world cocoa foundation europe liaison

 

World Cocoa Foundation Europe Liaison

(Short-Term, Part-Time Position)

Belgium, Netherlands or Germany

 

 

The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) is a non-profit organisation founded in 2000 for the purpose of promoting social and economic development as well as environmental stewardship in cocoa-growing communities. The foundation is a membership-based organisation with approximately 70 member companies involved in the cocoa and chocolate industries around the world, representing over 80% of the global market.  The foundation is based in Washington, DC and supports programmes that benefit farmers in cocoa-growing regions of Africa, South East Asia and the Americas. Specific programme activities include training for farmers and communities, as well as applied scientific research. 

 

WCF is seeking a Europe Liaison to assist with technical support and strategic outreach in the European Union with a focus on European Union institutions, the Netherlands and Germany.  This is a short-term (April-December 2010), part-time (30-50% of full-time) contract position offering flexible work hours and the opportunity to work from home.  Travel within the region will be required with most travel taking place within the Netherlands and Germany.  Compensation is commensurate with experience.

 

 

Position Requirements:

• 10-15 years experience in international agricultural development and/or the cocoa sector
• Experience working for institutional donor and/or development agencies a plus
• Experience with project development and proposal writing
• Familiar with cocoa and other commodity supply chains
• Graduate degree in agriculture, business, development or other related field
• Fluent in English and German; Dutch and/or French language skills a plus
• Excellent contacts and relations with international development and NGO communities
• Self-starter, ability to work in fast-paced, international work environment with minimal support infrastructure
• Excellent communications, writing and interpersonal skills
• Flexible to travel within Europe to attend cocoa and related conferences
• Based in Belgium, the Netherlands or Germany

 

 

Specific Responsibilities:

• Serve as liaison between WCF headquarters staff and cocoa-related organisations, donors, trade associations and NGOs based in Europe (emphasis on EU-level, the Netherlands and Germany).
• Represent WCF at relevant cocoa and international development meetings and conferences held in Europe.
• Develop strategy/recommendations for how WCF can better engage with international development, agriculture, and cocoa sustainability initiatives in Europe.
• Assist with the development of opportunities to collaborate with EU institutions, Dutch and German government and private foundation donors on cocoa programmes.
• Assist with recruitment of new company members in Europe.

 

How to Apply:

Interested and eligible candidates are requested to e-mail their cover letter, CV and brief writing sample (maximum of two pages) to:  wcf@worldcocoa.org  by March 22, 2010.  All application materials must be in English.  Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis to select a successful candidate.  When applying, please note the position title in the subject line.  No phone calls please.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.