CoffeeHouse Assistant

The University of Fiji is seeking a talented barista and versatile chef with experience in multicultural cuisine to join our team as the BemaCino CoffeeHouse Assistant at the Samabula Campus. The BemaCino is the University’s unique Enlightenment Coffeehouse, where staff and students gather in an atmosphere of free speech, music, and art. It also serves as the venue for the Bema Platform, where the University community engages in debates, intellectual discussions, and heutagogic learning.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the day to day operations to the Chief Finance Planning and Development Officer through the BemaCino CoffeeHouse Coordinator. She/he will be responsible for the ambience of the BemaCino to the Vice Chancellor.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain rigorous standards of food and beverage safety and hygiene throughout the CoffeeHouse.
• Ensure that menu offerings at BemaCino adhere to the healthy standards mandated by University Policy.
• Provide a diverse menu that reflects the varied backgrounds of staff and students on campus.
• Demonstrate a keen interest in and proficiency with preparing diverse and multicultural vegetarian menus.
• Create innovative and refined cuisine to meet discerning tastes.
• Efficiently prepare meals for large gatherings.
• Collaborate with the Gaia Garden Team to select and utilize organic produce.
• Comply with all relevant health and safety regulations.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the CoffeeHouse kitchens and facilities.
• Implement effective composting and recycling practices.
• Exhibit a thorough understanding of the University of Fiji’s strategic goals and initiatives related to Greening the Campus
• Operate the cash register accurately.
• Prepare and serve hot and cold beverages according to specified recipes and health-conscious, sugarless standards.
• Skillfully operate and maintain all advanced kitchen equipment.

Requirements:

• Certificate or Diploma in culinary skills from a recognized institution/School with at least three years of work experience as a chef or barista;
• Expertise in advanced culinary, baking, and pastry techniques.
• Demonstrated creativity and innovation in the kitchen. Experience in menu planning and development is desirable.
• Thorough understanding of food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Excellent communication skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Capable of addressing and fulfilling diverse culinary needs of staff and students.
• Proficient in working independently with minimal or no supervision.
• Extensive practical experience with complex kitchen equipment.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure when interacting with staff and students.
• Strong time management skills complemented by leadership capabilities.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including shifts and overtime, as needed.

The University requires all staff to proactively undertake community, environment and social responsibilities as well as participate in University Committees in accordance with the themes established by the Strategic Plan 2022-2026.

Salary Band: $15,872.55 - $19,781.40

The University offers a three-year full-time contract with renewals subject to performance reviews.

How to Apply:

Applicants must provide:

1. A covering letter explaining their interest in the position
2. A copy of their full Curriculum Vitae with names and addresses of three (3) Professional Referees, one of whom must be the current or immediate past supervisor of the applicant,
3. And certified copies of their academic qualifications and transcripts. Completed applications, quoting the Post Reference Number and marked “Confidential” must be posted to:

The HR Department, The University of Fiji, Private Mail Bag, Lautoka, Fiji with The Post Reference Number and the Position Title as the subject. For further enquiries please contact the HR Department on hr@unifiji.ac.fj or via phone contact 6640600/ 9999100. A copy of the advert is also available on the University website- www.unifiji.ac.fj

Registered with the Fiji Higher Education Commission as a University under the Higher Education Act 2008. Registration Certificate Number (RGN0020/11)

Closing date for all applications: 29th July, 2026

The University is an equal opportunity employer and actively promotes diversity in appointments. People living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.