The Australian Ambassador to the United States is seeking an enthusiastic and flexible individual to join his staff, as Chef. The position is an integral part of the Ambassador’s representative capabilities and furthering Australia’s interests in the United States. The Chef position will cater for official events located at the Ambassador’s residence and the Embassy of Australia Chancery.

The position is full time employed directly by the Ambassador. Working within a small team and under limited supervision, the successful applicant must be able to work collaboratively and is responsible for all aspects of food purchase, preparation, delivery and expenditure reporting in relation to official events.

The Chef should be proficient across a broad range of culinary skills, with knowledge of different cuisines, specialty ingredients, baking and patisserie. Experience in either a similar residence or a commercial kitchen is essential.

This position requires regular evening and weekend work, some heavy lifting, and walking up and down stairs. This position is live-in and reports to the Residence and Events Manager.

Food preparation

• Provide innovative menu design that showcases Australian produce, food innovations and the diverse culinary aspects of Australia culture;

• Work with the Residence and Events Manager and Social Secretary to coordinate menus in accordance with relevant dietary requirements, ingredient themes and financial scope;

• Develop menus and prepare catering for the Ambassador’s official meals, receptions and events;

• Contribute to preparation of light refreshments for Embassy community events;

• Prepare meals and light refreshments for official visitors.

Kitchen management

• Ensure the commercial kitchen; storerooms, ingredient stocks and other relevant areas of the residence are maintained in a hygienic, clean and efficient manner;

• Monitoring of kitchen equipment and reporting maintenance issues.

Event Coordination

• Liaise with Residence and Events Manager and the Social Secretary regarding catering for the Ambassador’s official meals, receptions and events;

• Liaise with Residence and Events Manager to ensure ingredient and stock purchases for catering is undertaken in accordance with Embassy financial policies;

• Assist in the preparation of the residence for events (movement/rearranging of furniture, coordination of decorations, general presentation);

• Assist in greeting guests, banquet waiting and wine service;

• Speaking on Australian culinary culture and menu offerings as requested by the Ambassador and/or guests.

General household

• Assist in arrangements for the Ambassador’s official houseguests;

• Other duties as required

Apply at:  https://dfatcareers.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.checkJobDetailsNewApplication&returnToEvent=jobs.listJobs&jobid=5AAF58B0-E847-4D9D-9400-B00100175789&CurATC=LES&CurBID=62AFB35D-9273-4A11-8DCC-9DB401354197&JobListID=627D852B-F280-D142-54E2-A4312CB119D6&jobsListKey=223fe1ec-e52c-44fc-970b-31950db48a26&persistVariables=CurATC,CurBID,JobListID,jobsListKey,JobID&lid=03818800064&rmuh=A828C6090FC259F1476C0B9E6AF9BE2B1580D56A