The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.
Job Category: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Residence and Support Staff)
Job Subcategory: Cook/Chef
Main purpose of the job:
British Embassy Dakar has transformed from a small embassy 10 years ago, to an embassy of over 65 staff today. Over the last few years, the bilateral relationship with Senegal has grown considerably, built around 3 priority objectives of: shared growth, mutual security and sustainable development. HMA Dakar is also accredited in Guinea-Bissau, and the embassy undertakes light touch political, defence, security and climate work there.
This role sits within the embassy residence team and is responsible for providing food and household support to the Ambassador and their family, as well as providing food and hospitality for all embassy events and formal meals. There are two other residence staff: a cleaner and a butler and you will work closely with both.
Roles and responsibilities
Food & Drink (60%)
Plan, prepare and serve food for embassy events and meals hosted at the residence.
Discuss menus and themes with events team and ambassador, suggesting a range of high-quality options.
Source and buy ingredients needed for food and drink preparation.
Support with drinks service as necessary.
Contribute effectively to the overall quality of hospitality at British Embassy Dakar.
Maintain BE Dakar’s kitchen and associated stores to a high standard of cleanliness and organisation.
Management (30%)
Effectively manage financial and human resources related to food, drinks and events.
Discuss costs with finance and events team, informing good forecasts.
Oversee and direct performance of contract staff used to support major events and large dinners. Use professional network to source additional team members as needed.
Corporate (10%)
Lead on one of the embassy’s corporate objectives, to be determined.
Resources Managed:
No line management responsibilities. Potential responsibility for supporting the delivery of Centrally Managed Programmes (CMPs).
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
Food preparation: including restaurant-standard cooking as well as baking.
Knowledge of Senegalese produce, food and where to source ingredients.
Knowledge of British produce, food and where to source ingredients.
Professional culinary qualification or equivalent experience
Proven experience as a Chef in a hotel, restaurant, private residence, Embassy or hospitality environment
Knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and public holidays when required
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
Health and safety training.
The successful candidate will receive English language training in advance of starting this post.
Required behaviours
Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together
Job details
Application deadline: 23 October 2026
Grade: S1
Type of Position: Fixed Term
Working hours per week: 36.5
Duration of Post: 12 months
Region: Africa
Country/Territory: Senegal
Location (City): Dakar
Type of Post: British Embassy
Salary: XOF 500,000 plus Transport allowance XOF 26 000
Type of Salary: monthly
Start Date: 1 December 2026
Other benefits and conditions of employment
Annual leave should, wherever possible, be taken during periods when the Ambassador is on leave or away from the Residence. Leave requests will be subject to operational requirements and must be agreed in advance with the Residence Manager.
The job holder is expected to develop and maintain a strong professional network within the hospitality sector, including chefs working at other embassies, diplomatic residences, hotels, and catering establishments. This network should be leveraged, where appropriate, to identify and secure additional culinary support for large-scale receptions, official events, and periods of increased operational demand.
The Chef should be able to coordinate effectively with external chefs, caterers, and temporary kitchen staff to ensure the successful delivery of high-profile events while maintaining the Residence’s standards of quality and service.
Additional information
Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
The British Embassy will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
Information about the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Competency Framework can be found on this link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework
Please note: Job grade AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5, G7= D6
All applicants must be legally able to work in Senegal with the correct visa/status or work permit.
The successful applicant will demonstrate that they meet the requirements under Senegal law to work in Senegal.
The British Embassy in Dakar is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Dakar is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Senegalese employment law.
Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6/12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.