About the Project
ADRA Timor-Leste is testing a practical cocoa market access model in Timor-Leste under Output 2.5 of the 2026–27 ADPlan. The proof of concept will assess the cocoa value chain and farmer capacity, design a small learning-by-doing model, and test the buying, aggregation, processing, packaging and selling of wet and dried cocoa beans.
The initiative aims to generate evidence on whether improved cocoa market access can increase farmer incomes and whether the buying and selling mechanism can become a viable and sustainable social business.
Purpose of the Position
The Value Chain Specialist will lead the technical and operational delivery of the proof of concept across assessment, design, live testing and transition.
This is a hands-on role combining value chain assessment, model design, live transaction testing, buyer engagement and documentation. The Specialist will serve as the primary link between farmers, buyers, ADRA Timor-Leste field staff and ADRA Australia.
Key Responsibilities
Assessment – Phase 1
- Map the cocoa value chain and market actors across candidate areas.
- Collect farmer-level data on production, quality, prices, sales channels and estimated income.
- Assess farming and post-harvest practices.
- Assess domestic and export market pathways, buyer requirements and indicative margins.
- Recommend the strongest feasible target area.
Design – Phase 2
- Design the proof-of-concept model, including farmer selection, quality standards, pricing, buyer engagement and transaction flow.
- Define success measures, including price differential, unit economics, breakeven volume and working capital needs.
- Identify appropriate ownership and operating models.
- Establish governance, financial and safeguarding controls.
Live Testing and Documentation – Phase 3
- Lead the buying, aggregation, processing, packaging, storage and selling of wet and dried cocoa beans.
- Ensure transparent pricing, payment and record-keeping.
- Track operational costs, margins, unit economics, breakeven and working capital.
- Document farmer benefits, business viability, costs and risks.
- Prepare the proof-of-concept learning report and recommendations.
Transition and Coordination – Phase 4
- Support the go/no-go decision and potential 3–5 year value chain development pathway.
- Maintain strong relationships with farmers, buyers, government, ADRA Timor-Leste and ADRA Australia.
- Contribute to monitoring, evaluation and learning.
Selection Criteria
Essential:
- Demonstrated experience in agricultural value chain development, market access or agribusiness, ideally with cocoa, coffee or similar tree crops.
- Practical experience in buying, aggregation, quality and post-harvest handling, and buyer engagement.
- Strong financial literacy, including costing, margins, unit economics and basic business modelling.
- Experience working directly with smallholder farmers and farmer groups.
- Strong record-keeping, reporting and documentation skills.
- Fluency in Tetum and working English.
- Ability to work effectively across Timor-Leste and with limited supervision.
Desirable:
- Familiarity with cocoa agronomy and post-harvest quality and Timor-Leste export/licensing requirements.
- Experience with social enterprise, cooperative or cost-recovery models.
- Experience with donor-funded programs and results-based reporting.
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
ADRA Timor-Leste is a child-safe organisation committed to preventing and responding to child protection and PSEAH risks. The successful candidate will be required to undergo relevant background checks in accordance with ADRA policies.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Position Details
- Project: Agronegocio no Be'e ba Moris Diak (ABMD)
- Location: Dili, Timor-Leste, with frequent travel to project locations
- Duration: 10 months
- Reports to: Program Coordinator
How to Apply
Please submit your application through the official ADRA Timor-Leste recruitment platform: https://hrm-tls.adra.cloud/recruitmentApply/32/view
