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 U.S. Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidate for the position of Fashion Accessory Designer to support Asociación de Artesanos Sumac Pallay de Sibayo (ASSUPASI) based in Sibayo, Peru. This would be a 100% remote position.

The ASSUPASI women raise alpaca and spin their wool to create the yarn, which is used to make gloves, hats, scarves, shawls, etc.  In the past this group of women artisans, located in a small town nestled in the Andean Mountains, were able to appeal to the thousands of tourists that visited the beautiful mountain range.  However, since the onset of COVID-19, tourist traffic has decreased as quarantine restrictions expand, thus leading to a decline in sales.  In efforts to withstand the pandemic and economic impacts the association would like to broaden their sales platforms and appeal to customers via social media channels. 

Additionally, their current inventory is not considered “fashionable” and they want to design new creations.  Alpaca fiber is available in a wide range of natural colors from whites, browns, silvers and black but the predominant color is white and the scarcest are black and silver.  The artisans do possess knowledge on various natural dyeing techniques and can leverage those skills to help with new designs.

Duration: 3 weeks in September 2020

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Collaborate with the members to propose a new accessory collection.
• Provide guidance on design of future collections (accessories or others to be produced by the associates and later commercialized).
• Training sessions on design of fashionable garments
• Training sessions on colorimetry and color combination

• Degree in art and design and/or Fashion Design
• Experience as a Fashion Designer
• Knowledge of collection design for commercial purposes
• Knowledge of fine and luxury fibers like alpaca
• Understanding of the luxury garments market and mainstream fashion
• Available for virtual communications with Host Organization and F2F Staff 
• US candidate must be legally able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

All application materials must be submitted in English.

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.