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 Marketing and Sales Strategist to support Cacao de Aroma based in Tocache, Peru. Cacao de Aroma is a second-tier cooperative founded in 2014.  They have received training on sales and negotiation techniques that appeal to potential European clients. However, they expressed non-European clients are not as receptive of these tools. The cooperative feels that they are at a disadvantage due in part to their lack of exposure to non-European clientele; culture, contract negotiation process, and legal regulation to import agriculture products. The selected volunteers would help them develop their competence to negotiate and sell their cacao to clients in North America and/or Asia (current expanding cacao market) and to understand the characteristics of these continents’ demand.

Duration: 2 weeks, September- 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:

• Assess current methods used by Cacao de Aroma to attract clients
• Conduct international niche market opportunities analysis
• Create negotiation manual/protocol for multicultural clients
• Develop a commercialization strategy for clients outside Europe
• Provide training on marketing and negotiations with multicultural clients, commercialization, export, food and beverage international regulation

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Business degree with a background in food and beverage (F&B) wholesale or retail and commodity sales in global markets
• Knowledge in international commercialization of cacao, certification and export regulation.
• Experience in cooperative business, international client networking, contract negotiation and agriculture products exportation.
• Strong presentation and communication skills with group facilitation and adult training experience.
• Available for virtual communications with Host Organization, Staff, 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.