About the role
To prepare and serve safe, nutritious and timely meals for learners and staff, supporting healthy growth, concentration and learning.
Reports to: Administrative Officer
Overall accountability: The Cook is accountable for the quality, hygiene, timeliness and cost-effectiveness of all meals prepared in the school kitchen.
Accountability question: Are UBORA learners and staff receiving safe, nutritious and well-prepared meals, on time, every day?
Key responsibilities
Meal Preparation & Service
- Prepare daily meals following the approved weekly menu and portion guidelines.
- Serve every meal on time according to the school timetable.
- Treat learners with kindness and patience at every meal time.
Food Safety & Hygiene
- Follow food-safety and hygiene standards at every stage, from receiving to storage, cooking and serving.
- Clean the kitchen, utensils and equipment after every meal, and deep-clean the kitchen every week.
- Maintain high personal hygiene, and keep the food-handler’s medical certificate valid at all times.
Stores & Stock Management
- Receive and check food supplies against delivery notes, and record all stock received and used each day.
- Store food correctly to prevent spoilage and pests, and use older stock first.
- Report low stock at least 3 days before it runs out.
Waste & Cost Control
- Keep food waste to a minimum through accurate portioning and planning.
- Report weekly on food usage and waste to the Administrative Officer.
Kitchen Safety
- Use gas, firewood or electric equipment safely, and report faults immediately.
- Keep the kitchen free of hazards, and keep children out of cooking areas.
Minimum qualifications
- Education: Certificate in Food Production or Catering
- Experience: 3+ years
- Languages: English, Kiswahili
- A valid food-handler’s medical certificate
- At least 3 years’ experience working as a cook
- Basic literacy and numeracy for stock records
- Added advantage: Experience in a school or institutional kitchen
Core competencies & skills
Food Preparation & Cooking SkillsFood Safety & HygieneStock Management & Record-KeepingTime Management & ReliabilityTeamwork, Honesty & Care for Children
What we offer
- 2-year fixed-term contract, including a 3–6 month probation period
- Start date: January 2027
- Competitive remuneration set by UBORA’s Board-approved Compensation Schedule
- A clear career pathway with defined grades, Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and promotion based on merit
- Starting grade depends on verified qualifications and experience, in line with UBORA’s Scheme of Service