JOSEFA SOKOVAGONE
Suva,Fiji
Summary
Experienced cook with over 10 years in catering for the Republic of Fiji Navy, specializing in menu creation under resource constraints. Proficient in utilizing fresh ingredients sourced from outer islands to enhance meal quality. Committed to continuous skill development through online learning and mentorship from various chefs. Demonstrated ability to adapt and innovate in challenging environments.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
4053
4053
years of post-secondary education
Work history
GALLEY MANAGER
VUVALE MARITIME ESENTIAL SERVICES CENTRE
Suva, FIJI
02.2025 - Current
- Trained new staff members in best practices for handling and displaying artwork.
- Led regular staff meetings; encouraged open communication and problem-solving initiatives.
- Maintained cleanliness of kitchen area, meeting health and safety regulations consistently.
- Identified necessary equipment repairs before breakdowns could disrupt service.
- Ensured food safety standards were met, preventing possible foodborne illnesses.
- Managed daily kitchen operations efficiently whilst maintaining high quality standards.
- administration and evaluation reports for staffs
LEADING COOK
RFNS SAVENACA
SUVA, FIJI
05.2023 - 01.2025
- Collaborated closely with suppliers, secured fresh ingredients daily.
- Supervised all kitchen staff to maintain high quality standards.
- Adhered to strict hygiene standards, ensured a clean working environment.
- Trained junior chefs to enhance their professional skills.
Guard Commander and Battalion Chef
TOUR OF DUTY (UNAMI)
Baghdad, Iraq
01.2021 - 04.2023
- With 1FIR Fiji Guard Force Unit BATT23 Alpha deployed to Baghdad Iraq. Under UNAMI (United Nation Assistance Mission for Iraq)
- Controlled access points efficiently to ensure only authorised personnel gained entry into secure locations.
- Documented daily incidents accurately for record keeping purposes.
- Enhanced security with vigilant surveillance of premises.
DELIVERY CREW
RFNS SAVENACA
02.2020 - 08.2020
- GCPB Operation
- Life Saving Equipment
- Damage Control
- Hazardous Materials
- Domestic Equipment
- Propulsion and Steering
- Sea / Rescue Boat
- Deck Equipment
- Internal Communication
ABLE SEAMAN COOK
RFNS KULA
suva, fiji
08.2018 - 02.2020
- Helped in emergency procedure drills leading to improved response times.
- Assisted the bosun and officer on watch to maintain order onboard.
- Performed lookout duties for safe maritime passage.
- Engaged in fire fighting drills, maintaining preparedness for emergencies.
- production of good quality meals for the crew
ABLE SEAMAN COURSE
fiji navy
suva, fiji
06.2018 - 08.2018
- fire fighting
- ships husbandry
- tradition and customs
- lead self
- sea survival
ORDINARY COOK
REPUBLI FIJI NAVY, RFNS KULA
SUVA, FIJI
09.2016 - 01.2020
- Adapted cooking methods to create new dishes without compromising on taste or quality.
- time management
- production of breakfast, lunch and dinner
INDOCTRINATION COURSE
FIJI NAVY
Suva, FIJI
01.2016 - 03.2016
- Acquired knowledge of naval life and operations within Navy.
- Studied traditions and customs of Fiji Navy to enhance cultural understanding.
- Gained practical experience in ships husbandry for improved vessel maintenance.
- Developed essential navy skills to contribute effectively during service.
- Mastered various ties and knots relevant to maritime activities.
RFMF RECRUITMENT
RFMF
SUVA, FIJI
09.2015 - 12.2015
- Gained insights into life within a disciplined force.
- Acquired skills in effective soldering techniques.
- Developed knowledge of artillery squadron operations.
Guard Personnel
SOUTH PACIFIC SECURITY
02.2012 - 01.2015
- Used conflict resolution skills to deescalate potential issues.
- Ensured public safety by patrolling assigned areas diligently
- Maintained high visibility presence to deter illegal activities.
- Investigated alarms and incidents with rigorous evidence collection.
Meet and Greet Personnel, Ticketing and Tour Guide
TOURIST TRANSPORT FIJI
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Feejee Experience tour guide
- Entertained tour guests with fun props, stories and activities.
- Took photos and videos of tourists to preserve memorable experience.
- Addressed enquiries, issues and concerns of tourists.
SALES AND SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE
KEBAB KINGS RESTAURANT AND FAST FOOD
Nadi
06.2008 - 01.2010
Education
RFMF COURSE - PETTY OFFICERS COMMAND COURSE
FIJI NAVY TRAINING WING
SUVA, FIJI 10.2025 - 12.2025
ADF COURSE - MEDICS
RANMS MOBILE TRAINING TEAM
SUVA ,FIJI 07.2024 - 08.2024
ADF CATERING SUPERVISOR COURSE - CATERING
AUSTRAILIAN DEFENCE FORCE SCHOOL OF CATERING
BRISBANE 09.2024 - 10.2024
CERTIFICATE - ADVANCED GALLEY OPPS
TAFE Queensland
CERTIFICATE - BASIC GALLEY OPPS
UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA
AUSTRAILIAundefined
Fiji National University
01.2011 - 01.2012
Certificate 1 - undefined
Pacific Institute of Tourism and Studies
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Votualevu High School
Nadi 01.2002 - 01.2008
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Votualevu Primary School
Nadi 01.1996 - 01.2001
Skills
- Dedication to cleanliness
- Knife handling techniques
- Team leadership in kitchen
- Kitchen equipment operation
- Food hygiene standards
- Resilience under pressure
HOBBIES AND INTEREST
Taking part in physical activity which includes athletics, playing rugby union and league and swimming, Going on fishing trips, Socializing with friends and families, Reading, Online gaming, Watching movies and listening to music
PROFESSIONAL REFEREES
- Wimble, Chief Petty Officer, +679 8387455, Republic of Fiji Navy, RFNS Savenaca
- Tuitoga, Chief Petty Officer, +679 9518144, Republic of Fiji Navy, RFNS Savenaca
- Apenisas, Ralulu, Youth Pastor, 679 9423687, All Nation Christian Fellowship
PERSONAL DETAILS
Fijian
Native
English
Upper intermediate
Timeline
RFMF COURSE - PETTY OFFICERS COMMAND COURSE
FIJI NAVY TRAINING WING
10.2025 - 12.2025
GALLEY MANAGER
VUVALE MARITIME ESENTIAL SERVICES CENTRE
02.2025 - Current
ADF CATERING SUPERVISOR COURSE - CATERING
AUSTRAILIAN DEFENCE FORCE SCHOOL OF CATERING
09.2024 - 10.2024
ADF COURSE - MEDICS
RANMS MOBILE TRAINING TEAM
07.2024 - 08.2024
LEADING COOK
RFNS SAVENACA
05.2023 - 01.2025
Guard Commander and Battalion Chef
TOUR OF DUTY (UNAMI)
01.2021 - 04.2023
DELIVERY CREW
RFNS SAVENACA
02.2020 - 08.2020
ABLE SEAMAN COOK
RFNS KULA
08.2018 - 02.2020
ABLE SEAMAN COURSE
fiji navy
06.2018 - 08.2018
ORDINARY COOK
REPUBLI FIJI NAVY, RFNS KULA
09.2016 - 01.2020
INDOCTRINATION COURSE
FIJI NAVY
01.2016 - 03.2016
RFMF RECRUITMENT
RFMF
09.2015 - 12.2015
Guard Personnel
SOUTH PACIFIC SECURITY
02.2012 - 01.2015
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Fiji National University
01.2011 - 01.2012
Meet and Greet Personnel, Ticketing and Tour Guide
TOURIST TRANSPORT FIJI
01.2010 - 01.2012
SALES AND SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE
KEBAB KINGS RESTAURANT AND FAST FOOD
06.2008 - 01.2010
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Votualevu High School
01.2002 - 01.2008
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Votualevu Primary School
01.1996 - 01.2001
Certificate 1 - undefined
Pacific Institute of Tourism and Studies
CERTIFICATE - ADVANCED GALLEY OPPS
TAFE Queensland
CERTIFICATE - BASIC GALLEY OPPS
UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA