General Description

The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), a non-profit foundation of the global chocolate and cocoa industry, promotes a sustainable cocoa economy through economic and social development and environmental conservation in cocoa growing communities in West Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. WCF works with its members to create unique public-private partnerships that support cocoa sustainability throughout the entire cocoa value chain, from small holder farmers to improvements in cocoa quality and value-addition.

WCF is a sub-recipient of funding for the Green Prosperity - Sustainable Cocoa Production Partnership (GP-SCPP) led by Swisscontact. The project is supported by funding from the Millennium Challenge Account and seven companies. The project aims to reduce poverty and greenhouse gas emissions in the Indonesian cocoa sector. The project includes activities related to productivity, the environment, nutrition, finance, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. WCF’s role in the project is focused on cocoa research (particularly with regards to the environment) and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

This role is based in Indonesia and will report to the Associate Director, Southeast Asia, Latin America & Research located in Washington, DC. However, this position will also be integrated to the GP-SCPP team structure and the position will work closely with Swisscontact and other consortium partner staff on a daily basis. Candidates must be authorized to work in Indonesia for the duration of the three-year project. WCF is not able to sponsor visas. The successful candidate will have the option of being based in Makassar (strongly preferred) or Jakarta. As WCF is pursuing business registration in Indonesia, this role may be transferred to an employment contract.

Estimated start date: September 1 2015

Specific Responsibilities

The Cocoa Research & Environment Specialist will be responsible for:

•  
  •  
    •  
      • Support design, development and implementation of nursery business model assessments, and fertilizer & soil landscape analyses
      • Overseeing and coordinating sensory-guided exploration of Indonesian fine-flavor cocoa bean activities
      • Support the preparation of workshops to raise stakeholder awareness of good environmental practices and greenhouse gas emissions (including content development, setting agenda, facilitation)
      • Developing linkages and information sharing between GP-SCPP environment/research activities and relevant environment/research activities conducted by others nationally and internationally 
      • Participating in relevant task forces of the Cocoa Sustainable Partnership to exchange learning and information on research and environment

Skills and Experience Required

•  
  •  
    •  
      • Minimum 7 years of relevant working experience in managing and designing agricultural research, socio-economic research, agricultural development and/or environmental sustainability projects; experience with cocoa or other agricultural commodities preferred
      • Degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, environmental science, international development or a related discipline. Strong analytical skills required. 
      • Demonstrated experience in designing and managing agricultural research studies and programs involving Indonesian and international research institutions.
      • Strong background in environmental issues including greenhouse gas emissions, change mitigation and adaptation, and biodiversity conservation. 
      • Proficiency in English and Bahasa Indonesia (verbal and written); concise writing and reporting skills 
      • Self-initiative and good professional communication skills; accustomed and willing to work with a variety of private sector and partner organization representatives 
      • Ability and interest to work in a fast-paced, small office work environment

Compensation

Compensation for the consultancy is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Application Instructions

Interested and eligible candidates are requested to e-mail their cover letter describing their interest in this role and WCF including consulting rate requirements and résumé to: wcf@worldcocoa.org at their earliest convenience. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis to select a successful candidate. Successful candidates will be asked to submit a writing sample.

When applying, please note “Indonesia Cocoa Research & Environment Specialist” in the subject line. No phone calls please. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.