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 Cooperative Social Services Specialist to support Cooperativa Agroindustrial Cordillera Azul de Nuevo Progreso (COOPACANP) based in Tocache, Peru.

The Cooperativa Agroindustrial Cordillera Azul de Nuevo Progreso (COOPACANP) was founded in 2013. Every year they take on new challenges to strengthen their capacities to become self-sustainable.  They would like to distinguish themselves from other cooperatives by offering social services to their members.  They have narrowed their choices down to 1)Education- technical trainings, scholarships for books and school fees, etc. for member’s children and 2) Health- assist their members to apply for health insurance, Water Sanitation and Hygiene  methods and research funding to improve status, coordinate health campaigns to prevent malnutrition, TBC, dengue etc.  Therefore, they would like the volunteer to train them on the governance and management aspect of offering social services to their members.

Duration: 2 weeks, September- December 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:

• Help cooperative leaders design a Members Needs Assessment; execution methods, timelines, and survey questions.  Taking into consideration services provided by other cooperatives.
• Support social needs assessment of members through interviews, focus groups and/or surveys
• Review/Analyze the needs assessment results
• Design a plan with the cooperative to provide social services to their members considering short-term and long-term initiatives, and financial and human resources of the cooperative

• Background in social work, social responsibility and/or community development
• Experience in cooperative business and by-laws.
• 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.