HOBOKEN, New Jersey – Neumann Gruppe USA is committed to fostering racial equity and creating a more inclusive coffee industry. The Group believes that meaningful change begins with collaboration and a shared dedication to positive transformation. With that in mind, Neumann Gruppe USA announces that the application for the third class of NKG PACE Partners opens now. The application window will remain open through Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. To apply, please visit the NKG PACE site, click apply in the navigation bar and scroll down to access the application.
What Is NKG PACE?
NKG PACE was created by Neumann Gruppe USA, in close cooperation with the Coffee Coalition to Advance Racial Equity (CCRE).
As a paid, one-year program (with healthcare insurance and other benefits) NKG PACE offers up to three individuals per year a comprehensive education in the workings of a green coffee importer with a deep emphasis on Quality Control.
By sharing the expertise of Neumann Kaffee Gruppe companies and illuminating lesser-understood areas of the coffee supply chain, the program’s goals are to meaningfully advance the careers of under-represented coffee professionals and create lasting change in the U.S. coffee industry.
Through the CCRE, NKG PACE Partners are also paired with a professional mentor — a coffee veteran committed to supporting the Partner in their journey and to helping build a more inclusive industry.
How is the experience?
The program offers a blend of daily lab work assisting QC managers; collaborative online learning; and independent study projects.
While its educational foundation is in Quality Control, partners also spend time with trade, logistics and customer service teams.
Partners are usually assigned to different labs around the country but come together at different points in the program and meet online several times a week.
Program highlights include:
• A week-long orientation in Hoboken, where partners get to know each other, as well as the program coordinator, education lead and QC managers.
• A bi-monthly online speaker series with NKG colleagues from around the world, including NKG services, exporters and farms in England, Brazil, Kenya, Honduras and Papua New Guinea.
• Visits to warehouses, events and customer locations.
• A week-long visit to a different NKG U.S. office, to experience another team and the area of focus of another lab.
• If desired, travel to a Q Grader testing site to take the week-long test at no fee, thanks to the generous support of the Coffee Quality Institute.
• A week-long visit with an NKG export company, such as Ceca in Costa Rica, to learn about export operations, processing and farms.
Who is it right for?
The Group invites Black Americans with an interest in coffee to apply. You’re more likely to thrive in the role, and enjoy it, if you’d describe yourself as being: highly organized, having a strong attention to detail, self-motivated, able to demonstrate sensory skills, and able to balance the exciting work of sensory assessment with more routine responsibilities such as weighing samples and mailing sample packages.
Candidates must have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent, be at least 21 years of age and be a citizen of the United States. If you’re contemplating this position, chances are it’s right for you.
When will things happen?
Please apply between now and Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. ET. Semi-finalists will be contacted for an interview by Friday, Dec. 15.
By Feb. 9, 2024, final selections will be made, and individuals will be contacted and encouraged to make moving plans, if necessary. The 2024-2025 NKG PACE Partners will be announced Feb. 26. On May 6, they’ll join their colleagues for their first days in their respective offices.
Why should you get involved?
The coffee industry has a rich history and a bright future, but there is much work to be done in terms of racial equity. Together, we can begin to create change.
If you’re a coffee business wanting to support this program, the Group offer several sponsorship opportunities.
If you’re a services company, an educator or have resources or an opportunity to contribute to the curriculum experience: please contact the Group.
If you’re part of the coffee community in any capacity, the company hopes you’ll join them in their mission to create a more inclusive, diverse and equitable coffee industry.
And lastly, if you’re someone who wants to understand the full coffee value chain that precedes retail and is interested in a career in coffee, the company warmly invites you to apply.
