Be first to feed. Cook with purpose in times of crisis.
about world central kitchen
when 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 opportunity
this 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 details
location: 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 work
as a response corps member, you will:
* deploy into disaster-affected communities to support emergency food relief operations
* produce high-volume meals with speed, consistency, and care in mobile kitchens, field kitchens, or partner restaurants
* set up and operate temporary kitchen environments, sometimes from scratch
* collaborate with wck teams, local chefs, and volunteers to scale production quickly and safely
* uphold wck standards for food safety, sanitation, and culinary excellence at all times
* train and guide local partners on recipe scaling, kitchen flow, and food handling under pressure
* support menu development, prep execution, and service logistics
* assist with inventory management, procurement, and kitchen documentation as needed
what we're looking for
you are the right fit if you:
* have proven professional culinary experience in high-volume or fast-paced environments
* can work flexibly and adapt quickly in dynamic, unpredictable conditions
* are fluent in both spanish and english
* hold valid work authorization in your country and are eligible to work in activation locations
* have a genuine passion for community service and believe food has the power to restore and uplift
* are physically able to work long hours in challenging field conditions
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.
requirements
key qualities we are looking for
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 qualifications
* bilingual fluency required, fluent spanish and english
* prior experience in humanitarian relief, community kitchens, or disaster response
* experience managing catering logistics and timed meal delivery for large groups
* executive chefs, sous chefs, prep leads, line cooks, and kitchen managers are strongly encouraged to apply
* familiarity with haccp, servsafe, or equivalent food safety certification standards
* strong documentation, organizational, and reporting skills
* tech fluency with slack, airtable, and google workspace
additional information
working 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.
benefits
why join the response corps?
* be a part of a global movement that feeds hope one plate at a time.
* work on diverse activations around the world: hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and humanitarian crises.
* join a tight knit, mission-driven team where your culinary talent becomes a tool for impact.
* learn, grow, and serve communities with dignity and respect.