ERP and CRM SAP Microsoft Dynamics 365 Traceability / Data collection GIP (New RACP) OFIS ODOO SEDEX KoboToolbox Microsoft Power Apps Data analysis / GIS Microsoft Power BI Microsoft Excel QGIS Documents editors and presentations Microsoft Word – Power Point – Publisher
ARNOLD WILFRIED BESSE
AGRI-FOOD INDUSTRY ENGINEER / LEAD AUDITOR ISO 9001 / SENIOR CERTIFICATION AND SUSTAINABILITY EXPERT
ABIDJAN
Summary
Experienced with delivering strategic consulting services to enhance client business operations. Utilizes in-depth industry knowledge and analytical skills to identify and implement effective solutions. Track record of building strong client relationships and driving measurable results.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
17
17
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Consultant, certification and sustainability expert
FOREST COVER
01.2025 - Current
- Sustainability and certification projects setup and implementation
- Responsible Business conduct assessment
- Office compliance and risk assessment / Training
- Support partners with their quality management system
- Data reviewing and dashboard tools creation for monitoring through Microsoft Power BI
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver comprehensive solutions for clients.
- Managed client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress.
- Evaluated client needs and expectations, establishing clear goals for each consulting engagement.
- Developed innovative strategies for clients, resulting in increased revenue and business growth.
Managing Director / Operations Manager
Peterson and Control Union – Côte d’Ivoire – Abidjan
01.2021 - 03.2025
- General Management of Côte d’Ivoire office
- Operational and financial procedures establishment
- Yearly action plan and budget proposal and execution
- Monitoring of the budget / Monthly financial reporting
- Yearly Management review
- Internal management system audit preparation
- Business development – More than 100 clients acquired
- Tripled the company turnover over 3 years.
- Certification operations management
- 3rd part audits management (Including RA and Global GAP)
- 2nd party sustainability programs developments and auditing
- CARGILL – Promised verified program
- PURATOS – Cacao Trace program
- OLAM – At Source program
- BLOMMER sustainability program
- Designing of office operations traceability tools – MS Excel
- Certification documents assessment and complaints management
- Certification Data analysis using Microsoft Power BI
- Auditors hiring, qualifications and appraisals
- Management of a team of 12 FTEs + 35 freelance auditors
- Streamlined operational processes by implementing best practices, resulting in improved efficiency and team productivity.
- Led cross-functional teams in developing strategic initiatives that enhanced service delivery and client satisfaction.
- Oversaw budget management and resource allocation, ensuring optimal utilization of resources across projects.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by mentoring staff and promoting professional development initiatives.
International Graduate Project developer
Peterson and Control Union – Netherlands - Rotterdam
01.2020 - 12.2020
- Global standardization of the tenders proposals process
- Global offices mapping – Microsoft Power BI / ArcGIS
- CRM system setup and optimization – Microsoft Dynamics 365
- Developed and implemented project strategies that enhanced international collaboration and streamlined operations across diverse teams.
- Led cross-functional teams in delivering innovative solutions, ensuring compliance with international standards and best practices.
- Spearheaded project initiatives that improved stakeholder engagement and facilitated effective communication throughout project lifecycles.
- Analyzed project performance metrics to identify areas for improvement, driving efficiency and aligning operations with strategic objectives.
International Graduate Project developer
Peterson and Control Union – United State – Florida
09.2019 - 12.2019
- US and Canada Customers mapping and audits planning
- Supporting on consultancy project designing - Olam At Source
- Certification audits execution - Olam At source
- Sustainability Data analysis – Microsoft Power BI
- Green House Gaz emissions calculations
Program Officer Member Support
Rainforest Alliance (Ex UTZ) – Côte d’Ivoire – Abidjan
05.2018 - 08.2019
- Support and train UTZ members on the program implementation - more than 500 members
- Digital traceability system monitoring and training - GIP
- Relationship and customer satisfaction management
- Customers data Analysis and monitoring
- Designing of Marketing materials for external communications
Sustainability Project Coordinator
OLAM / SAIC SA – Côte d’Ivoire – Abengourou
02.2017 - 01.2018
- Management of the supply chain digital traceability System called Olam Farmer Information System OFIS through :
- Organization of farms data collection and analysis (digital data and geolocations)
- Training of a 16 technicians team on the use of the system
- Feeding the system with data collected and perform analysis and interpretations
- Implementation of sustainability projects aligned with the management objectives
- Training of cooperatives and farmers on good agricultural practices
- Assisting on procurement data management
Operations Department Head
AGRONOMIX S.A, Côte d’Ivoire, Yamoussoukro
10.2015 - 01.2017
- Planning and execution of vegetable farms activities on 300 ha with increase of the farms productivity by 12 %
- Sustainability activities execution for farmers communities
- Farms geolocation and mapping
- Sustainability data analysis
- Irrigation systems monitoring
- Direct management of 32 technicians
Trainee
Cohen propagation Nurseries – Israel – Kfar HaNagid
10.2014 - 10.2015
- Flowers cuttings production in a greenhouses
- Implementation of phytosanitary treatments plan
- Maintenance of the drip irrigation system
Education
Agronomist engineer Degree (BAC+5) - Agri-food industry
National Polytechnic Institute of Yamoussoukro
Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire01.2014
Skills
- Certification
- Rainforest Alliance
- EUDR
- ARS 1000
- Fairtrade
- Global GAP
- Organic (EU / USDA)
- RSPO
- ISO 9001
- SA 8000
- SMETA
- Greenkey
- GSTC
- Sustainability projects management
- Auditing process management
- Supply Chain
- Traceability
- Quality Management system
- Customer relationship management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Analytical thinking, planning and risk mitigation
- Budgeting and financial analysis
- ERP and CRM
- SAP
- Microsoft Dynamics 365
- Traceability / Data collection
- GIP (New RACP)
- OFIS
- ODOO
- SEDEX
- KoboToolbox
- Microsoft Power Apps
- Data analysis / GIS
- Microsoft Power BI
- Microsoft Excel
- QGIS
- Documents editors and presentations
- Microsoft Word – Power Point – Publisher
Certification
2025 OECD Due diligence for Responsible Business Conduct – CI, Abidjan
References
- Merav, COHEN, merav@cohennur.co.il, +972 0523961543, Cohen Propagation Nurseries
- Koko Yao, Denis, kokoyaodenis@yahoo.fr, +225 0708041261, Consultant Expert in agriculture systems
- Doudjo, SORO, dousoro@yahoo.fr, +225 0749629046, National Polytechnic Institute of Yamoussoukro
TRAINING COURSES
- 2014 – 2015 Agriculture technics degree Topic: New agricultural technicals and irrigation systems
- 2008 – 2014 AGROSTUDIES (International Center of Agricultural studies) and NETAFIM Research center, Israel
Accomplishments
Accomplished Agri-Food Industry Engineer with 11 years of experience in compliance management and sustainability strategy, expert in certification processes and stakeholder collaboration. My key achievements include tripling company turnover by acquiring over 100 clients in three years and training more than 500 UTZ members to improve digital traceability systems. Seeking a Compliance Lead position at Barry Callebaut, where I bring my certifications expertise and sustainability management skills to support your mission of shaping a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future.
Software
Timeline
Consultant, certification and sustainability expert
FOREST COVER
01.2025 - Current
Managing Director / Operations Manager
Peterson and Control Union – Côte d’Ivoire – Abidjan
01.2021 - 03.2025
International Graduate Project developer
Peterson and Control Union – Netherlands - Rotterdam
01.2020 - 12.2020
International Graduate Project developer
Peterson and Control Union – United State – Florida
09.2019 - 12.2019
Program Officer Member Support
Rainforest Alliance (Ex UTZ) – Côte d’Ivoire – Abidjan
05.2018 - 08.2019
Sustainability Project Coordinator
OLAM / SAIC SA – Côte d’Ivoire – Abengourou
02.2017 - 01.2018
Operations Department Head
AGRONOMIX S.A, Côte d’Ivoire, Yamoussoukro
10.2015 - 01.2017
Trainee
Cohen propagation Nurseries – Israel – Kfar HaNagid
10.2014 - 10.2015
Agronomist engineer Degree (BAC+5) - Agri-food industry
National Polytechnic Institute of Yamoussoukro