Cook
Tourism, Hospitality, Hotel Jobs
- SOS Children's Villages Zimba…
- Expires 31 May 2026
- Harare
- Full Time
Job Description
Cook
(Job Ref: SOSGOS/21/5/26/)
Position title: Cook
Working location: Waterfalls
Supervisor: Principal
Context of the position
Established in 1949, SOS Children's Villages International (CVI) is a dynamic, international social development organization working globally to meet the needs and protect the interests and rights of children without parental care and those who are at the risk of losing it.
SOS Children's Villages Association of Zimbabwe is a member of SOS International - a worldwide children's social welfare organisation, providing vulnerable children without homes with a family home and educational opportunities as well as strengthening families to reduce poverty.
Mission of the Position
Under the overall supervision of the Principal, Cook is responsible for ensuring the nutritional well-being of the children and staff. The incumbent plays a vital role in the physical development and health of the children by preparing balanced, high-quality meals while maintaining the highest standards of kitchen hygiene and food safety.
Duties and Responsibilities
Key Performance Areas and Main Responsibilities
• Meal Preparation & Nutrition: Plans and prepares healthy, age-appropriate, and nutritionally balanced meals for children and staff according to approved menus.
• Kitchen Hygiene & Sanitation: Maintains a "germ-free" kitchen environment by ensuring all cooking surfaces, utensils, and equipment are cleaned and disinfected daily.
• Food Safety & Storage: Ensures the proper handling and storage of food items to prevent spoilage or contamination, adhering to strict health and safety regulations.
• Dietary Support: Collaborates with caregivers to accommodate children with special dietary needs, allergies, or medical nutritional requirements.
• Stock & Inventory Management: Monitors food supplies, manages pantry inventory, and prepares requisitions for ingredients while minimizing food waste.
• Health Promotion: Assists in implementing primary health care principles by ensuring all meals are prepared under sanitary conditions to prevent foodborne illnesses.
• Reporting: Identifies and reports any kitchen maintenance issues (e.g., faulty stoves, refrigeration issues, or plumbing leaks) to the supervisor immediately.
• Compliance: Adheres to all organizational policies regarding child protection and safeguarding while interacting with children and youth in the dining areas.
Qualifications and Experience
Requirements
Competencies:
• Culinary Skills: Strong knowledge of food preparation, large-scale cooking, and menu planning for children.
• Hygiene & Safety: Deep understanding of food hygiene (HACCP) and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards in a kitchen environment.
• Child Safeguarding: A demonstrable commitment to working in an environment with children and a basic understanding of child rights/protection.
• Resource Management: Ability to manage food budgets and supplies efficiently to reduce waste.
• Communication: Good verbal and written communication skills for reporting and collaborating with caregivers.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for long periods and handle the physical demands of a busy kitchen.
• Reliability: High level of integrity, punctuality, and the ability to work effectively under tight meal schedules.
Qualifications & Experience:
• Education: Minimum of 5 'O' Level passes (including English).
• Certification: A Certificate or Diploma in Professional Cookery, Culinary Arts, or Food & Beverage Management is required.
• Experience: At least 2–3 years of experience as a cook, preferably within a school, hospital, children's home, or NGO residential setting.
• Health Clearance: Must possess a valid Food Handler’s Medical Certificate.
How to Apply
SOS Children’s Villages Zimbabwe holds strict child safeguarding principles and a zero-tolerance policy for conducts of sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse in the workplace and other places where the organization’s activities are rendered. Parallel to technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring decisions will give due emphasize to assessing candidates value congruence and thorough background checks, police clearance reference check processes.
How to Apply
If you believe you are the right candidate for any of the above position, please send your detailed curriculum vitae (CV), and photocopies of certified academic certificates.
Applications should be submitted electronically indicating the position you are applying for in the subject line and send to the address given. All applications should be submitted not later than 31 May 2026. Please note the applications will reviewed as they come in.
Applications that are late do not have a CV or certified certificates attached will be disqualified. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. E-mail applications should bear the reference number of the position in the subject line of the email.
E-mail: Applications including at least three traceable referees should be sent electronically to: Resourcing.SOS@sos-zimbabwe.org
SOS Children’s Villages Zimbabwe is an equal opportunities employer and encourages all eligible applicants to apply without any consideration to sex, cultural consideration, disability or creed.
“Every child belongs to a family and grows with love, respect and security”
