Be First to Feed. Cook with Purpose in Times of Crisis.
About World Central KitchenWhen disaster strikes, food is more than a meal, it is relief, dignity, and hope. World Central Kitchen (WCK) responds to emergencies with the urgency of a first responder and the heart of a chef. We show up fast, cook fresh, and serve communities when they need it most.
The Culinary Response Corps is WCK's global team of chefs, cooks, and food professionals trained to deploy rapidly into crisis zones. Together, we produce thousands of nourishing meals a day, in the field, in partner kitchens, and from the ground up, for communities recovering from hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, and more.
About This Talent Roster OpportunityThis is not a full-time position. This is an invitation to be ready.
WCK is building a regional standby network of experienced culinary professionals across Latin America who can deploy quickly when an emergency response is activated in their area. Qualified candidates will be added to our roster and contacted on a needs basis.
If you are selected, you may be invited to interview with our team. Successful candidates join our regional talent pool and are reached out to when a response is launched nearby.
High impact. High stakes. Perfect for culinary professionals with a passion for service.
Quick DetailsLocation: Central and South American countries
Type: Contract, activated on a per-response basis
Duration: Contract term positions vary depending on need and length of activation with the opportunity for renewal, offering a unique chance to support WCK's responses.
Rates: Contract rates are based on experience and location; contract rates are included only when on rotation or activation.
Mandatory Requirement: Must have culinary experience and working authorization in activation location within Latin America. Bilingual fluency required, fluent Spanish/Portuguese and English.
Reports To: Culinary Manager
Please note: Inclusion in this Talent Network is not a guarantee of employment or an immediate contract. It is an opportunity to be recognized as a potential community member. Should your profile be selected, a member of our team will reach out to you directly with an invitation to participate in our formal application and vetting process, which includes a comprehensive interview and follow up instructions. Successful candidates will then be added to our regional contact database, to be contacted for possible deployment when an emergency response is launched in your area, particularly across LATAM and beyond.
Scope of WorkAs a Response Corps Member, you will:
You are the right fit if you:
Ready to Cook with Purpose?
Apply now to join the WCK Latin America Culinary Response Corps Talent Network. If your profile matches what we need for an upcoming activation, our team will reach out directly.
Culinary Experience: Solid foundation in professional kitchens, catering, food service, or hospitality: including high-volume cooking and recipe scaling.
Event & Logistics Expertise: Background in catering operations, large-scale events, festivals, or concert food service. Proven ability to manage production schedules and kitchen flow efficiently.
Empathy & Respect: Deep cultural sensitivity and a collaborative spirit. You work alongside local restaurant teams, supporting them as they feed their own communities.
Coaching & Communication: Patient, clear, and respectful when teaching food safety practices and production techniques, even under stress.
Adaptability: You thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure, and resource-limited environments. Ambiguity doesn't stop you, it focuses you.
Mission-Driven: You believe in WCK's approach: that every meal served in a crisis restores dignity, comfort, and humanity. That belief shows up in your work.
Preferred QualificationsWorking Conditions
This role requires the ability to work in high-stress, ambiguous, and rapidly changing environments. Flexibility and adaptability are not optional, they are essential. Field conditions can vary significantly depending on the nature and location of each activation.
References & Background Checks
To protect the safety of the communities we serve and our teams, WCK's selection process includes reference and background checks, subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Contract offers may be contingent upon clear background check results.
Please note: Joining our talent network is not a guarantee of deployment or employment. Each activation has different qualifying needs based on the immediate situation. All candidates in our network are still required to complete an interview process before being considered for deployment.
World Central Kitchen is an equal opportunity employer committed to building diverse, inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve.
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