VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: COOK
Employer: The High Commission of Malaysia, Ottawa
Contract Duration: Co-terminus with the High Commissioner's tour of duty in Canada
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a proposed overseas appointment as Cook at the High Commission of Malaysia in Ottawa.
The successful candidate will prepare Malaysian cuisine and support hospitality at the Official Residence and the High Commission’s official functions. The position requires culinary competence, sound judgement, discretion and consistently high standards of food safety and presentation.
This recruitment is subject to the necessary Malaysian approvals and confirmation of the applicable Canadian arrangements.
Duties and Responsibilities
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- Prepare a wide-ranging selection of Malaysian dishes for meals at the Official Residence and for official lunches, dinners and receptions.
- Develop menus appropriate to the occasion, number of guests and approved budget.
- Accommodate halal requirements, allergies and other dietary restrictions.
- Plan food preparation and service to ensure that meals are delivered safely and on schedule.
- Purchase ingredients as authorised, retain receipts and maintain accurate kitchen expenditure records.
- Manage stock levels, ingredient freshness, portion sizes and food waste.
- Maintain appropriate food preparation, cooking, cooling and storage practices.
- Keep the kitchen, utensils, appliances and food storage areas clean and organised.
- Coordinate catering preparations and meal service with designated mission and residence personnel.
- Report equipment faults and safety concerns promptly.
- Perform other reasonable culinary duties consistent with the position.
Qualifications,
Skills and Experience
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- At least two years of relevant professional cooking experience in a restaurant, catering operation, private residence or comparable setting.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare a range of Malaysian dishes independently.
- Relevant culinary training or an equivalent combination of training and practical experience.
- Experience in menu planning, ingredient purchasing and kitchen budget management.
- Sound knowledge of food hygiene, allergen management and halal food handling.
- Ability to speak, read and understand English or French sufficiently to carry out the duties safely and communicate with colleagues and suppliers.
- Ability to organise work effectively and maintain quality during formal hospitality events.
- Reliability, discretion and respect for confidentiality.
Experience preparing formal dinners or diplomatic hospitality is an asset. A recognised food-handler qualification is also an asset.
Candidates must satisfy the applicable requirements for appointment by Malaysia and acceptance by Canada as service staff. These requirements will be assessed separately from culinary suitability.
Working Arrangements and Benefits
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The normal working schedule will be 40 hours per week.
Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for official functions, with advance notice wherever practicable.
The approved employment documents will specify working hours, rest periods, overtime arrangements, leave entitlements, health insurance coverage, accommodation arrangements, travel benefits and termination provisions, consistent with applicable requirements.
Selection and Appointment
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Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview and practical cooking assessment. The assessment arrangements will be communicated in advance.
Selection will include verification of qualifications, relevant experience and references, together with any required security, immigration and accreditation checks.
Participation in the recruitment process does not guarantee appointment, a visa or accreditation. Candidates should not resign from existing employment or make travel arrangements until formally advised to do so.
Accommodation during the selection process may be requested through the recruitment contact below.
How to Apply
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Please email your CV and a cover letter outlining your culinary experience to:
[email protected]
Please include examples of Malaysian dishes and formal menus you can prepare independently.
Email subject: JOB APPLICATION — COOK, OTTAWA
Closing date: Monday, November 30, 2026 at 12noon (Ottawa local time)
Passport details, certificates and other supporting documents will be requested at the appropriate stage through the designated recruitment process.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.
Pay: $17.60-$20.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Work Location: In person
📌 Cook (Ottawa)
🏢 High Commission of Malaysia, Ottawa
📍 Ottawa