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, the farmer need to be supported to implement Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) dan Sustainable Coffee Farming (SCF) at the farm level. Development partners, including WRI Indonesia, have been also proactively introducing nature-based Solutions and low-carbon technology as a means to address various challenges.

 

Through the project of Reducing Deforestation Through Implementation of Sustainable Production of Gayo Coffee in Bener Meriah, Aceh Province, 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 by taking into account production of renewable energy.

 

Job Highlight

The Coffee Business and Market Development Specialist will support the project in shaping the future of sustainable coffee production by developing business models, financial literacy programs, and market expansion strategies for farmers community. The position holder is expected to provide technical guidance and actionable strategies to improve coffee supply chain and increase its value while also supporting farmers with searching for funding opportunities.

 

This position will be based in Bener Meriah, Aceh, with office-flex working arrangement and travel requirement as needed. Working under direct supervision of Sustainable Coffee Project Lead, the position holder require to work collaboratively other Aceh Regional team member 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%)

• Development annual workplan in coordination with the Project Lead and other project team.
• Conduct of a comprehensive baseline and need assessment on the existing farmer group business condition,
• Development of module/guideline for financial literacy and business development model;
• Design and implement the empowerment program to enhance the capacity of coffee cooperatives to bridge conservation coffee business with downstream market actors on sustainable coffee production and forest conservation, including coffee off-takers and large downstream companies.
• Analyze the market situation of the coffee supply chain and recommend the strategy for improving the value of the coffee supply chain.
• Improvement of financial literacy of targeted male, female, and youth coffee farmers.
• Assist farmer groups in securing potential seed funding necessary for implementing their businesses.
• Regularly monitor and evaluate the progress of business development.
• Provide regular progress reports to the project lead on the development of the sustainable business model.

 

Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement (50%)

• Support the development of stakeholder engagement strategy as necessary in coordination with the project lead.
• Engagement with the community and local stakeholders,
• Liaise with the WRI Indonesia communication team for any communication-related products and events.

 

What You Will Need

• Bachelor’s degree in business development, economy, social, agriculture, forestry, anthropology, or other related fields;
• Minimum 4 years of professional experience in business development and livelihood, market analysis, community-based small scale enterprise development
• Experience in developing business models for the community and building partnerships with financial institutions in the context of microfinance, focused on sustainability or inclusive economic development.
• Experience in facilitating and conducting training on financial management, marketing strategy, or other related topics for palm oil farmer groups, cooperation, or other farmer institutions, and promoting youth and gender empowerment
• Experience in building a network and collaborate with provincial government officials, private sector, financial institutions, banks and civil society organizations;
• Strong understanding of environmental and social sustainability issues affecting agricultural commodities.
• Business proficiency in English and Bahasa Indonesia on both verbal and written communications.
• Strong interpersonal skills and highly adaptive at working with people from a variety of backgrounds.
• Ability to track and monitor project implementation progress
• Self-motivated leader with strong project management skill, ability to take initiative, decision making, and to manage competing priorities.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Legally able to work in Indonesia.

 

Duration

1 March 2025 – 31 December 2025

 

Deliverables

1. Farmer Group Baseline and Need Assessments and Work Plan Development:
2. Recommended business plan based on the participatory process and findings from the assessments including providing a clear roadmap for growth.
3. Business Development and Financial Literacy Module development
4. Analysis of market and recommendation of value chain improvement
5. Design and implement the empowerment program to enhance the capacity of a coffee cooperative.
6. Monthly Progress Reports: Provide detailed monthly progress reports to the line manager, including recommendations for improvements where necessary, ensuring continuous alignment with project goals.
7. Final Activity Report: Compile and submit a comprehensive annual report summarizing all activities, achievements, and lessons learned, contributing to the overall evaluation of the project’s success.

 

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 WRI career portal.

 

Application close: 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 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 work with various stakeholders in the natural resources sector to support policy and management that are both profitable and sustainable. WRI work 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 the climate, energy, as well as city and transportation programs.