IMO Vacancy Announcement For Chef – 2026 Apply Now

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for setting global standards for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping, has announced an exciting career opportunity for a Chef (G4) within its Administrative Division. This role is ideal for experienced culinary professionals who wish to combine their passion for food with meaningful service in an international and multicultural working environment.

Issued on 6 January 2026 under Vacancy Announcement G.S. 25-06 (External), this position offers a unique chance to work at the IMO headquarters in the United Kingdom, supporting staff dining services and high-level official functions. Applications are open until 29 January 2026, making this a time-sensitive opportunity for qualified candidates with the right to work in the UK.

About the Position

The Chef (G4) post falls under the General Service category and is limited to local status only. This means applicants must already have unhindered permission to live and work in the United Kingdom. As with all General Service positions at the IMO, eligibility is strictly restricted to candidates who can prove their right to work in the UK prior to applying.

The successful candidate will work under the immediate supervision of the Head Chef, with overall guidance from the Catering Manager. The role is central to the smooth operation of the IMO staff restaurant and the preparation of meals for a wide range of official and formal events hosted by the organization.

The initial appointment will be for one year on a probationary basis, with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance. The position offers an attractive remuneration package, including:

• Approximately £32,268 net per annum, subject to deductions
• Tax-free salary in the UK
• Excellent benefits, including medical insurance
• Participation in the UN Pension Scheme

These benefits reflect the IMO’s commitment to staff welfare and long-term career stability.

Purpose of the Role

The primary purpose of the Chef (G4) position is to support the daily and event-based catering operations at the IMO. This includes ensuring high standards of food quality, hygiene, and service, while contributing to a professional kitchen environment that meets the expectations of an international organization.

The role is not limited to routine food preparation; it also involves teamwork, leadership support, and adaptability, especially during formal lunches, dinners, and evening functions attended by senior officials and international delegates.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The selected candidate will be responsible for a broad range of kitchen and operational tasks, including:

• Preparing food for daily restaurant service, ensuring a constant and timely supply
• Preparing meals for formal lunches, dinners, and evening events as required
• Monitoring stock levels within the assigned section and ensuring efficient use of resources
• Maintaining high standards of hygiene, cleanliness, and organization in all work areas
• Assisting fellow chefs and contributing to a collaborative kitchen environment
• Supporting the Head Chef in supervising agency chefs
• Deputizing for the Head Chef when necessary, demonstrating leadership and reliability
• Carrying out any additional kitchen duties as required to support operations

These responsibilities require not only technical culinary skills but also professionalism, flexibility, and a strong sense of responsibility.

To succeed in this role, candidates must demonstrate the following competencies:

• High integrity and professionalism, with the ability to work under pressure and with minimal supervision
• Strong planning, organizational, and prioritization skills, combined with attention to detail
• Excellent time management and flexibility, with a proactive and initiative-driven approach
• Proven ability to work harmoniously with colleagues from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds
• A team-oriented mindset suited to an international working environment

These competencies are essential in maintaining the high standards expected within a UN organization.

Professional Experience and Qualifications

Applicants must meet specific experience and educational requirements, including:

• A minimum of four years of professional kitchen experience, preferably within the hospitality industry, a diplomatic mission, or a similar institutional setting
• Secondary education or a recognized equivalent
• A Hotel and Catering Industrial Training Board Food and Hygiene Certificate
• City and Guilds certificates 706/1 and 706/2 in Professional Cookery, or an updated equivalent qualification

This combination of experience and certification ensures that candidates are well-equipped to handle both routine and high-profile catering demands.

Language and Additional Skills

A good level of spoken and written English is essential for this role, as English is the primary working language of the IMO. Knowledge of any other official UN language is considered an advantage and may strengthen an application, particularly in an international setting.

Joining the IMO means becoming part of a global organization that plays a vital role in international cooperation and sustainable development. For culinary professionals, this role offers more than just kitchen work—it provides exposure to an international environment, stable UN employment conditions, and the opportunity to contribute to the daily life of a respected global institution.

Interested and eligible candidates are encouraged to apply before the closing date of 29 January 2026. Applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements, particularly the right to work in the UK, before submitting their application.