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 qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidate based in Peru  for the position of Business Portfolio Diversification Expert to support Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera Oro Verde based in San Martin, Peru. The  Business Portfolio Diversification Expert will collaborate with the US based volunteer to provide the cooperative with training and knowledge to diversify their product offerings amidst a reduction in coffee sales.  Since the onset of COVID-19 they find that sales of panela (unrefined whole cane sugar) and honey are surpassing coffee, but not enough to sustain operations.  The 2 experts will work with the cooperative to help them design and conduct a business portfolio assessment, analyze income production costs and composition, assess current initiatives, etc. to help ensure longevity of this cooperative.

Duration: 2 weeks, July- October 2020

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Analyze the contributions of the existing business plan and current activities implemented by the Oro Verde joint venture, and provide feedback for improvements, if necessary
• Conduct trainings for the staff to assess the current portfolio. 
• Co-design and validate a portfolio diversification strategy for the Cooperative. 

• Bachelor’s degree in business marketing, food engineering, industrial engineering and/or related fields.
• Experience in global coffee trading, value added products of tropical crops and working with cooperatives is a plus. 
• Market knowledge of the food and beverage industry
• Expertise in business/strategic planning in the food processing industry
• Knowledge in marketing strategies and financial skills is desirable. 
• Available for virtual communications with Host Organization
• US candidates must be legally able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• Advanced English language skills; reading, writing, speaking.

All application materials should 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.