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’s USAID-funded Farmer-to-Farmer program sends American farmers and agribusiness professionals on 2-4 week agricultural development assignments, promoting sustainable growth and agricultural development worldwide.  Volunteer technical assistance from U.S. farmers, agribusinesses, cooperatives and universities helps smallholder farmers in developing countries improve productivity, access new markets and conserve environmental and natural resources.  During COVID-19 we have shifted to a hybrid volunteer model that affords US volunteers and in-country volunteers the opportunity to continue to provide technical assistance.   For more information visit NCBA CLUSA Farmer-to-Farmer.

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking 1 qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidate living in Peru for the position of Organizational Development Specialist Volunteer to support Cooperativa Alto Huallaga (CAICAH) based in Huanuco, Peru. The candidate will virtually collaborate with the US volunteer to achieve the deliverables of the assignment.  The co-operative is economically successful, and their members and staff believe that in order to maintain their success members need to increase participation and willingly work with the cooperative. The General Manager currently divides his time between two locations and requires the support of members to maintain the cooperative at operational capacity. The Organizational Development Specialist Volunteer will provide a baseline assessment of current organizational structure, to ensure sustainability. The internal procedures are to include, but not limited to; defining roles for personnel and members, balancing financial roles and responsibilities, and social impact. 

Duration: 2 weeks,June- October 2020 (Due to the global impact of COVID-19, Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer assignments are tentatively scheduled to restart summer 2020)

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Initial assessment of the organization
• Training on internal procedures; roles and responsibilities of personnel vs. members
• Conduct a baseline of cacao farmers’ engagement in the co-op and its operations.
• Train co-op leaders and members on management, governance, leadership and group (membership) development in the context of co-operative enterprises.
• Develop a satisfaction survey to understand members’ satisfaction with co-op services, transparency, technical assistance etc. through phone, web or others.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Governance, management or internal procedures expert
• Experience in adult based training/ capacity building specialist
• Gender and youth strategies
• Available for virtual communications with Host Organization, Staff and Co-volunteer
• Advanced English language skills; reading, writing, speaking.

All application materials must be submitted in English.

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.