Internal Call Only
Pubblicato il 16-09-2026 - Swiss Forum For International Agricultural Research in Italia
Internal Call Only - (RFP500594) Lab Assistant II, Cacao of Excellence (Perugia, Italy)
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