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 a qualified candidate, residing in Peru, for the position of Compost Expert to support Cooperativa Agroindustrial Cordillera Azul de Nuevo Progreso (COOPACANP), based in San Martín, Peru. The candidate will virtually collaborate with the US volunteer to achieve the deliverables of the assignment.  COOPACANP is a cooperative dedicated to the production and retail of cacao. The co-op established a compost plant 2014-2015, but due to financial issues, had to close and today remains abandoned. European restrictions on the importation of cacao that exceeds a certain level of Cadmium have encouraged the cooperative to better manage their compost system with the hopes that it will eliminate cadmium.  Some producers have been creating their own compost, with little regard for nutrient balances and standard methodologies while others have simply been purchasing compost from the local ag-supplier; cost prohibitive.  The compost expert is expected to provide hands-on training so that the cooperative will be able to continue exporting their cacao to Europe

Duration: 2 weeks, June- 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:

• Study the cooperative’s current waste management process and organic fertilizer production.
• Survey proposed site for the composting plant and give preliminary recommendations for potential growth and operation.
• Carry out trainings to co-op leaders and members on soil, compost management and how to check the pH of the farm’s soil using pH test paper or a handheld pH meter, and other relevant information.
• The volunteer will give hands on trainings to participants on sustainable agricultural practices and strategies to develop a medium-scale compost operation.
• Prepare a final recommendation report including site surroundings, local materials and environmental considerations.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS: 

• An agronomist or environmental engineer with significant soil management experience and medium scale compost production.
• Knowledge of soil science, and composting, including chemical and physical properties of soils in cacao plantations is preferred, but not required.
• Experience in the operation of composting plants is desirable.
• 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.