Consultant as Coffee Good Agriculture Practice (GAP) Specialist (Bener Meriah based)

Program Overview

Reducing Deforestation Through Implementation of Sustainable Production of Gayo Coffee in Bener Meriah, Aceh Province.

The Indonesian Government has expanded its support for forest conservation programs by providing forestry and agricultural extensions at both the provincial and district levels. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like the World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia have consistently supported communities, farmers, and local governments by offering capacity building, practical knowledge, networking opportunities, strengthening women and youth access, influencing and controlling forest resources, and facilitating communication with the government.

One of WRI Indonesia's intervention locations is in Bener Meriah, Aceh Province. WRI Indonesia has been working with communities in Aceh in the last 10 years through various projects. The location of the coffee plantation is adjacent to the Leuser Ecosystem Area (KEL) which is an important area for biodiversity.

To make coffee plantations more productive and not have a negative impact on the forest ecosystem, farmers need to be supported to implement Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Sustainable Coffee Farming (SCF) at the farm level. Development partners, including WRI Indonesia, have been proactively introducing nature-based solutions and low-carbon technology as a means to address various challenges.

Through this project, farmers are assisted to manage their coffee production sustainably by applying the concept of sustainable forest management that incorporates conservation efforts while improving yield production and taking into account the production of renewable energy.

Job Highlight

The GAP Specialist will support the project by leading the effort to ensure the implementation of best practices in coffee production from farm management to processing to ensure the highest quality in the most sustainable way. Responsibilities include designing and providing technical guidance and capacity building for farmers, community, and other local stakeholders. The position holder needs to ensure the activities are implemented according to the project timeline while maintaining quality of results and performing excellent program administration management.

This position will be based in Bener Meriah, Aceh, with an office-flex working arrangement and travel requirements as needed. Working under the direct supervision of the Sustainable Coffee Project Lead, the position holder is required to work collaboratively with other Aceh Regional team members to ensure synergy with other initiatives within the region.

In support of WRI's DEI commitment, you are responsible for actively participating in these collaborative efforts by integrating equity into your work, our workplace, and the organizational culture.

What You Will Do

Project Implementation (50%)

• Develop an annual work plan in coordination with the Project Lead and other project team members.
• Conduct baseline and needs assessment on the implementation of GAP and Sustainable Coffee standards by farmers in the project area.
• Develop modules of GAP and Sustainable Coffee for farmers, including effective post-harvesting processing.
• Facilitate the implementation of GAP and Sustainable Coffee Standards in the project area.
• Prepare required materials for awareness-raising training and capacity building on GAP and Sustainable Coffee Practices aligned with environmental protection.
• Contribute to the development of a demonstration plot on the GAP implementation, post-harvesting technology, and production of waste bioenergy.
• Analyze and monitor the key parameters relevant to GAP and Coffee Sustainability.

Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement (50%)

• Contribute to the development of stakeholder engagement strategy as necessary in coordination with the project lead.
• Contribute to the engagement and partnership strategy with relevant stakeholders, particularly funders, district governments, private sectors, and NGO partners.
• Develop outreach materials, training modules, and implement general outreach and capacity building as necessary.
• Liaise with the WRI Indonesia communication team for any communication-related products and events.

What You Will Need

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agronomy, environmental science, or other related fields.
• Minimum 4 (four) years of progressive professional work experience related to coffee sustainability standards and coffee GAP improvement-related activities.
• Proven practical experience working in the coffee sector, preferably with smallholder producers, and strong knowledge of issues related to coffee production. Previous experience in Aceh would be an advantage.
• Strong understanding of environmental and social sustainability issues affecting agricultural commodities.
• Experience in building a network of relationships and partnerships with village communities, government/authorities, civil society, and other stakeholders engaged in environmental issues.
• Good understanding of Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Business proficiency in English and Bahasa Indonesia on both verbal and written communications.
• Self-motivated leader with strong project management skills, ability to take initiative, decision making, and manage competing priorities.
• Ability to conceptualize and convey strategic vision from the spectrum of smallholder development experience.
• Good organizational skills, with strong experience in organizing and facilitating meetings and writing reports.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Legally able to work in Indonesia.

Duration

1 March 2025 – 31 December 2025.

Deliverables

• Develop annual work plans for each farmer group together with the Project Lead and other project team members.
• Sustainability gap assessment on existing coffee farming practices.
• Develop and test modules/guidelines for sustainable coffee (including regenerative agriculture).
• Facilitate the implementation of best coffee farming practices for independent smallholders in the project area through a capacity building and monitoring program.
• Analysis and monitoring of the key environmental and social parameters relevant to sustainability practices.
• Report and share lessons learned from activities.

Terms of Payment

Daily rate-based consultant with a maximum of 200 (two hundred) working days for the whole contract period or 20 (twenty) working days per month on average.

Contract Arrangement

Individual consultancy contract (Part-time, limited term).

What we offer

• Consultant rate that is commensurate with experience and skills.
• Travel insurance for both domestic and international for any travel duty as assigned by WRI Indonesia.
• Access to the WRI global network.
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work.

Must have authorization to work in Indonesia to be eligible for this position.

Final candidates might be required to take a writing test and to produce two writing samples when needed.

How to apply: In order to be formally considered, please submit an updated resume and cover letter through the WRI career portal.

Application closes: 1700 (DKI Jakarta local time), 19 February 2025. We will close the advert earlier when the best candidates are identified at earlier dates.

This is a locally engaged position; Indonesian nationals are encouraged to apply.

About Us

Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia, and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

Our Mission And Values

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence, Respect.

Our Culture

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment; we embrace all diversity and encourage women, gender-diverse communities, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

WRI Indonesia is a national entity (Yayasan) associated with the World Resources Institute (WRI), a global environmental research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. WRI works with various stakeholders in the natural resources sector to support policy and management that are both profitable and sustainable. WRI has worked with leaders in more than 50 countries for more than 30 years, with offices in Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United States.

Launched in early 2014, WRI Indonesia builds on WRI’s 10-year history in the country and strengthens our impact on the ground. In the short-to-medium term, WRI Indonesia aims to expand its presence and portfolio to include projects in climate, energy, as well as city and transportation programs.