Operations Coordinator - YUS Coffee Cooperative

Reports to: TKCP Livelihoods Program Coordinator & YUS Conservation Coffee Cooperative Boards

Term: Annual contract, renewable based on performance

Location: YUS Conservation Area, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea

About the YUS Conservation Coffee Cooperatives

The Yopno, Uruwa, and Som (YUS) Conservation Coffee Cooperatives represent over 500 coffee-farming families across more than 30 villages in the YUS Conservation Area. Farmers grow coffee sustainably under native forest canopy at elevations of 1,000-2,200+ meters. Coffee is selectively harvested, manually washed, and dried on raised beds. Through a long-standing partnership with the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program (TKCP), the Cooperative has supplied specialty markets for nearly 15 years. With cupping scores averaging in the low- to mid-80s and microlots reaching the high 80s, YUS coffee has strong potential for growth. However, logistics, communication, and coordination challenges continue to limit production and delivery.

Position Overview

The YUS Coffee Cooperative Operations Coordinator is responsible for implementing the Cooperative's annual business and operating plans. Contracted through TKCP and seconded to the Cooperative, the Coordinator ensures smooth, transparent, and effective operations throughout each coffee season. This role is ideal for PNG-based agribusiness professionals with strong experience in supply chains, cooperative management, and rural community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Develop annual operating plans and budgets with Cooperative Directors, Coffee Inspectors, and Cluster Leads.

• Coordinate sourcing of coffee from clusters according to agreed volumes, quality, and timelines.
• Organize cost-effective logistics for coffee movement from villages to the mill.
• Negotiate sales contracts with buyers, including pricing, delivery terms, and quality expectations.
• Maintain communication with airstrip inspectors, freight providers, mills, buyers, and TKCP.
• Oversee Airstrip Inspectors and ensure quality control at the zone level.
• Work with CICL, Morobe Provincial Government, and Kabwum District Development Authority to secure air freight financing.

YUS Coffee Cooperative Operations Coordinator

• Coordinate with partners on quality evaluation, lot management, and buyer expectations.
• Manage Cooperative finances with transparency and accountability.
• Coordinate farmer payments through Cluster Leaders.
• Train Coffee Inspectors and Cluster Leaders on quality control, record-keeping, and production management.
• Standardize record-keeping systems across clusters and inspectors.
• Support Cooperatives in maintaining records on membership, compliance, production, payments, and traceability.
• Prepare and present annual business and financial performance reports.

Ideal Candidate

• PNG national with experience in agribusiness, coffee value chains, or cooperative management.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Experience working in rural or remote settings.
• Ability to coordinate logistics and manage multiple stakeholders.
• Commitment to transparency, accountability, and community development.
• Willingness to travel frequently within the YUS landscape.
• Has relevant qualifications, trainings, and experience.
• Preferably based in Lae or Morobe province.

How to Apply

Please e-mail your application to: [email protected] and address it to

Human Resources

Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program

P.O.Box 360

Lae 411

Morobe Province