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 Chocolatier to support Cooperativa Agroindustrial y de Servicios del Centro Poblado de Bella (CAI BELLA) based in Huanuco, Peru. The Chocolatiers will share their expertise in creating flavorful chocolates that appeal to both the general public’s sweet tooth as well as the refined palates of chocolate critics worldwide.  The cooperative uses milk and sugar to balance out the bitterness and texture profile of the Coleccion Castro Naranjal cocao variety and create a high-quality product but have had limited success.  CAI BELLA wants to offer products that fit customers’ palates, are marketable and fit socio-economic eating habits. Therefore, they would like the volunteers to assist them to improve their chocolate and cacao by-products making skills, recipes, identify traits to market themselves and propose innovation in their assortment of products.

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 the current product offerings
• Train 10 of CAI BELLA’s personnel and members in chocolate making skills
• Propose improvements in CAI BELLA’s current product line recipes and processes
• Analyze advantages and disadvantages of different strategies; development of a second and/or premium brand, new product launch, etc.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in culinary arts
• Professional working in chocolate confection and cacao derivates industry with experience in artisanal production
• Experience marketing chocolates and other cacao by-products
• 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.