Internal Call Only - (RFP500594) Lab Assistant II, Cacao of Excellence (Perugia, Italy)

The Organization

The Alliance of Bioversity International & 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.

The Alliance works with local, national and multinational partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.

About the position

Based in Perugia, Italy, and under the direct supervision of the Cacao of Excellence Manager of the Programme, the Lab Assistant II will provide hands-on, process-focused support for the daily operations of the Cacao Quality Laboratory. The position is responsible for ensuring that cacao bean samples are processed efficiently, consistently, and in accordance with programme standards into cacao liquor and chocolate for competitions, sensory evaluations, research activities, and other programme-related initiatives.

The selected candidate will support laboratory workflows, maintain quality, hygiene, and food safety standards, assist with inventory and logistics activities, and contribute to the smooth delivery of laboratory services and stakeholder engagement activities. The incumbent will also provide administrative support related to the coordination of job trainees and contribute to the successful implementation of activities under the Cacao of Excellence Programme.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Process cacao bean samples through all required stages, including cleaning, roasting, breaking, winnowing, manual picking, milling, tempering, and finishing.

• Execute daily laboratory operations and support laboratory workflows to ensure efficient and timely delivery of programme activities.

• Maintain cleanliness, order, quality control, and food safety standards across all laboratory facilities and equipment.

• Support adjustments to laboratory workflows to ensure activities are delivered according to programme timelines and objectives.

• Keep accurate records of sample processing stages, laboratory activities, and inventory levels.

• Monitor laboratory consumables and supplies and support procurement processes by preparing purchase requests as needed.

• Coordinate the shipment, receipt, handling, and storage of cacao samples and laboratory materials.

• Support the preparation of cacao and chocolate products for Award Ceremonies, competitions, tastings, and related programme initiatives.

• Assist with the organization and implementation of laboratory visits, stakeholder engagement activities, tasting sessions, and other programme events.

• Provide administrative coordination and support for job trainees collaborating with the laboratory.

• Contribute to the efficient and consistent delivery of laboratory services in accordance with the standards and objectives of the Cacao of Excellence Programme.

Requirements

Required qualifications and experience

• Technical degree or equivalent qualification in Technology, Production, Laboratory Operations, Food Science, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience in cacao and chocolate processing.

• Previous professional experience, preferably a minimum of three (3) years, in laboratory operations, food processing, or a related environment.

• Proven ability to support daily operational activities efficiently and accurately.

• Basic working knowledge of English.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Required competencies

• Practical knowledge of cacao and chocolate processing techniques and laboratory operations.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow established procedures consistently.

• Commitment to quality, food safety, hygiene, and operational excellence.

• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within a team environment.

• Proactive and solution-oriented approach to daily operational challenges.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Good interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with colleagues, trainees, visitors, and external stakeholders.

Benefits

Terms of employment

This position is a nationally recruited staff position 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 initial contract will be for up to one (1) year, subject to a probation period of six (6) months, and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources.

This position is graded at BG05 level, with a minimum annual base salary of EUR 39,369 according to the Alliance job classification framework. We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits including, but not limited to, insurance, retirement plan, staff training and development, paid time off, and flexible working arrangements.

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

• Be non-EU citizens holding a valid Italian work permit (permesso di soggiorno per lavoro subordinato).

Applications

Applicants are invited to visit for full details of the position and to submit their applications. Applications must include the reference number RFP500594 – Lab Assistant II, Cacao of Excellence Programme as the position applied for. Cover letter and CV should be saved as one document using the candidate's last name and first name for ease of sorting. The Alliance collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applications closing date: 18 September 2026

Please note that email applications will not be considered.

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