Cook

Kigali, Rwanda

Overview

Pharo Foundation is a mission-driven, impact-oriented organisation that designs, funds, and operates economic development programmes to achieve its vision of a vibrant, productive, and self-reliant Africa.

The Foundation drives its impact through two key approaches:

1. Pharo Development is our non-profit arm, investing in public goods and development projects with the aim of making an impact in our three mission areas: Education, Water and Economic Productivity.
2. Pharo Ventures is our for-profit, patient-capital investment vehicle thriving to make impactful investments into critical value chains and aiming to capture value in Africa.

Pharo Foundation is actively building its portfolio in Rwanda and is committed to expanding our footprint to positively impact the country. To date, we have successfully launched Pharo School Kigali and a Teacher Capacity Building program to enhance quality and access to education for pre-primary and primary school students.

We are a diverse, multicultural, and passionate organisation, with over 700 employees in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Somaliland. Our headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya, and we have a liaison office in London, UK. 

Opportunity

The School Cook is tasked with preparing nutritious, safe, and balanced meals for students and staff, ensuring high standards of hygiene, food safety, and kitchen operations in line with school policies and national health regulations

Key Relationships

Role: Cook

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Report to: Head Chef

Contract Type: Full time

Functional relationships:

• All staff

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Food Preparation & Service

• produce daily meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks) according to the approved menu.
• Ensure meals are balanced, nutritious, and appropriate for children.
• Portion meals accurately and ensure timely service to students and staff.
• Accommodate special dietary needs where required (e.g., allergies, medical conditions).

2. Kitchen Hygiene & Safety

• keep strict hygiene and sanitation standards in the kitchen at all times.
• Ensure proper food handling, storage, and temperature control.
• Clean kitchen equipment, utensils, and workspaces before and after use.
• Comply with Rwanda Food Safety and Health regulations.

3. Inventory & Stock Management

• help with receiving, checking, and storing food supplies.
• track stock levels and report shortages in a timely manner.
• Minimize food wastage and ensure proper use of ingredients.

4. Menu Implementation

• Follow the school’s planned menu and recipes.
• deliver feedback on menu improvements based on availability and student preferences.

5. Teamwork & Coordination

• Work collaboratively with kitchen staff and school administration.
• assist catering for school events and special functions when required.

Qualifications, Skills and Competences

• Minimum of a Certificate in Culinary Arts, Food Production, or related field.
• At least 2–3 years of experience in institutional cooking (school, hospital, or large kitchen preferred).
• Knowledge of nutrition and meal planning for children is an added advantage.
• Understanding of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Strong cooking skills with the ability to produce meals in large quantities.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Attention to cleanliness and detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Team player with good communication skills.

Personal attributes

• Reliable and punctual
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Passion for working in a school environment and supporting children’s wellbeing

Application procedure

• We will evaluate completed applications on a rolling basis. If we detect an outstanding candidate early in the process, we reserve the right to appoint before the deadline. For this reason, we encourage interested candidates to apply as early as possible. Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that we will only contact shortlisted candidates.
• You are required to attach a detailed CV and cover letter.