Kelem International School (KIS) is a Pre-KG to Grade 10 institution with a rich 80-year history as a Scandinavian school in Addis Ababa. For 74 years it operated under the Swedish Embassy as the Swedish Community School before transitioning in 2019 to an independent, not-for-profit international school. Today, KIS continues its legacy of academic excellence, student-centered learning, and global citizenship.
Who We Are
At KIS, our vision is to become a collaborative center of learning in Ethiopia, nurturing confident and self-realized global citizens. Our mission is to empower every child to reach their full potential, developing resilient, curious, open-minded, and reflective learners who can express themselves effectively.
We are committed to equipping our students with the ability to think critically, analyze information, and solve problems creatively, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. As lifelong learners, our teachers, and staff engage in continuous professional development to uphold the highest educational standards.
KIS fosters compassionate and responsible global citizens, while honoring and respecting Ethiopia’s rich heritage. Our diverse student body, representing 28 different nationalities, follows the Finnish curriculum blended with international educational best-practices and standards for Grades 1-10, alongside the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) for Kindergarten.
If you are an educator who values inquiry-based learning, creativity, and student empowerment, we invite you to apply and become a part of our innovative learning community.
Reports to: Food and Beverage Officer
Coordinates with: General Manager, Assistant Chef, Kitchen Assistants & the school nurse
Working Hours: Monday – Thursday (7:00 am – 4:30 pm) and Fridays (from 7:00 am – 3:30 pm).
Job summary
The Lead Chef will be responsible for designing and implementing balanced menus that cater to diverse dietary needs, ensuring all meals are prepared from scratch with a focus on quality and freshness. In this role, the Lead Chef will supervise kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and engaging work environment while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and sanitation. The ability to connect with students and promote healthy eating habits is key, as is the commitment to culinary excellence. The Lead Chef will play a vital role in enhancing the overall dining experience within the school community, positively impacting student health and well-being. If you have a strong background in nutrition, creativity in meal preparation, and a desire to inspire young minds, we invite you to join our team.
Duties and responsibilities
Food Preparation
Oversee the preparation and cooking of meals from scratch, ensuring quality, taste, and presentation.
Supervise Kitchen Staff
Train, mentor, and supervise kitchen staff, fostering a positive work environment and promoting teamwork.
Food Safety Compliance
Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen.
Inventory Management
Manage inventory levels of food and supplies, ordering as necessary to ensure availability and minimize waste.
Student Engagement
Interact with students during meal service to promote healthy eating habits and gather feedback on menu items.
Nutritional Education
Collaborate with educational staff to incorporate nutritional education into the school curriculum and promote healthy eating initiatives.
Key Performance Indicators
Overall kitchen performance and coordination
Food quality and menu standards compliance
Kitchen staff supervision and discipline
Food safety, hygiene, and sanitation compliance
Cost control and kitchen efficiency
About You
Qualification
Level IV or V TVET diploma in Food preparation, Bakery and pastry with 5 years of experience
Method of Application
Interested applicants are asked to apply by submitting their most recent CV and a cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) outlining their suitability for the post.
The CV must include the names and full contact details of three professional referees, one of whom must be your most recent employer. Candidates not meeting the criteria will not be contacted without prior permission.
Please send all required documents in a SINGLE PDF file attached by email to [email protected] When applying for this position, kindly be sure to use “Lead Chief” Job Application 2026-27” as your email subject. Please note that applicants will be contacted for further assessment only if they are shortlisted.
Closing date: After 10 days of the vacancy announced. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials as early as possible, as KIS reserves the right to close the selection process at ANY TIME once the ideal candidate is identified. Application review begins as soon as applications are received.
Please note that Kelem International School (KIS) is committed to all aspects of safeguarding and safe recruitment practices to ensure that the school provides a safe and secure environment for all.
Aapplicants will be contacted for further assessment only if they are shortlisted.