R&D Cocoa Specialist

Location: Abidjan, Nestlé Research and Development Center, Côte d’Ivoire

Company: Nestlé Research & Development Center, Abidjan

Type of Employment: Permanent and Full Time

Type of Contract: Local Contract

Level of Education: Master’s Degree in Plant Science, Agronomy, Agriculture

Position Summary:

Joining Nestlé means you are joining the largest Food and Beverage Company in the world.  At our very core, we are a human company driven to enhance the quality of life and contribute to a healthier future. 

Nestlé Research & Development Center, Abidjan is currently looking for an R&D Cocoa Specialist who will support Cocoa and Coffee agronomy research by providing expertise in crop physiology and crop systems.

Responsibilities:

• Studying cocoa agronomy systems and cocoa physiology                                                        
• Contributing to crop systems improvement towards net zero achievement
• Contributing to breeding program by providing phenotyping and physiological characterization of cocoa varieties                             
• Develop methods and techniques to measure regenerative agriculture parameters.
• Design, lead and implement multi-local trials as well as lab experiments to support breeding and crop systems designs.                                                  
• Organizing research projects and presenting studies to appropriate communities for review
• Consulting with environmental scientists, engineers, and business professionals to support sustainable practices.                                                                                                       

What will make you successful?  

• 3 to 5 years of experience as a cocoa agronomist leading research projects
• Experience of field research and collaboration with local and remote partners
• Demonstrated knowledge of cocoa agronomy, physiology, and phenotyping
• Specialized in field trials establishment and management.
• Demonstrated experience in working in rural areas and with cocoa farmers.
• Demonstrated knowledge of good laboratory practices in general
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices of coffee production is a plus.
• Ability to instruct other employees transversally to assist in the accomplishment of specific tasks.
• Project management within multidisciplinary teams

Nestlé is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer, seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, age, religion, nationality, disability or perceived disability, medical condition, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law.

The closing date for application is  2nd May 2024

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.