Cocoa/Post-Harvest Processing Specialist – Papua New Guinea

Aninver Development Partners SL (www.aninver.com) is looking for a Cocoa/Post-Harvest Processing Specialist for a energy, private sector consultancy assignment financed by UNDP in Papua New Guinea.

Aninver Development Partners SL is currently preparing a proposal for an exciting UNDP-funded consultancy assignment focused on the energy and private-sector domains in Papua New Guinea. The initiative aims to enhance the country's vital cocoa agricultural industry by tackling critical post-harvest processing challenges, improving bean quality, and scaling up climate-efficient drying technologies.

We are seeking a qualified Cocoa/Post-Harvest Processing Specialist to join our expert team for this 3-month project. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in assessing existing drying practices, benchmarking innovative solar-assisted technologies, and supporting the design of sustainable, commercially viable processing systems to boost rural economic development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Aninver is preparing a proposal for this assignment. The selected expert will be part of the proposed team; the engagement is conditional on the contract being awarded to Aninver. The full Terms of Reference for the position are shared with shortlisted candidates.

Objectives of the assignment

• Evaluate the technical, operational, economic, and environmental performance of existing cocoa drying technologies currently utilized in the country.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and design climate-efficient cocoa drying solutions that improve quality and market competitiveness.
• Reduce reliance on fuelwood-based drying systems, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance climate resilience for smallholder farming households.
• Promote environmental sustainability and support the development of scalable and commercially viable cocoa processing systems.

Scope of work

• Conduct field assessments of representative cocoa-producing communities, farmer groups, cooperatives, and existing processing facilities.
• Benchmark traditional and alternative drying technologies, including solar thermal, hybrid solar-biomass, and PV-assisted systems.
• Assess technical parameters such as throughput, drying efficiency, operational reliability, moisture consistency, and smoke contamination risks.
• Quantify environmental, climate, social, and economic benefits of alternative drying technologies.
• Contribute to technology feasibility studies, concept designs, and pilot site selection strategies.
• Prepare detailed engineering designs, technical specifications, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and cost estimates.
• Develop operational frameworks including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintenance schedules, and capacity development programmes.

Your role as Cocoa/Post-Harvest Processing Specialist

• Provide specialized technical expertise on cocoa post-harvest processing, drying methods, and quality standards throughout the assignment.
• Lead or contribute to the technical assessment of current cocoa drying practices and existing infrastructure across target provinces.
• Support the benchmarking and options analysis of alternative climate-smart drying technologies and innovations.
• Collaborate with engineering and economic team members to define optimal sizing, capacity requirements, and operational parameters for centralized drying facilities.
• Assist in developing technical specifications, equipment configurations, and procurement-ready documentation for pilot implementation.
• Contribute to the formulation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), operations manuals, and training materials for local stakeholders.
• Participate in stakeholder consultations with industry boards, farmer cooperatives, and private sector actors as required.

Requirements

• Education: Relevant bachelor's degree in field of work
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in field of assignment

Desirable

• Previous professional experience working in Papua New Guinea or the broader Pacific region.
• Familiarity with UNDP or other international donor-funded agricultural and renewable energy projects.
• Experience working directly with smallholder farming communities, cooperatives, and local agricultural boards.

An experienced agricultural or post-harvest processing professional with a strong background in cocoa technology, keen to drive sustainable, climate-smart innovations for smallholder farmers in Papua New Guinea.

Assignment details

• Location: Papua New Guinea
• Financed by: UNDP
• Sector: Energy, private sector
• Estimated duration: 3 months
• Contract: individual consultancy (conditional on award)

About Aninver Development Partners

Aninver is an international development consulting firm headquartered in Spain. It supports governments, development banks, UN agencies and bilateral donors with feasibility studies, technical assistance, evaluations and capacity building across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Asia-Pacific, working with a network of international and national experts.

Why apply

• Join a multidisciplinary team on a UNDP-financed project in Papua New Guinea.
• Individual consultancy: flexible, output-based engagement with an experienced proposal team.
• Your CV stays in Aninver's expert network for future assignments that match your profile.

How to apply

Sign in (or create a free account) and upload your CV in English. Add your LinkedIn profile, indicative daily rate and availability to speed up the assessment. Aninver will contact the shortlisted candidates.

Frequently asked questions

Is the position confirmed? The engagement depends on the contract being awarded to Aninver. Shortlisted experts are included in the proposal with their consent.

Can I apply if I am not based in the country? Yes, unless the requirements say otherwise; relevant regional experience is an asset.

What happens with my CV? It is used to assess your fit for this and future positions and is not shared with third parties without your consent.