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 2 (1- US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Peru) qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates for the position of HACCP Advisor to support Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera Oro Verde, based in San Martin, Peru. In efforts to be in compliance with the requirements set forth by General Direction of Environmental Health (DIGESA in Spanish) of the Ministry of Health, the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points Advisor will provide guidance to this coffee and cacao cooperative to ensure the safety of their processed foods.  The volunteers will assess and analyze the work coffee  processing areas and develop a plan to eliminate any hazards.   By having the HACCP assessment, ORO VERDE will be able to trade roasted coffee and sell their products in renown supermarkets around Peru that will directly increase sales and will contribute to livelihood of farmers.

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:

• Review the existing documentation regarding the coffee  processing.
• Conduct workshops/trainings for the local staff and give steps to comply with HACCP certification. i.e. identification of critical control points, establish corrective actions and monitoring procedures.
• Conduct a Hazard Analysis to evaluate Oro Verde’s current processes and identify where adjustments should be made. 
• Recommend monitoring procedures for the enterprise and cooperative that may influence the overall process.
• Establish corrective actions along with the enterprise and the co-op’s staff.
• Prepare a HACCP plan draft to determine any necessary changes. This will be a living document that the co-op staff will update accordingly.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor' s degree or equivalent in an academic field directly related and essential to the position.
• Significant experience in process flow, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Food Safety Management Systems of coffee and cacao production is preferred.
• Must have HACCP (and/or PCQI) knowledge and training
• Knowledge of hygiene practices and transformation processes of coffee and cacao.
• Knowledge of processes involved in plant production in order to identify where potential hazards might exist.
• 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.