Internal Call Only - (RFP500612) Job Trainee, Cacao of Excellence (Temporary Assignment, 11 months- Perugia,Italy)

Job Trainee, Cacao of Excellence

(Temporary Assignment, 11 months - Perugia, Italy)

The Organization

Cacao of Excellence, led by the CGIAR’s Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), is a neutral global platform that brings together the public and private sector to discover, promote, and reward cacao producers of excellence from all origins, focusing on superior cacao quality and flavour diversity. Since 2009, the platform has held the prestigious global Cacao of Excellence Awards, celebrating and rewarding the work of cacao producers and showcasing the diversity of exceptional flavours worldwide. By leading cacao research, discovering exceptional producers and training the next generation of value chain actors, Cacao of Excellence’s is supporting the expansion of superior quality cacao, ensuring more producers thrive as empowered entrepreneurs. The CGIAR Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people in a climate crisis. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food‑secure future.

/ /

About The Position

Based in Perugia, Italy, and under the supervision of the Cacao of Excellence, Manager of the Program, the incumbent will provide office assistance and general support to the processing of cacao beans samples.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the processing of all cacao bean samples assigned by the Cacao of Excellence, Manager of the Program, into cacao mass, chocolate, or other chocolate‑derived products. This includes cleaning the beans, roasting, breaking, winnowing, milling, tempering, and other relevant operations.
• Cleaning the different areas of the lab as and when required.
• Support with hygiene‑related activities in the specific areas of the lab to ensure food safety of the cacao mass produced.
• Assist with production of the different valorization products for the Award Ceremony and Beyond (diversity sets, chocolate treasure box, …)
• Provide office assistance on procurement and logistics including supporting with the inventory system of supplies and consumables.
• Provide support to the team in the organization of visits and events at the lab - particularly with the catering and maintenance of the open space.
• Assist in other duties related to the process as guided by the Cacao of Excellence, Manager of the Program.
• Assist in the implementation of training programs and provide support in all related activities involving trainees, as assigned by the Cacao of Excellence, Manager of the Program.

Requirements

Essential Requirements

• Secondary school education.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite packages.
• Working knowledge of the English language, both written and spoken.
• Good interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills, courtesy and tact, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different cultural and national backgrounds.
• Good skills in personal organization and priority setting.
• Good client orientation and service approach.
• Good time management skills and attention to details.

Desirable Requirements

• Previous internships.
• Work experience in an international environment.

Terms of employment

This is a job traineeship based in Perugia, Italy, open to internal candidates, namely: regular staff members, complementary staff members, and individuals who are currently employed or have completed a contract with Bioversity in the last 12 months. The monthly salary is Euro 1,217. The contract is initially for a period of eleven (11) months. The contract may be extendable based on performance and availability of funds. Working days will be Friday to Tuesday as scheduled by the Cacao of Excellence, Manager of the Program.

The Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, marital status, and gender identities. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please note that eligible applicants must have the legal status to live and work in Italy:

• Be Italian nationals holding a valid passport or identity card.
• Or be EU citizens holding a valid passport or identity card and confirmation of registration from the Registrar’s Office (Anagrafe).
• Or Non – EU citizens holding a valid Italian work permit (permesso di soggiorno per lavoro subordinato).

Closing date for applications

30th September 2026