Head Cook

Job description

Head Cook

Pharo Secondary School Sheikh, Somaliland

Overview

Pharo Foundation is a mission-driven, impact-oriented organisation that designs, funds, and operates economic development programmes to achieve its vision of a vibrant, productive, and self-reliant Africa.

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The Foundation drives its impact through two key approaches:

1.      Pharo Development is our non-profit arm, investing in public goods and development projects with the aim of making an impact in our three mission areas: Education, Water and Economic Productivity.

2.      Pharo Ventures is our for-profit, patient-capital investment vehicle thriving to make impactful investments into critical value chains and aiming to capture value in Africa.

Pharo Foundation’s education mission is implemented through the Pharo-brand schools, ranging from kindergarten, to primary and secondary. The Foundation operates four Pharo schools in Somaliland, Vocational Training Centre, Pharo Kindergarten, Pharo Primary, and Pharo Secondary Boarding school in Sheikh district.

Our schools enrich both international and national curricula through diverse means, such as engaging reading materials, innovative technology-driven learning methods, and educational technology tools. We take pride in our well-equipped instructional spaces tailored for dynamic learning, ongoing assessment, mentorship, and age-appropriate resources like libraries, laboratories, ICT facilities, and pedagogical centres. We firmly uphold the significance of academic excellence in nurturing students, facilitating their seamless transition into adulthood, and paving the way for occupational and economic success.

With over 700 employees across Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Somaliland, we are a diverse, multicultural, and passionate organisation. Our headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya, with a liaison office in London, UK.

Position summary

The Head Cook is responsible for planning, preparing, and overseeing the preparation of nutritious, balanced, and culturally appropriate meals for students and staff at Pharo Secondary School Sheikh. The role involves managing the daily operations of the kitchen, supervising other cooks and support staff, ensuring food safety and hygiene standards, and maintaining efficient inventory and procurement systems.

Key Relationships

Job Title: Head Cook

Reporting to: Head of Administration and General Service

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Location: Sheikh, Somaliland

Contract Type: Fixed Term - One year (possibility of renewal)

Key Responsibilities

•       Meal planning and preparation

•       Develop weekly and monthly meal plans in coordination with the Head of Administration and General Services.

•       Prepare and oversee the preparation of three meals and break time snacks daily for students and staff.

•       Ensure dietary accommodations are made for students with allergies or medical needs.

Kitchen Management

•       Supervise all kitchen operations and assign duties to kitchen staff.

•       Ensure meals are prepared on time and food is presented well.

•       Maintain cleanliness and organization in the kitchen, storage, and dining areas.

Food Safety and Hygiene

•       Ensure strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards.

•       Train and monitor kitchen staff in proper food handling and cleanliness practices.

•       Conduct routine inspections of kitchen equipment and report faults immediately.

Inventory and Budget Management

•       Maintain accurate records of food supplies and kitchen equipment.

•       Manage stock levels and minimise food waste through efficient planning.

•       Liaise with the school’s Head of Administration and General Services to order supplies in a timely manner.

•       Assist in tracking kitchen expenditures and staying within allocated budgets.

Staff Supervision and Development

•       Lead, mentor, and support kitchen employees (other cooks and assistants).

•       Schedule shifts and manage attendance and performance of kitchen staff.

•       Assess and evaluate the performance of the kitchen staff

•       Come up with strategies to continuously improve the performance of the kitchen staff

•       Participate in hiring and training of the kitchen staff.

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Communication and Collaboration

•       Communicate effectively with school leadership regarding menu plans, special dietary needs, and kitchen issues.

•       Attend relevant meetings when required and contribute to planning discussions regarding student welfare.

Skills and qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

•       Minimum of diploma in Culinary Arts, Food Service Management, or a related field.

•       At least 3–5 years of experience in institutional or large-scale cooking, preferably in a boarding school or similar setting.

•       Proven leadership and team management skills.

•       Knowledge of nutrition, food safety, and hygiene standards. Ability to create cost-effective and balanced menus using local ingredients.

•       Strong organisational and communication skills.

Personal Attributes

•       High standards of integrity and professionalism.

•       Punctual, reliable, and proactive.

•       Strong sense of responsibility for student health and well-being.

•       Team player with a positive attitude and a good work ethic.

•       Respectful and inclusive in a multicultural environment

Working Conditions

•       This is a full-time, on-site position at the boarding school campus.

•       May require extended hours during peak times (e.g., student intake, exams, events).

•       Must be available to work on weekends or holidays if students are in residence.

How to apply

Application procedure

•       Application deadline is August 10th, 2025

•       We will review completed applications on a rolling basis. If we identify an outstanding candidate early in the process, we reserve the right to appoint before the deadline. For this reason, we encourage interested candidates to apply as early as possible. Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that we will only contact shortlisted candidates.

•       You are required to attach a detailed CV and cover letter.

•        Please click this link https://a.peoplehum.com/uzd5i to apply.