Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Catering & Hospitality
- Closing Date: 2026-08-24
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with food preparation and cooking.
- Serve all food and beverages at the specified times and locations.
- Operate kitchen electrical and mechanical equipment safely.
- Clean up after meal preparation, cooking and meals.
- Comply with Health and Safety Regulations and HACCP. Report hazards to the supervisor.
- Keep the cooking and storage areas, utensils, cooking and preparation equipment clean, sanitized & hygienic.
- Prepare cooking ingredients and salad dressings and desserts.
- Assist in the preparation and packaging of food for use outside the dining hall.
- Perform duties assigned by the Cook or the Catering Supervisor.
- Perform the duties of the Cook in his/her absence.
- Complete a daily shutdown checklist and ensuring all equipment is switched off.
- Presenting periodic and ad-hoc reports as may be required.
Requirements
- At least 5 O’ Level subjects.
- A certificate in professional cookery or hotel and catering or any other relevant qualification.
- At least Class 2 skilled worker certificate.
- At least 2 years proven working experience in a similar position.
- Ability to work for long hours in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Maturity and reliability in handling responsibilities.
- Ability to follow instructions and learn quickly.
- Willingness to work within the Catholic traditions and ethos of St Ignatius College.
How to Apply
Phone: +2638677004013
About the Company
We are a Catholic Jesuit school comprising of students, former teaching and non-teaching staff, governors, parents, former students and well-wishers. We are committed to an integral, person oriented education which will benefit the individual as well as society. Our life and activities are inspired by Christian faith and values. We create a community that is participative and dedicated to a common goal
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for an Assistant Cook role at a Zimbabwean institution like St Ignatius College?
A minimum of Grade 7 or Form 2 certificate is usually required, though many employers prefer candidates with a National Certificate in Food and Beverage Services or Hospitality from institutions like ZIMSEC-accredited colleges or the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA). Short courses in food safety, hygiene, or basic culinary skills from local vocational training centres (e.g., Harare Polytechnic or Gweru Technical College) are also highly valued.
What does a typical day look like for an Assistant Cook in a Zimbabwean college kitchen?
Daily duties include assisting with food preparation, portioning meals, cleaning and sanitising work areas, restocking ingredients, and supporting senior cooks during service hours — often aligned with school term schedules and meal times (e.g., breakfast, lunch, and sometimes supper). Punctuality, adherence to hygiene protocols (as per Zimbabwe’s Public Health Act), and teamwork are essential, especially during exam periods or school events when demand increases.
How does workplace culture in Zimbabwean educational institutions affect an Assistant Cook’s role?
Respect for hierarchy and senior staff is deeply embedded; assistants are expected to follow instructions promptly and maintain professionalism, especially in mission-driven institutions like Catholic colleges. Dress code (e.g., clean aprons, hairnets, non-slip shoes) and punctuality are strictly observed, and informal communication with students or staff is discouraged unless duty-related.
What realistic career progression paths exist for an Assistant Cook in Zimbabwe’s catering sector?
With experience and further certification (e.g., ZTA Level 3 in Culinary Arts or NVQ-equivalent qualifications), one may progress to Cook, Senior Cook, or Kitchen Supervisor roles — particularly within larger schools, church-run institutions, or hospitality groups. Some pursue entrepreneurship, such as starting small-scale catering services for school events or community functions, supported by local cooperatives or youth development programmes.
What benefits can an Assistant Cook expect in a formal employment setting like a Zimbabwean college?
Formal appointments often include annual leave (22 days), sick leave (as per Labour Act), and access to medical aid schemes — though coverage depends on institutional policy and budget. Pension contributions may be offered via NSSA registration, and some mission schools provide modest housing allowances or meal subsidies, but these vary significantly across institutions and are not guaranteed.