The National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) is the trade association for cooperative businesses in the United States and an international development organization. NCBA CLUSA provides cross-sector education, technical assistance, and advocacy that helps co-ops thrive. For nearly 100 years, NCBA CLUSA has sought to advance and protect cooperative enterprises, highlighting the impact that cooperatives have in bettering the lives of individuals and families. In the last 60 years, NCBA CLUSA has worked in over 100 countries in the areas of food security, agricultural development, strengthening of communities and farmer organizations, community-based health, natural resources management, and empowerment of smallholder farmers, women, and youth. We currently work in 21 countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

NCBA CLUSA is seeking qualified candidates to fulfill future assignments in horticulture, including, but not limited to; Integrated Pest Management, Soil Fertility Specialist, Compost Expert, Plant Propagation Expert, etc. The volunteer will support farmers battling pest and disease, soil water retention, low yields, improving seed saving techniques in efforts to boost production yields.  The technical assistance provided is expected to improve production yields for farmers so that they may improve their economic status. 

Location: Multiple locations, to include Peru and Ecuador

Duration: 2- 4 weeks

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Assess the current conditions of producer fields and determine which pest control measures would prove most beneficial to the producers
• Design a holistic and robust farm plan for producers
• Develop and deliver a Training-of-Trainers curriculum on various topics
• Teach cooperative members about growing plants from seeds to cuttings, budding and grafting.
• Carry out an assessment of vegetative materials available, tools and other agricultural assets that are necessary for successful implementation of plant propagation methods.
• Teach the members about different growing techniques to improve productivity.
• Train participants on different methods to analyze soil fertility
• Design and implement compost training sessions

• Prior experience performing IPM in a greenhouse or commercial farming environment
• Experience supervising pesticide applications
• Knowledge of fruit and vegetable production
• Degree in Agriculture and/or Horticulture Science, or related; can substitute experience
• Knowledge of plant maintenance, seed germination, initiating new plant growth
• Background in soil management is desirable
• Advanced Spanish is a plus (However a translator will be available if needed)
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop and maintain effective relationships 
• Strong oral and written communication skills 

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

NCBA CLUSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity.  All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, and legally protected characteristics for non-merit factors.