Technical Agriculture & Agribusiness

HELVETAS Laos is looking for a Technical Agriculture and Agribusiness Officer (Coffee) for the Lao Upland Rural Advisory Services Project (LURAS Project Phase III) funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Job title: Technical Agriculture and Agribusiness Officer (Coffee)
Location: base in Xiengkhouang Province (frequent travel to the other provinces)
Duration of contract: 12 months
Date of entry: ASAP

Key Tasks:
• Promotion of specialty coffee and coffee farmers empowerment
• Support the process of building the capacity of PAFO, DAFO and Learning centres to be equipped to provide technical advice, training and practical support to farmers in sustainable farming techniques.
• Assist the farmer groups to connect with specialty coffee buyers and markets and build their capacity in marketing their products.
• Provide guidance on developing farmer organizations for collective action and stronger bargaining in processing and marketing.
• Facilitate partnerships to introduce new processing methods, quality control systems, grading standards, and certification schemes to add value and expand market opportunities.
• Timely quality field reports demonstrating the progress and results of the interventions
• Support the collection of key data related to adaptation of practices, production volumes, market trends and the requirements of the private sector.

Profile/Qualification:
• Academic qualifications (BSc minimum) related to agriculture, agronomy, natural resource management, or a related field
• Min 5-7 years’ experience working in agriculture, rural community development, agribusiness, farmer organizations development, value chain, (experience in coffee sector is an advantage)
• Well-seasoned level of technical professional, with strong experience with partnership development and capacity development processes.
• Experience working with development partners, private sector and government.
• Proficiency in MS Office and online tools.
• Intermediate understanding and writing in English language
• Self-directed, reliable, accountable, professional; effective coordination & good communication skills

Optional/Desirable:
• Previous work experience in coffee value chain
• Gender and social inclusion strategies
• Monitoring and documentation of results, data collection and analysis
• Advanced English or knowledge of an ethnic Lao language will be an advantage

Dateline for Application 13 December 2025

Indication/Remarks:
• Detailed job description can be made available on request to email Laos.Recruitment@helvetas.org
• Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.
• Attractive salary and benefit package for the right candidate as per the HELVETAS Laos Policies and Procedures

HELVETAS is a gender, culture, race, creed, political and religion neutral organization, promoting inclusion and tolerance, respect and fair treatment for and between all employees, partners, contributors, participants and beneficiaries. Women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.