Farmer-to-Farmer Business and Sales Developer

  • Contract

Company Description

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.

Job Description

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 Ecuador) qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates for the position of Business and Sales Developer to support Asociación de Productores Agropecuarios (AGROECOCAFE), based in Francisco Orellana (El Coca), Ecuador.

AGROECOCAFE was established in 2006 for members to have a place to collect all the local coffee and cocoa grown in their communities. They produce Nacional Arriba cocoa and robusta coffee. The association connects its farmers with local markets and exporters to generate income.  Leaders acknowledge that they need to revamp their business and marketing models so that producers can professionally present themselves at local cacao meetings in order to bolster sales.  The association would like the volunteer to provide guidance on sales management, client relations, brand promotions, sales strategies, developing their personal appearance (attire and body language) and oral presentation of product description for strong and sustainable business relationship building.

Duration: 2 weeks, July-August 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:

  • Work with the association to create a Marketing and Customer Service Manual as well as provide trainings.  (Role play is highly encouraged).
  • Assessment of cooperative strengths and weaknesses with regards to current sales and marketing techniques.
  • Collaborate with the association members to determine roles and responsibilities within the sales and marketing chain.
  • Provide guidance on product presentation and packaging.
  • Give tips on creation and maintenance of social media accounts; Facebook/Instagram.

Qualifications

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Degree in business administration and or marketing,
  • Knowledge of in-person sales, strong presentation and communication skills,
  •  Experience in the cocoa and coffee industry is desired, 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

Additional Information

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.