Specialty Analyst

Role Overview

Volcafe is seeking a competent Specialty Analyst to join their Addis Ababa team. This role focuses on sourcing specialty Ethiopian coffees from growers and exporters within the country's coffee growing regions. A major part of the position involves promoting these premium coffees to clients around the globe. The Specialty Analyst is integral to the commercial team in Addis Ababa and is responsible for maintaining productive relationships with both suppliers and clients, ensuring quality, pricing, and timely delivery of specialty coffee products.

This position requires frequent travel to coffee-producing areas and continuous liaison with multiple teams at destination points. Experience working in a modern coffee laboratory environment is essential. The Specialty Analyst reports directly to the General Manager.

Company Overview

Volcafe Ltd is a global leader in green coffee trading, operating across over 20 countries. Their expertise spans green coffee procurement, sustainability, blending, quality control, risk management, export, import, and distribution. They supply prominent coffee roasters and retailers worldwide and have robust strategic growth plans. Volcafe is part of ED&F Man Commodities, a leading agricultural trader specializing in commodities such as coffee, sugar, molasses, and animal feed.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and nurture effective relationships with specialty coffee suppliers.
• Maintain an updated catalogue of available coffee lots.
• Collaborate closely with the Quality Control team to prepare and disseminate sensory evaluation reports.
• Coordinate training sessions and events targeting high-quality coffee suppliers.
• Lead and contribute to initiatives that support and engage the specialty coffee community.
• Ensure the smooth processing of specialty coffee purchases, working alongside the execution team.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for stakeholders involved in specialty coffee supply chains.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Computer Science, Business Administration, International Trade, or related disciplines.
• Between 1 to 3 years of relevant experience in coffee production, processing, specialty sourcing, supply chain management, or related agricultural commodity operations; dry mill experience advantageous.
• Exposure to coffee export processes with experience in the specialty coffee segment.
• Proven ability to perform efficiently under pressure in dynamic environments.
• Strong attention to detail and effective self-management capabilities.
• Fluent in both Amharic and English with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with modern corporate IT tools and data management; advanced computing and task automation skills are a plus.
• Knowledge of Ethiopian specialty coffee qualities, preferably including direct field experience.

Company Values and Commitment

Volcafe adheres to values of Respect, Integrity, Meritocracy, Client Focus, and Entrepreneurship, reflecting the ethos of its parent organization, ED&F Man Commodities. These principles guide internal communication, collaboration, and client engagement.

The company is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are respected and treated equitably. Volcafe promotes equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, or any other protected status as defined by local laws.