Cocoa Partnership Coordinator, Agriculture Growth & Livelihoods

About the role

The Cocoa Partnership Coordinator coordinates and oversees field implementation of APEP's Central Province Cocoa Partnership activity, which strengthens cocoa production, extension, aggregation, post-harvest quality and commercial opportunities through agribusinesses, the Cocoa Board, district administrations, cooperatives and women's groups. The role combines project management, field oversight, extension monitoring, reporting and adaptive learning, with about 50-60% of working time in the field. It is based in Port Moresby, starts in January 2027 and runs until February 2028 (with potential for extension); Papua New Guinea citizens only.

Key responsibilities

• Support preparation and delivery of partnership plans, work plans, milestones, budgets and counterpart contributions, and coordinate activities with partners while resolving or escalating delays.
• Spend 50-60% of time in the field, visiting each active partner at least quarterly, and monitor extension services, farmer training, nurseries, planting, post-harvest improvements and delivery of inputs and equipment.
• Check site and water conditions, farmer preparation, documented land access and consent, and asset operation and maintenance, and coordinate follow-up technical support with the Cacao Adviser, Cocoa Board specialists, Queen Emma agronomists and partner field teams.
• Validate achievement of contracted milestones against evidence (quantities, quality, location, beneficiary receipt) and document discrepancies and corrective actions.
• Maintain partner work plans, field schedules, a progress and milestone tracker, risk records and an Excel-based KPI dashboard, and take part in monthly partner progress discussions.
• Document quarterly field verification findings, collect partner information for six-monthly reporting, keep accurate beneficiary records and support baseline and endline monitoring with MERLA and GEDSI staff.
• Work with GEDSI and Safeguarding teams to monitor inclusion and safeguarding compliance, help organise Family Farm Teams training, and escalate barriers and safeguarding concerns.
• Identify underperformance and opportunities, recommend changes to activities or allocations, and provide field evidence for APEP-led evaluation and future planning.

Required profile

• Degree in agriculture, agronomy, agricultural extension, rural development, project management or a related discipline, or equivalent qualifications and substantial practical experience.
• At least five years of experience in agricultural or rural development projects, including project coordination, field implementation, extension or monitoring.
• Ability to manage partner work plans, milestones, implementation risks and follow-up across multiple organisations, and to check field delivery and procurement against requirements.
• Willingness to spend 50-60% of time in the field, travel extensively across Central Province, stay overnight in remote areas and organise visits independently.
• Valid PNG Class 1 or 2 driver's licence and ability to drive independently on rural roads and in four-wheel-drive vehicles.
• Clear written and spoken English, including communication with local communities in Tok Pisin.
• Commitment to gender equality, disability and social inclusion, child protection and safeguarding.

Required skills

• Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel, for reports, trackers and KPI dashboards.
• SharePoint for document storage, sharing and version control.
• Desirable: cocoa agronomy or extension experience, familiarity with Central Province and private-sector cocoa value chains, and experience with DFAT-funded programmes and Family Farm Teams.

Applicants must address the selection criteria in their cover letter and submit a single application with their CV online by 22 November 2026. The position includes health insurance, parental and carer leave and shuttle services.