Chef

African Parks (AP) is a non-profit organisation that takes on direct responsibility for rehabilitation and long-term management of protected areas, in partnership with governments and local communities. By adopting a business approach to conservation, supported by donor funding, African Parks aims to make each park sustainable in the long-term, thereby contributing to economic development and poverty alleviation. Currently African Parks in Malawi manages Majete Wildlife Reserve, Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserves and Liwonde National Park.

African Parks – Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve invites suitably qualified, experienced and passionate Malawians to fill the following vacant positions.

Position : Chef
Location : Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve (Navunde Stop Over)
Reporting to : Tourism Manager
Contract : Fixed Term Contract

Job overview

The chef will directly report to the Tourism Manager but also work dosely with other departments as required. He / She will oversee food preparation for guests at the Navunde Stop Over other events that are arranged in the reserve.

Responsibilities and Duties:

1) Food Service and Quality Control

• Deliver high-quality meals consistently, ensuring presentation and taste meet hospitality standards.
• Plan, prepare, and execute menus that cater to guest preferences while maintaining variety and nutritional value.
• Develop new seasonal Menu as required.

2) Cost Efficiency and Overhead Reduction

• Monitor food stock levels to reduce wastage and control inventory costs.
• Implement a First In, First Out (FIFO) food storage system to minimize food spoilage.
• Reduce excess spending by optimizing ingredient use and negotiating better supplier rates.
• Ensure portion control is followed to maintain cost efficiency without compromising quality.

3) Kitchen Management and Hygiene

• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all food preparation areas.
• Ensure kitchen staff follow proper sanitation procedures and health safety regulations.
• Supervise and participate in daily kitchen deaning, including appliances, workstations, and storage areas.
• Oversee maintenance requests for kitchen equipment, plumbing, and structural repairs

4) Compliance and Operational Efficiency

• Conduct regular stock takes of kitchen assets and cleaning products.
• Monitor food freshness and discard out-of-date items responsibly.
• Monitor and enforce safety standards in the kitchens and any high danger environment
• Ensure gas is switched off and fire extinguishers are present.
• Ensure staff use proper uniforms and adhere to hygiene protocols

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of Diploma in Culinary Arts obtained from a recognized institution
• Strong interest in wildlife conservation.
• Minimum of 3 years of similar experience in a busy kitchen.
• Ability to work under pressure when multiple events are happening simultaneously
• High level of creativity in food production
• Must be a self-starter and able to work with minimum supervision, ability to work under pressure and be flexible
• Ability to work well with a culturally diverse team and exhibit high diplomacy and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to live and work full-time in a rural setting.
• Experience of work in protected areas or National Parks or conservation projects will be an added advantage
• Fluent in English and Chichewa

Incumbents will be expected to understand the core conservation business

Applicants should submit their CVs with covering letter. At least three traceable referees should be induded. Applications should be emailed to: recruitMalawi@africanparks.org by close of business on 23rd October 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted through mobile phone.

Please note that we do not engage any third parties or charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process