Agricultural Certification Manager- Coffee

Purpose of the job

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Agricultural Certification Manager to oversee the certification process for coffee farms for BNT industry and trading plc. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring compliance with national and international standards for quality, sustainability, and fair trade practices. This role requires a strong understanding of agricultural practices, certification requirements, and excellent communication and organizational skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the certification process for coffee farms, including coordinating inspections, audits, and documentation requirements.
• Conduct regular visits to coffee farms to monitor compliance with certification standards and provide guidance on best practices.
• Collaborate with coffee farmers to implement sustainable and environmentally friendly farming methods, ensuring compliance with certification criteria.
• Provide training and education to coffee farmers on certification requirements, sustainable farming practices, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records of certification activities, inspections, and compliance status, and prepare reports for certification bodies and stakeholders.
• Facilitate quality control activities, including cupping sessions, quality assessments, and post-harvest processing support, to ensure coffee meets quality standards.
• Engage with local communities to promote the benefits of certification programs and support community development initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, NGOs, coffee cooperatives, buyers, and certification bodies to advance the goals of sustainable coffee production.
• Stay informed about changes in certification standards, industry trends, and regulatory requirements related to coffee production.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, environmental science, or related field. Master's degree preferred.

Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in agricultural certification, quality control, or related field, with specific experience in coffee certification preferred.

Core Competencies

• Strong understanding of national and international certification standards for coffee, such as Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, Organic, UTZ, etc.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in written and spoken Amharic and English. Knowledge.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to travel frequently to rural areas within BNT team.
• Commitment to promoting sustainable and ethical practices in coffee production.