Vacancy at the Embassy of Sweden in Addis Ababa
The Embassy of Sweden is hiring a Head Chef who will be employed by the Ambassador of Sweden and work in the Swedish Residence in Addis Abeba.
The starting date according to agreement, but preferably as soon as possible.
The Embassy of Sweden in Addis Ababa is responsible for Sweden's relations with Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan, the African Union (AU), IGAD and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The Ambassador is responsible for the employment of residence staff.
The Swedish Residence is located on the Embassy compound and have three employes.
The Head Chef is responsible for planning and preparing official meals and receptions hosted by the Ambassador or the Embassy. Some private cooking for the Ambassador is included. The position allows for a high degree of creative freedom e.g. in suggesting menus. The Embassy of Sweden offers a good work environment and favorable working conditions allowing for a good work-life balance. The Head Chef is an important member of the Embassy team.
Main Duties
Under the direct supervision of the Ambassador or the Executive Assistant of the Ambassador, the Head Chef will:
Menu Planning & Preparation
• Prepare and present menus on menu cards and verbally in front of guests.
• Adapt menus to cultural preferences and dietary requirements and restrictions.
Events and Receptions
• Prepare food for receptions and special events, including canapés and hors d’oeuvres.
• Organize and oversee buffet arrangements.
• Coordinate with catering staff.
Kitchen Management
• Manage all operations of the Residence kitchen.
• Coordinate operations with the Residence Housekeeper, Embassy staff—especially the Executive Assistant of the Ambassador – and catering staff.
• Promote environmental awareness and minimize food waste during preparation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Employer.
Purchasing & Inventory
• Handle purchases of ingredients and related supplies.
• Maintain accurate records of stock and kitchen assets.
• Establish and monitor budgets for food, supplies, and inventory.
• Perform basic budgeting and accounting tasks and ensure budget compliance related to kitchen operations.
Quality & Presentation
• Ensure the highest standards of food quality, service, and presentation.
Required qualifications
• Formal culinary education or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven experience as a Chef in fine dining establishments, luxury hotels, or private residences.
• Excellent knowledge of international cuisines and contemporary culinary trends.
• Experience in managing kitchen operations and supervising kitchen staff.
• Strong background in budgeting, purchasing, and inventory management.
• Flexibility regarding working hours.
• Proficiency in English and Amharic.
• Valid residence permit (if applicable).
Skills
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing both kitchen and service teams.
• Genuine passion for culinary arts and food innovation.
• Valid driver’s license (minimum Category B).
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver exceptional results.
• High integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
Merit
• Knowledge of and/or interest in Swedish & Scandinavian cuisine.
We offer
• A dynamic and inspiring work environment with varying tasks and competitive conditions of employment.
• An opportunity to be creative and develop professionally, including a high degree of freedom.
Working Hours
• 44 hours per week (standard schedule to be agreed upon)
• Flexibility is required for evening, weekends, and official events.
• The vacancy is a local position, full-time, starting with a probation period of six months with the possibility of permanent employment. An individual salary system is applied.
• Full time working hours of hours/week (mainly daytime but every now and then also dinners in the evening and on exceptional cases also weekends) with a beneficial plan for annual leave. Part time working hours will be according to agreement.
Applicants should submit the following documents by e-mail, to the Embassy of Sweden in Addis Ababa:
• CV, including details of relevant education and work experience.
• Cover Letter (English), setting out why you consider yourself a good candidate for this post.
• Names, telephone numbers and addresses of two reference persons who are willing to provide a reference on your character and work capacity.
• Clear contact phone numbers and addresses in Ethiopia where the Embassy can rapidly contact you.
Applications shall be sent to ambassaden.addis.abeba.recruitment@gov.se. As the subject of the message, please indicate reference no and your name: ‘UM2025/36873/ADDI – Your Name’
Please note that applications will not be returned, and only short-listed applicants will be contacted. To be considered, your application should be submitted latest by 15 January 2026 (16:00hrs) and fulfil the abovementioned requirements.
To ensure the right competence, the recruitment process will for selected candidates also include practical kitchen tests, where you will demonstrate your creativity, technical skills, and ability to work under time pressure.
