Executive Chef

Summary of Duties:

The Embassy of Canada is seeking a creative collaborative candidate who is interested in applying their knowledge about Canada and Canadian cuisine to create unique menus featuring Canadian agricultural products, ingredients and recipes. This position provides an opportunity both to gain experience on a high profile international platform as well as to use your education and experience to create innovative menus that highlight the very best in Canadian cuisine including food, wine, beer and specialty products.

The Executive Chef is responsible to elevate food and service, representing Canada and the Embassy at the highest level in Washington, D.C. The incumbent must be up to the rewarding challenge of promoting Canada through their menus within the context of the American culture and bringing creativity and innovation to their work.

Under the direction of the Head of the Events Production Team, the incumbent is responsible for preparing culinary aspects of Canada's mission representation abroad including assisting with identifying appropriate Canadian and local cuisine and assembling such cuisine for official and unofficial hospitality events both at the Official Residence and the Chancery; (including formal and informal breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, cocktails, receptions, staff events and others as requested).

The Chef is also responsible for the daily running and management of the kitchen, managing staff (either temporary or permanent), and managing food inventory and supplies. This position will need to establish and train a network of local contract staff to provide support as needed for the execution of official and unofficial events.

The incumbent is required to work independently as well as part of a larger team. The ability to manage competing priorities, flexibility and adaptability are integral to the role as event schedules and requirements can change with short notice.

Area of Selection:

This selection process is open to applicants legally residing in the United States or Canada. If appointed, candidates must live in the Washington, DC area. Relocation will be at the candidates own expense. The Embassy of Canada to the United States will not reimburse relocation costs under any circumstances.

The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered based on merit. Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. Canada's missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates will initially be screened against the Essential Qualifications relating to education, language* and experience.

Candidates must clearly demonstrate when applying to the position how they meet each of these essential qualifications.

*Language will be assessed further during the process.

Education:

Candidates will be required to provide proof of the completion of their education.

• Culinary School Certification or Diploma from an accredited facility OR an acceptable equivalent through a combination of education and work experience.

Language:

• Intermediate proficiency in English (oral and written)

Experience:

• At least 3 years of recent* experience working in a field of food creation, demonstrating advanced culinary skills and catering events of varying sizes;
• Recent* experience leading a team and supervising employees or contractors;
• Recent* experience in food purchasing and inventory control; and
• Recent* experience in budget planning, tracking and reconciliation.

*Recent is defined as work experience within the last 5 years

RATED REQUIREMENTS

The Rated Requirements are part of the essential qualifications and are relating to knowledge, abilities and competencies. Methods of assessment for rated requirements may include, but are not limited to, a written examination, an oral interview (online pre-recorded/live or in-person), role-play, practical tests, presentations and/or psychometric assessment.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of culinary preparation, cooking methods and presentation techniques according to the highest culinary and food safety standards including accommodation of dietary restrictions and allergies;
• Knowledge of professional food handling and health and safety practices; and
• Knowledge of Canadian Cuisine.

Competencies:

• Adaptability and flexibility;
• Client focus;
• Working with others;
• Team leadership;
• Judgement and discretion;
• Initiative and action orientation; and
• Detailed planning and organizational skills.

Abilities:

• Ability to create menus that highlight Canada through ingredients, food and beverages;
• Ability to research appropriate wine pairings;
• Ability to manage culinary aspects of large events and coordinate contractors and catering staff to deliver high caliber results;
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and manage stress;
• Ability to create and manage budgets, including reconciliation of financial expenses for multiple events;
• Ability to create, manage, and maintain an inventory;
• Ability to build and nurture networks and alliances;and
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Asset Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications.

• Experience in baking and pastries;
• Ability to communicate in French;
• Ability to communicate in Spanish;
• Experience as a chef in a five-star luxury hotel, recognized gastronomic restaurant, or similar establishment;
• Knowledge of Canadian wines and/or the Canadian wine industry;
• Knowledge of Canadian agricultural practices.

Operational Requirements:

• Candidates should be willing and able to travel to Washington, D.C. or Ottawa, ON to participate in an assessment process (e.g. technical test, interview, etc.) at their own expense;

• Willingness and ability to work overtime on short notice and be available for duties outside of normal working hours, i.e., evenings and weekends;

• Available to start immediately upon completion of staffing process;
• Location of work: Work is normally performed on-site at the Chancery or Official residence with the possibility of other offsite locations.

Conditions of Employment:

Conditions of employment must be met or complied with before being appointed to a particular position, and are to be maintained throughout the employment while being the incumbent of this position.

- Valid work authorization:Ability to obtain and hold a valid work authorization covering the entire employment period.

- Security screening:Obtain and maintain a Reliability Status (security level) which includes a criminal and credit background check from the Government of Canada covering the entire employment period.

How to Apply

• You must submit your application using the "Apply online" function. Only applications submitted via VidCruiter will be considered, unless a valid reason is presented and accepted prior to the closing date.
• Do not include personal data such as; age, date of birth, gender, marital status, family status, religion or a picture in your application form, CV nor cover letter (as required). Please only include information relevant to the vacancy as requested in the job poster.
• You must clearly demonstrate in answering the screening questions how you meet the education and experience factors listed in the essential and asset qualifications. You must provide specific examples to demonstrate clearly how you meet the qualifications. Global Affairs Canada cannot make any assumptions about your studies nor experience. Simply saying you have the required qualifications or listing your current duties will not be sufficient. Instead, you must provide concrete and detailed examples that clearly explain where, when, and how you gained the experience. No additional information will be sought beyond what you submit in your online application.
• Candidates may be required to upload a CV and/or a cover letter in English or French. These documents may be used as a secondary source to validate the answers to the screening questions.
• Applications which do not include all of the requested documents or information and/or which are not received by the closing date will be rejected.
• Candidates who are unable to submit their application due to technical difficulties must report these to LES-E-Recruitment-WSHDC@international.gc.ca prior to the closing date. Failure to do so will result in the application being rejected.

Important Notes

• Only applications submitted in one of the official languages of Canada will be accepted (English or French).
• The language requirement for this position is identified under the essential qualifications (language). In consequence, the assessment process for this vacancy will be conducted in English.
• Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidates to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.

• Candidates must provide an email address that accepts email from unknown users and regularly check their email, including spam folder.
• Reference checks may be sought for candidates who succeeded all of the assessments.
• Please note that the Embassy of Canada to the United States does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews/exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs.
• Before an offer of employment can be made, successful candidates must provide a local residence address as proof of residence in the specified area of selection. This information is necessary to issue a letter of offer.
• As recently announced by the Government of Canada, theis suspended as of June 20, 2022. TheGovernment of Canadawill continue to assess the need for additional public health measures, including the possible reintroduction of a vaccination mandate at a later date.
• We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact us at LES-E-Recruitment-WSHDC@international.gc.ca to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
• The results of this selection process may also be used to establish one or more pools of fully or partially qualified candidates for similar term, indeterminate, part-time or full-time openings at the Embassy of Canada to the United States which might arise following the completion of this selection process.
• For Canadian citizens/residents and Canadian dual nationals, please note that it is your responsibility to enquire with the Canadian Revenue Agency about any possible taxation implications linked to an employment with the Government of Canada.