Cafeteria Officer, Washington, D.C.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Washington has a fulltime vacancy (40 hours per week) for a Cafeteria (culinary) officer. This job will be offered at pay scale 3 for a fixed term of 1 year with a probationary period of 1 month (see also enclosed job description - English version only).

Application letters with resume, both in English, should be addressed to:
Winfred Deerenberg, Head of Facility Management
Email: winfred.deerenberg@minbuza.nl

For more information about this vacancy, also please contact above mentioned mail address.
Closing date for applications:  Nov 3rd 2024

Indicative monthly gross salary: $4,162  gross (pay scale 3, step 2)
401K Plan is offered. Health/Dental/Vision is provided on a 72-28 Employer-Employee basis.
The selection interviews will take place the 6th and 7th of November.

*This vacancy is open to internal candidates and external candidates (local employees and partners of officials posted to a Mission in the US)

** As per US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), employers in the US are required to ensure that all employees have the legal right to work in the US.

The cafeteria officer is responsible for preparing and serving daily meals, including snacks, soup, and various sandwiches, while maintaining a high standard of culinary quality. The cafeteria officer manages inventory, orders supplies, and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations. The cafeteria officer advises on decisions to be taken on meals in the embassy.

This role involves supporting events at the embassy and two other locations (Ambassador’s Residence and Deputy Chief of Mission’s residence) and assisting in the coordination of catering services.

The cafeteria officer is accountable to the Head of Facility Management for food preparation, inventory management, purchases, events and health code adherence.

Tasks

Daily lunch

  • Prepare and serve daily a variety of dishes, including a daily snack, soup, and an assortment of sandwiches.
  • Monitor stock levels, conduct regular inventory checks, and ensure all food and supplies are stored correctly.
  • Coordinate with suppliers to place orders for food and kitchen supplies, ensuring timely replenishment.
  • Ensure all food is prepared to the highest quality standards, following health and safety regulations.
  • Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, ensuring all equipment is properly maintained and in good working order.
  • Develop and update menus periodically together with the ‘snack committee’ based on customer preferences and nutritional guidelines.
  • The cafeteria officer is expected to actively contribute to the company’s sustainability goals by implementing environmentally friendly practices in food preparation and kitchen operations.
  • The cafeteria officer is encouraged to stay informed about sustainable culinary trends and to introduce initiatives that align with the company’s environmental and social responsibility policies.

Support at events

 

  • Act as the contact person for catering in the embassy.
  • Assist in menu planning and food preparation for events at the embassy and the Deputy Chief of Mission’s residence.
  • Assist the chef in food preparation for events at the Ambassador’s residence.

Framework

  • The Cafeteria officer is accountable to the Facilities manager for the performance of the different duties, ensuring high-quality food standards and adherence to company policies.
  • An overtime allowance according to LSR/PUW is granted for the hours outside regular working hours.

Contacts

  • Internal: Daily contact with household staff, facilities team, Embassy staff, and management.
  • External: Regular contact with food suppliers, catering and event coordinators.

Knowledge and skill requirements

  • At least 3-5 years of experience in a similar role.
  • Comprehensive understanding of food safety regulations and practices.
  • Inventory management skills.
  • Event catering experience is preferred.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.

Competencies

  • integrity
  • Commitment to quality (Maintains high standards in food preparation and presentation.)
  • Client orientation (ascertaining the wishes, interest and needs of clients)
  • Ability to work with others
  • Plan and organize
  • Flexibility

Level of education

  • Intermediate level;
  • Additional training in health and safety standards is a plus.
  • 3-5 years relevant work experience;
  • Excellent verbal skills in English;
  • Additional training, knowledge or experience is a plus.

Work environment

The Netherlands Embassy in Washington D.C. represents the affairs of the Government of the Netherlands in the United States of America. The Embassy is located at 4200 Linnean avenue, with 72,000 square feet of privately owned office space. In addition, the Embassy owns 4 properties among which the residence of the Ambassador. A total of around 100 employees (multi-cultural) work at the Embassy. An estimate of 50 persons on a daily basis buy their lunch in the cafeteria of the embassy (Monday till Thursday). On a weekly basis events take place in the facilities of the embassy.

Facilities Management is part of the department of operational affairs. The other units are:  Consular, Finance, General affairs, HR and IT and the staff at the Ambassador’s residence. All FM staff that is working for the Embassy are locally hired staff or contractors of the Embassy.

Mission sustainable

The mission is working to create a sustainable, just and fair world and this includes sustainable operational management. In regards to the cafeteria this means (but not limited to):

  • Prioritize using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to reduce the environmental impact of food transportation.
  • Plan menus to optimize ingredient use and minimize food wastage. Implement strategies such as repurposing leftovers creatively and using food waste tracking systems.
  • Utilize sustainable products and materials for food storage and packaging, avoiding single-use plastics where possible.
  • Encourage energy-efficient practices by using sustainable cooking techniques and maintaining equipment to reduce water and energy usage.

Staff member profile

The cafeteria officer has a high integrity profile and is committed to delivering a high standard of service. The cafeteria officer ensures professional conduct, quality meals, and a welcoming atmosphere for all employees and guests. He/she is flexible (this includes the possibility to work non-standard hours) and a team player. The officer works closely together with the support officers and facility staff of the embassy.

Other information

This position is for an initial period of 12 months. With a probationary period of 1 month.

The Netherlands Government celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to foster an inclusive environment within its organization. Individuals interested in advancing these diversity goals are strongly encouraged to apply.

For further information about this position contact: Winfred Deerenberg, Head of Facility Management winfred.deerenberg@minbuza.nl