Coffee Farm Management Expert, Market Development Facility(MDF)-Timor-Leste

Coffee Farm Management Expert, Market Development Facility(MDF)-Timor-Leste

• Seeking a Coffee farms expert for the coffee sector in Timor-Leste that has the potential to grow and continue benefitting local farmers.
• Inputs & Duration: Up to a maximum of 60 days, with possibility of extension.
• Open to international applicants, flexible work arrangements will be considered.

About the Market Development Facility

Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF) helps countries in the Indo-Pacific region to grow through improved productivity, economic diversification, competitiveness and trade.MDF helps business partners and government to identify markets that have high potential to grow, be profitable, and deliver social and environmental value.

MDF supports catalytic innovation in these markets by co-investing with local and international partners to reduce the costs and risks of early-stage commercial opportunities. This accelerates progress to profitability and scale.Our aim is to do good by supporting good business. MDF supports business investment and innovation that reduces poverty, economically empowers women and combats climate change.

MDF currently operates in Fiji, Timor-Leste, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga and Sri Lanka. MDF is funded by the Australian Government and co-funded by the New Zealand Government in Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. It is implemented by Palladium, in partnership with Swisscontact.

In Timor-Leste (TL), MDF promotes economic diversification and poverty reduction through partnerships in agribusiness and tourism. The team also encourages entrepreneurship by providing financial and advisory support to innovative businesses.

The Role

MDF is seeking a coffee technical expert to establish at least 10 model coffee farms to showcase improved coffee management practices and their benefits. The consultant will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of 10 coffee farms in Timor-Leste, provide strategic recommendations, guide the implementation of the recommendations and refine recommendations for wider adoption.

Key Responsibilities

Specific deliverables will be determined in consultation with the short-term adviser.

The scope shall include the following:

1. Assess at least 10 farms’ conditions (soil, pest, disease, management, etc), identify key areas of improvement and provide recommendations.
2. Work closely with the private sector to implement the recommendations in the assessed farms to understand the cost-benefit ratio of implementing the improved management practices ($ invested on-farm management practices vs increased yield/income).
3. Refine the recommendations to be cost-effective and appropriate for wide adoption.

Duration and Location

The technical expert will provide up to sixty (60) days of input to complete scope 1. Additional days to implement scope 2 and 3 will be added based on a discussion with the consultant after completing scope 1.The actual number of days may differ, subject to direction of MDF. Input days are likely to be split (not continuous) and subject to negotiation with MDF.

The assignment is field-based in Timor-Leste, with travel expenses anticipated. The travel and accommodation will be paid on an actual basis and the per diem expenses will be paid based on MDF’s policy. Any other costs e.g. soil testing must be pre-approved by MDF.

Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum of 7 years of practical experience working in coffee farm management to improve productivity.
• Qualifications in agronomy, agricultural science, or other relevant fields.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated capacity to constructively engage with the private and public sector, development partners.
• Knowledge of and experience in Timor-Leste or similar condition is preferred.

How to Apply

For full details on role requirements, please refer to the Terms of Reference.

Please submit your application online including a cover letter and CV, addressing how you meet the requirements of this role.

Closing date: Friday 8th November (Midnight) Dili Time

About Palladium – Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 3,000 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies and, most importantly, people’s lives.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion – Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status. 

Safeguarding – We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including a rigorous due diligence process. 

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