• Assess agronomic practices, market access, and socio-economic dynamics impacting cocoa producers in West Africa.
• Identify inefficiencies, environmental challenges, and opportunities to enhance productivity and sustainability.
• Provide actionable recommendations to align cocoa production with international sustainability standards, including EUDR compliance.
• Analyze data on climate impacts, pest/disease challenges, and yield trends to support adaptive strategies.

• Help conduct cocoa climate risk assessments to inform adaptation and mitigation strategies in cocoa production and identify business models.
• Support the development of baseline studies to assess the existing infrastructure and resources along the cocoa value chain in target countries.
• Review and advise on national, regional and international policy frameworks to ensure alignment with global sustainability goals, including SDGs and climate action commitments.

• Analyze cocoa market trends, pricing, and the role of cooperatives to identify opportunities for improving farmer incomes and market access.
• Explore opportunities for improving traceability and transparency in the cocoa value chain to ensure compliance with sustainability standards.

• Provide detailed technical reports outlining findings, including suggested actions to address identified issues within the cocoa value chain.
• Prepare documents such as Terms of Reference (ToRs), project progress reports, and policy briefs related to cocoa sustainability and value chain development.
• Assist in drafting technical briefs summarizing findings and recommendations for partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders involved in the cocoa sector.
• Any additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree complemented by Master’s degree in Natural Resources Management, Agriculture, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, International Development or in any relevant field.
• Previous professional work experience (minimum 8 years) with a focus on cocoa value chain development in West Africa.
• Fluency in both written and oral English and French is essential.
• In-depth knowledge of sustainable cocoa production systems, value chain dynamics, and environmental sustainability standards.
• Proven ability to analyze and assess cocoa sector policies, market systems, and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with policies and procedures of international donors, particularly the Italian Climate Fund and other climate funds.
• Sound interpersonal, communications, and teamwork skills; courtesy, tact and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different cultural and national backgrounds.
• Sound personal organization, priority setting and problem-solving skills.
• Sound judgment and initiative; ability to work independently within assigned areas.
• Ability to work with ambiguity and take ownership of deliverables and manage multiple concurrent projects independently.

• Knowledge of local West African languages is a plus.

Benefits

1. A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter (CL) (using the candidate’s last name, first name for ease of sorting).
2. In the CV, including the names and email addresses of three professional referees who have worked with you and are knowledgeable about your skills and professional abilities.
3. Proposed consultancy fees for the period, indicated in daily USD.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements