal narratives, and responses to behaviour and skill-based questions must genuinely reflect your professional journey, experiences, and achievements. We place great importance on originality and individual effort throughout the application process. Any form of plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification.

  • Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
  • Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
  • The British High Commission will any payment or fees to apply for a position.
  • Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Lilongwe are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Malawi.
  • 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.
  1. Obtain the relevant permit
  2. Pay fees for the permit
  3. Make arrangements to relocate
  4. Meet the costs to relocation
  • The British High Commission does not sponsor visas/work permits except where it may be local practice to do so.
  • 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:  AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
  • Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
  • Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’.  If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate”.
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.