- Master’s degree in Agronomy, Biotechnology, Food Science, Chemistry and Agri-business
- Valid Q-Grader and Q-Processing certificates.
- Proven experience of three (3) years in coffee post-harvest facilities (washing stations, warehouses, dry mills, cupping labs, roasting plants)
- Proven experience of three (3) years in coffee cupping or quality assurance preferred.
- Strong analytical and reporting skills.
or
- Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Biotechnology, Food Science, Chemistry and Agri-business
- Valid Q-Grader and Q-Processing certificates.
- Proven experience of five (5) years in coffee post-harvest facilities (washing stations, warehouses, dry mills, cupping labs, roasting plants)
- Proven experience of five (5) years in coffee cupping or quality assurance preferred.
- Strong analytical and reporting skills.
|
Under the direct supervision of the QA and Regulatory Division Manager, the Coffee Cupping and Processing Specialist will perform the following duties & Responsibilities:
- Supervise a team of cuppers and report to the Quality Assurance and Regulatory Division Manager on performance of sample collection, coding, roasting, cupping, and storage of reference samples;
- Ensure proper documentation of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Division Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in collaboration with the Sampling and Coding Officer and Quality Assurance and Control Specialist to ensure laboratories are ready for accreditation and QMS re-certification;
- Prepare training programs for coffee cuppers and submit for approval by the supervisor;
- Coordinate sample preparations including roasting, grinding, and preventive maintenance of sensory lab equipment and environmental control;
- Conduct professional sensory evaluation (cupping) in line with international protocols (SCA and CQI standards).
- Coordinate cupping, physical analysis, and record keeping of results to ensure reliability and timeliness;
- Collaborate with other laboratory staff to ensure impartiality and avoid bias or direct collaboration with exporters or external stakeholders;
- Inspect coffee post-harvest facilities including washing stations, warehouses, dry mills, cupping laboratories, and roasting plants;
- Prepare narrative, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports from the coffee cupping lab and submit to the supervisor;
- Review coffee export documents such as contracts, invoices, and related requests;
- Support training, calibration, and quality benchmarking activities;
- Coordinate Best of Rwanda and other regional or international coffee competitions, including preparation of cupping sessions and management of consumables and logistics.
- Undertake any other duties assigned by the direct supervisor.
|
- Timely and impartial cupping reports.
- Properly coded and traceable coffee samples.
- Well-documented sampling records for export and cupping sessions.
- Contribution to the integrity and reputation of Rwanda’s coffee exports.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills;
- Strong technical skills;
- The ability to work well under pressure;
- Attention to details;
- Team working skills;
- Organizational and team management;
- Interpersonal and communication skills;
- Fluent in English a
|
