Shelter Cook

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Shelter Cook
Location: Patra
Country: Greece
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1951, dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM operates in over 100 countries worldwide, with a mission to ensure the well-being and dignity of migrants and to provide them with the necessary support and services. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including humanitarian assistance, development programs, and policy advocacy. IOM employs thousands of staff members globally, working collaboratively with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to address migration challenges and promote the rights of migrants.

Job Overview:
The Shelter Cook position is crucial for the effective operation of the Accommodation Centers for Unaccompanied Minors (Shelters) managed by IOM. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and preparing meals for unaccompanied migrant children, ensuring that their nutritional needs are met while also adhering to food safety standards. This role involves not only cooking but also supervising the cleanliness of the kitchen and dining areas, managing supplies, and training beneficiaries in meal preparation. The Shelter Cook will work under the supervision of the Shelter Coordinator and will be expected to participate in staff meetings and collaborate with other teams to ensure that meal planning aligns with the needs of the children in the shelter. The position requires a commitment to humanitarian principles and a strong work ethic, as the cook will be working in a sensitive environment with vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and prepare meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, ensuring that all meals are nutritious and cater to the dietary needs of the children.
• Supervise the cleanliness of the kitchen and dining areas, ensuring compliance with food safety handling policies and procedures.
• Record kitchen supplies and shortages, submitting reports to the Shelter Coordinator for inventory management.
• Ensure quality of services provided in the kitchen, focusing on cost-effectiveness and transparency.
• Follow instructions from the Shelter Coordinator regarding kitchen operations and meal preparations.
• Participate in staff meetings and communicate with other teams regarding meal planning and related needs.
• Train beneficiaries in meal preparation, fostering skills that may benefit them in the future.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Shelter Coordinator, adapting to the needs of the shelter and its residents.

Required Qualifications:

• Certificate of relevant professional experience or certified training in cooking or food preparation.
• An updated and valid health certificate, along with successful examinations for food handlers, is mandatory.
• Experience in a similar role is essential, with a preference for candidates who have worked with children or vulnerable populations.
• Willingness to work morning shifts, including holidays and weekends, is required.
• Experience in a multicultural environment is preferred, as the role involves interacting with diverse groups.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a certificate of relevant professional experience or certified training in cooking or food preparation. Educational qualifications from accredited universities listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database are recognized. A valid health certificate is also required, demonstrating the candidate's fitness for food handling roles.

Experience:
Candidates should have prior experience in a similar cooking role, particularly in environments serving vulnerable populations. Experience working with children is highly preferred, as the role involves preparing meals for unaccompanied minors. The candidate should also be willing to work flexible hours, including mornings, weekends, and holidays, to meet the needs of the shelter.

Languages:
Fluency in Greek (both written and oral) is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for communication with the children and staff. A working knowledge of English or French is also required, as these are among IOM's official languages. Proficiency in these languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, and only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Greece will be considered. The appointment will be contingent upon medical fitness certification, verification of residency, visa, and government authorizations where applicable. Candidates must provide evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19 as part of the mandatory medical entry clearance. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.