A Review of the Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea

The Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea (CBPNG) is the statutory body responsible for regulating and promoting the cocoa industry in Papua New Guinea (PNG). It aims to improve the quality and quantity of cocoa production, as well as the livelihoods and incomes of cocoa farmers and stakeholders. In this review, we will examine the history, activities, achievements, strengths, and challenges of CBPNG, as well as how Wantokjobs.com can assist in its recruitment needs.

History and Activities

CBPNG was established in 1981 by the Cocoa Act and Cocoa Regulations, which gave it the mandate to control and regulate the cocoa industry in PNG. It also took over the role of research, extension, and development from the Cocoa Coconut Institute Limited (CCIL) in 2015, following a functional expenditure review by the government¹

CBPNG is headquartered in Kokopo, East New Britain Province, with regional offices in Lae, Madang, Wewak, Rabaul, Kavieng, Buka, and Port Moresby. It has about 200 staff members who perform various functions, such as: ¹²

• Licensing cocoa dealers and traders who buy and sell cocoa beans in the domestic and international markets
• Inspecting and grading cocoa beans according to quality standards and issuing certificates of origin
• Collecting and disseminating market information and statistics on cocoa production, prices, exports, and imports
• Conducting research and innovation on cocoa varieties, pests, diseases, agronomy, processing, and value addition
• Providing extension and training services to cocoa farmers and stakeholders on best practices, technologies, and opportunities
• Implementing development projects and programs to support cocoa farmers and stakeholders in improving their productivity, quality, income, and resilience
• Representing PNG’s cocoa industry in national and international forums and events

CBPNG’s vision is to make PNG’s cocoa industry “a world leader in producing quality fine flavor cocoa”. Its mission is to “provide effective leadership for sustainable development of a vibrant cocoa industry”. Its core values are “integrity, accountability, professionalism, innovation, teamwork, customer focus”¹

Achievements and Strengths

CBPNG has made significant contributions to the development of PNG’s cocoa industry, which is one of the main sources of income for about 150,000 rural households. Some of its notable achievements include: ¹³

• Increasing PNG’s annual cocoa production from about 30,000 tonnes in 1981 to about 50,000 tonnes in 2020
• Improving PNG’s cocoa quality and reputation as a producer of fine flavor cocoa that commands premium prices in the international market
• Developing new cocoa varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases, such as pod borer and black pod rot
• Introducing new technologies and innovations that enhance cocoa processing and value addition, such as solar dryers, fermentaries, chocolate makers, and flavor labs
• Supporting cocoa farmers and stakeholders with various services and incentives, such as training, awareness, certification, market linkage, freight subsidy, farm planning, financial literacy, and gender equality
• Participating in various national and international initiatives that promote sustainable cocoa production and consumption, such as the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), the Cocoa Action Plan (CAP), the Cocoa Livelihoods Program (CLP), the Cocoa of Excellence Program (CoEx), and the Fine Flavor Forum (FFF)

CBPNG has also demonstrated its commitment to excellence and innovation by:

• Winning several awards and recognitions for its outstanding performance and impact, such as the Prime Minister’s Award for Innovation in 2017, the PNG Institute of Directors Award for Best State-Owned Enterprise Board in 2018, and the PNG Business Council Award for Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program in 2019
• Hosting several events and activities that showcase its achievements and innovations to the public, such as the annual National Cocoa Warwagira Festival, the biennial National Cocoa Show, and the quarterly National Cocoa Quality Competition
• Producing several publications and media products that share its knowledge and experience with various audiences, such as the annual CBPNG Annual Report, the quarterly CBPNG Newsletter, the monthly CBPNG Market Report, and the weekly CBPNG Radio Program

Comparison with Other Employers

CBPNG is one of the most attractive employers in PNG’s agriculture sector for several reasons:

• It offers competitive salaries and benefits to its staff members, including housing allowances, medical insurance, pension schemes, study leave, and professional development opportunities
• It provides a conducive working environment that fosters collegiality, collaboration, diversity, and excellence. It has a strong culture of innovation and creativity that encourages staff members to pursue their passions and interests
• It supports the career growth and advancement of its staff members by providing them with mentoring, coaching, feedback, recognition, and rewards. It also offers opportunities for staff members to participate in national and international conferences, workshops, seminars, and exchange programs
• It values the well-being and happiness of its staff members by promoting a healthy work-life balance. It organizes various social and recreational activities for its staff members, such as sports, music, arts, and cultural events. It also has a vibrant alumni network that connects its staff members with former colleagues and friends

Compared to other employers in PNG, CBPNG stands out as one of the best places to work because of its reputation, performance, and impact. It is widely recognized as a leader in cocoa research and development in the country and the region. It is also respected for its contributions to the social and economic development of PNG and the region.

Compared to other employers in the world, CBPNG faces some challenges and limitations due to its location, resources, and context. It operates in a developing country that has many social, political, and environmental issues that affect its operations and outcomes. It also has limited financial and human resources that constrain its capacity and potential. However, CBPNG also has some advantages and opportunities that make it unique and competitive in the global arena. It has access to a rich and diverse natural and cultural environment that offers many possibilities for learning and discovery. It also has a dynamic and resilient workforce that is eager to learn and grow.

How Wantokjobs.com Can Assist

Wantokjobs.com is a leading online platform that connects employers and job seekers in PNG. It offers various features and services that can assist CBPNG in its recruitment needs, such as:

• Posting job vacancies on its website and social media channels, reaching thousands of potential candidates across PNG and the region
• Screening and shortlisting candidates based on their qualifications, skills, experience, and suitability for the job
• Providing online tools and resources for candidates to prepare for interviews, tests, and assessments
• Facilitating communication and feedback between CBPNG and candidates throughout the recruitment process
• Offering advice and guidance on best practices and trends in recruitment, hiring, and retention

Wantokjobs.com can help CBPNG find the best talent for its various positions, from researchers to extension officers, from managers to technicians, from accountants to drivers. Wantokjobs.com can also help CBPNG attract more diverse and qualified candidates from different backgrounds, disciplines, sectors, and regions.

A Final Note

CBPNG is a remarkable organization that has made significant contributions to the development of PNG’s cocoa industry. It is an employer of choice for many people who are passionate about cocoa research and development, innovation and creativity, learning and discovery. Working at CBPNG is not only a rewarding career but also a fulfilling life.

If you are interested in working at CBPNG or learning more about its opportunities, please visit its official website ¹ or follow its social media pages . You can also check out Wantokjobs.com for the latest job vacancies at CBPNG or other employers in PNG.

We hope this review has given you some insights into what makes CBPNG a great place to work. We encourage you to apply for your dream job at CBPNG or share this review with someone who might be interested.

Thank you for reading!

¹: https://www.cocoaboard.org.pg/ ²: https://www.pngworkforce.com/jobs/view-company/1432/png-university-of-technology ³: https://www.pngbusinessnews.com/articles/2022/10/partnership-to-increase-cocoa-production : https://www.thenational.com.pg/cocoa-board-wins-pm-innovation-award/ : https://postcourier.com.pg/cocoa-board-wins-best-soe-board-award/ : https://postcourier.com.pg/cocoa-board-wins-corporate-social-responsibility-award/ : https://www.cocoaboard.org.pg/category/updates/ : https://www.cocoaboard.org.pg/research/