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-  Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer based in Peru  for the position of Organizational Development Expert to support Cooperative Cacaotera Agroindustrial de Uchiza (COCAU) based in Tocache, Peru. This cooperative was founded in 2017 through a joint effort of 5 small Uchiza’s caserios (towns under 1000 inhabitants) to have access to better services such as technical assistance and formal commercialization contracts.   The board wants to learn about organizational tools and/or techniques to promote stability in the organization.  Within the last 2 years, they lost 15 members, which put strain on the responsibilities of the remaining members as they juggle maintaining their cacao farms.  By improving the relationship between the board of directors and the organizational body, empowering them to be more actively involved, the board hopes to sustain the cooperative and build membership. 

Duration:  2 weeks, August- November 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:

• The volunteer will analyze Cocau’s value proposition strengths and weaknesses to identify opportunities to engage members and board of directors.
• Design a strategy, tools and/or resources to increase collaboration and accountability.
• Create a plan to promote the engagement tied to Cocau’s business goal and ground it in generating mutual benefit
• Redesign jobs and responsibilities of board of directors in alignment with Cocau’s value proposition and document them.
• Conduct trainings to increase accountability, time management, and conflict resolution of Cocau’s staff of directors.

• Expert in cooperative business, teamwork and leadership. 
• Experience creating organizational and management manuals for cooperatives is desired. 
• Experience with adult group facilitation, and training in communication skills and decision-making process. 
• Knowledge of cacao production is preferred, but not required. 
• Available for virtual communications with Host Organization, Staff and Co-volunteer
• US candidate must be legally able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• 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.