Essential Job Details

• Position Title: Cook
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Opportunity Type: Current Opening
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Salary: Not specified
• Category/Department: Food Services / Hospitality
• Reporting To: Kitchen Supervisor or Food Services Manager (specific role not detailed)
• Application Deadline: May 29, 2025

Introduction

Amref International University (AMIU), a leading institution in health sciences education and training, is seeking a Cook to join its team in Nairobi, Kenya, starting in 2025. This essential role ensures the preparation, cooking, and serving of high-quality meals that meet university dining standards, health regulations, and dietary needs. Ideal for a skilled culinary professional with a passion for food safety and service, this position supports AMIU’s commitment to a supportive community environment. With the application deadline set for May 29, 2025, this is a timely opportunity to contribute to the well-being of students and staff at a prestigious Pan-African institution, especially given the current date of July 2, 2025, at 07:19 PM EAT, which indicates the urgency to prepare an application retroactively.

About Amref International University

Amref International University (AMIU), founded on the legacy of Amref Health Africa’s 60+ years of innovative health interventions, is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. AMIU focuses on training, research, and extension in health sciences, offering postgraduate, undergraduate, higher diploma, diploma, certificate programs, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses. These programs aim to prepare a skilled health workforce to serve across Africa’s health systems. With a vision to become the Pan African University in Primary Health Care, AMIU trains transformational leaders to inspire lasting change. As a Cook, you’ll support this mission by providing nutritious meals, fostering a healthy campus community. Learn more at https://amref.ac.ke.

Key Responsibilities

• Food Preparation: Prepare ingredients and cook meals following standardized recipes and menus, ensuring consistency and quality in every dish served to students and staff.
• Cooking: Operate kitchen equipment to prepare a variety of dishes, adapting techniques to meet diverse culinary preferences and dietary requirements.
• Food Safety and Sanitation: Adhere to food safety standards, including proper food storage, handling, and temperature control, while maintaining a clean and sanitary work area in compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Menu Execution: Follow daily menus and adapt recipes for special events or large-scale production, ensuring timely service during peak dining hours.
• Customer Service: Interact courteously with students and staff, addressing dietary needs or special requests to enhance their dining experience, and serve food at serving stations as needed.
• Inventory & Stock: Monitor food inventory, report shortages, and assist in restocking supplies, minimizing food waste through proper portion control and storage practices.
• Team Collaboration: Work with other kitchen staff to ensure efficient operations, fostering a collaborative environment during busy periods.
• Equipment Maintenance: Clean and maintain kitchen equipment, reporting any malfunctions to the supervisor to ensure a functional and safe workspace.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: High School Certificate; a certificate in food and beverage production is required
• Experience: Minimum 1 year of culinary experience, demonstrating practical cooking skills
• Technical Skills:
  • Competent knowledge of cookery and culinary arts
  • Familiarity with diverse dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, or allergen-free options
• Interpersonal Skills: Good communication and teamwork skills to engage with staff, students, and kitchen colleagues
• Preferred: Experience in an institutional or university kitchen setting, enhancing adaptability to large-scale meal preparation

Company Culture and Values

Amref International University promotes a supportive and health-conscious culture, valuing teamwork, safety, and community well-being. As a Pan-African institution, AMIU emphasizes training leaders for lasting health change, extending this commitment to its internal operations, including dining services. The university upholds diversity, equal opportunity, and a non-smoking environment, with a strong focus on safeguarding. As a Cook, you’ll thrive in this caring setting, contributing to a nutritious and inclusive campus life.

How to Apply

Apply now for the Cook position. Submit a cover letter detailing why you are the best fit for this role, along with your CV showcasing relevant skills and experience, via Apply for Cook Jobs. Applications must be received by May 29, 2025. Official emails will come from @amref.ac.ke or @amref.org, and no fees are charged at any recruitment stage. All vacancies are published on AMIU’s website and social media pages. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Note the deadline has passed as of July 2, 2025, at 07:19 PM EAT, but this re-advertisement or late consideration may still apply.

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Tags

cook, culinary jobs, Nairobi job opportunities, hospitality careers, Amref jobs

Why Choose This Cook Role?

A Vital Role in Campus Nutrition

The Cook role at Amref International University offers a chance to prepare quality meals in Nairobi, Kenya, supporting the health and well-being of students and staff. This position is ideal for a culinary professional who values food safety and service, providing an opportunity to contribute to a thriving academic community.

AMIU’s Supportive Environment in Nairobi

Nairobi, as AMIU’s base, is a hub for health education and community-focused initiatives, leveraging Amref Health Africa’s legacy. The Cook will enhance campus life, aligning with Kenya’s growing emphasis on health and nutrition in educational settings.

Career Benefits of the Role

This Cook position offers:

• Culinary Skill Use: Apply and expand cooking expertise
• Health Focus: Support nutritious meal preparation
• Team Environment: Collaborate with kitchen staff
• Job Stability: Work in a reputable university
• Community Impact: Enhance student and staff well-being

The role provides a foundation for a career in institutional catering or hospitality.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities in Detail

As a Cook, your daily tasks will include:

• Meal Prep: Chop ingredients and follow recipes
• Cooking: Use equipment to prepare diverse dishes
• Safety Checks: Monitor storage and cleanliness
• Menu Adjustments: Adapt for events or special diets
• Customer Interaction: Serve and address requests
• Inventory Management: Track supplies and reduce waste

These tasks ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience.

Technical and Soft Skills Development

The Cook role hones a range of skills, including:

• Culinary Skills: Master recipe execution and equipment use
• Safety Knowledge: Ensure food handling compliance
• Communication: Engage with staff and students
• Teamwork: Collaborate during busy periods
• Organization: Manage inventory and schedules
• Adaptability: Handle diverse dietary needs

These skills are transferable to catering, hospitality, or food service management.

Why Nairobi?

Nairobi, a bustling educational and cultural center, is ideal for the Cook role. Its vibrant community supports AMIU’s Pan-African outreach, offering networking in hospitality and a dynamic work environment.

Industry Trends in Institutional Catering

Institutional catering is evolving with a focus on health, sustainability, and diverse diets. The demand for skilled cooks is growing, driven by AMIU’s commitment to a healthy campus. As a Cook, you’ll contribute to these trends, enhancing dining quality.

Application Tips

To stand out for the Cook role:

• Highlight Experience: Emphasize 1+ year of culinary work
• Showcase Skills: Detail cooking and safety knowledge
• Craft a Cover Letter: Explain your fit for AMIU’s community
• Include Certifications: Mention food and beverage training
• Apply Promptly: Submit by May 29, 2025, via Apply for Cook Jobs (note deadline passed, check for re-advertisement)

Work Environment and Culture

AMIU offers a collaborative and health-focused work environment, valuing safety and diversity. As a Cook, you’ll work in a non-smoking, equal-opportunity kitchen, supported by a team committed to campus well-being.

How This Role Contributes to Africa’s Development

By joining as a Cook, you’ll support AMIU’s health education mission, aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals. Nutritious meals will empower students, contributing to a skilled health workforce and community health.

Networking and Professional Growth

The Cook role offers connections with kitchen staff, students, and campus services in Nairobi. Engaging with hospitality networks like the Kenya Chefs Association can boost your career, with AMIU’s base providing growth opportunities.

The Importance of Timing

With today’s date being July 2, 2025, at 07:19 PM EAT, the May 29, 2025, deadline has passed. However, this may indicate a re-advertisement or ongoing need. Contact AMIU via official channels to confirm eligibility, acting quickly to submit if reopened.

Long-Term Impact and Fulfillment

This role offers a chance to impact campus health through quality meals, aligning with AMIU’s vision. The fulfillment from supporting a transformative educational environment can enhance your professional satisfaction.

Challenges and Rewards

Challenges include managing peak hours and dietary diversity, balanced by rewards like team collaboration and seeing student satisfaction. These experiences will build your culinary and interpersonal skills.

Support and Resources

AMIU provides kitchen equipment, training, and a supportive team. As a Cook, you’ll have resources to excel, backed by AMIU’s health expertise.

Community and Campus Engagement

This role involves engaging with the campus community, enhancing your customer service and event catering skills. Preparing meals for events will add practical experience.

Future Career Pathways

Skills gained here open doors to Head Cook roles, catering management, or hospitality leadership within AMIU or other institutions, leveraging your growing expertise.

Final Call to Action

Don’t miss the opportunity to join Amref International University as a Cook in Nairobi. Check for re-advertisement and apply via Apply for Cook Jobs if eligible. Support a healthy campus and advance your culinary career, even with the passed deadline noted.