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.  For more information visit NCBA CLUSA Farmer-to-Farmer.

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking a qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidate for the position of Business Management Volunteer to support Asociación de Mujeres Emprendedoras de Nuevo Progreso (AMUJENP), based in Nuevo Progreso, Peru. The Business Management Volunteer will provide technical assistance to an organization that is rising from humble beginnings to stake it’s claim in the cacao sector.  They have already developed 16 different products with 40 varieties; one of which led to them winning the award for best cacao liquor from Peru’s Salon de Cacao.   The volunteer will be tasked with helping this association on the administrative side of the business.  AMUJENP has been successful in developing and selling products, but require training in developing a business plan, staff roles and responsibilities, business strategy to increase brand awareness, and putting systems in place to accurately record sales and production costs.

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

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Analyze administrative documentation, processes and value chain to develop a business strategy and make suggestions on how to improve AMUJENP’s management.
• Plan and conduct workshops with members to improve their management skills, assign roles and responsibilities and use of financial information to make business and operation decisions. 
• Conduct workshop/training in cacao derivate products, niche market opportunities, negotiation and sales skills to contribute AMUJENP strategy to find clients.
• Work collaboratively with co-op staff and members to establish a business plan to improve the performance of the organization.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in Business management/administration or a related field
• Knowledge of cost analyses, management, finance, and sales is preferred
• Experience with business marketing is a plus, especially cacao
• Candidate must be legally able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• Advanced Spanish is a plus (However a translator will be available if needed)

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.