Coffee Cupper / Cupping Specialist

About the role

Southern Horizon is seeking a full-time Coffee Cupper / Cupping Specialist to work on-site in Addis Ababa. The specialist will lead daily cupping sessions, evaluate flavor profiles and defects of green coffee lots, and provide sensory data that supports sourcing and export decisions.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct daily cupping sessions and maintain consistent cupping protocols.
• Record sensory data, prepare detailed cupping reports and share findings with sourcing and quality teams.
• Calibrate results with internal and external cuppers and organize coffee samples for evaluation.
• Ensure a clean, controlled cupping environment and support client tastings and quality presentations.
• Provide timely feedback to operations to guide purchasing decisions and strengthen customer relationships.

Required profile

• Strong sensory evaluation experience with coffee cupping, flavor note identification and defect detection.
• Knowledge of coffee processing methods (washed, natural, etc.) and their impact on cup quality.
• Ability to document results using standardized scoring systems or quality forms.
• Experience in quality control or quality assurance within coffee or related agricultural products.
• Clear written and verbal communication in English; Amharic or other local languages a plus.

Required skills

• Coffee cupping
• Sensory evaluation
• Coffee processing methods
• Green coffee grading
• Standardized cupping scoring systems