Barista / Juice Bar Specialist

This position is for someone who can build and run the beverage program at a brand-new café in Hargeisa, Somaliland. As the Barista / Juice Bar Specialist, you will be responsible for the full daily operation of the coffee and juice counter, from dialling in espresso shots to keeping fruit stock fresh, and you will do it while living on-site as part of an expat team. The role combines hands-on drink preparation, equipment care, and stock discipline, all in a live-in assignment with a two-year renewable contract.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will be the opening beverage specialist for a high-volume café counter serving coffee, fresh juices, smoothies, milkshakes, and non-alcoholic signature drinks. Your day-to-day work directly shapes the café’s reputation through consistent drink quality, clean and organised workspaces, and smooth service during busy periods. Beyond making drinks, you will take ownership of inventory and equipment maintenance so the counter can run from morning to closing without interruption.

Key Responsibilities

• Pull espresso shots and prepare cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites and other coffee drinks to exact recipe standards, including consistent latte art.
• Blend fruit smoothies, fresh juices, milkshakes and virgin mojitos using precise recipes and portion control.
• Calibrate grinders, adjust dose and extraction times, and texturise milk correctly for both hot and cold beverages.
• Backflush espresso machines, deep-clean blenders and juicers, and follow daily sanitation routines for all bar equipment and surfaces.
• Control stock of coffee beans, syrups, dairy alternatives, fresh produce and packaging; rotate deliveries and minimise spoilage through smart ordering and prep.
• Serve customers promptly at the counter, manage orders during peak times, and keep the service area clean, organised and inviting.
• Assist with monthly inventory audits and record usage data to help the Operations Manager forecast needs for the café.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 3 years working behind a commercial coffee bar or high-output juice station, with hands-on experience in espresso extraction, milk steaming and beverage assembly.
• Certifications: Recognised food safety and hygiene certificate, with knowledge of safe storage, hand-washing and sanitising procedures. Formal barista certification is a strong plus but not mandatory.
• Technical Mastery: Demonstrated skill in grinder calibration, milk texturing, latte art and alcohol-free cocktail mixing.
• Speed & Precision: Ability to move quickly and stay accurate during rush periods, maintaining taste consistency drink after drink.
• Customer Focus: Warm, hospitable manner suitable for engaging with regular café customers in an upbeat setting.
• Adaptability: Willingness to relocate to Hargeisa and live in shared staff accommodation for the full two-year contract.
• Practical Assessment: Shortlisted candidates must complete a practical skills test, using video or in-person format, to prepare an espresso, a cappuccino with latte art, and two signature juices or smoothies.

What We Offer / Why Join

• Net salary of USD 300 per month, paid without deductions.
• Full expat package including shared staff accommodation, meals during duty shifts, round-trip flights, and work permit/visa processing.
• Comprehensive medical insurance cover for the duration of the assignment.
• Two-year renewable contract with the opportunity to be part of a café opening team and shape beverage standards from day one.
• Applications must be submitted by 6 September 2026; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.