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 Leadership Development Volunteer to support Consorcio Cacaoteros de Napo based in Napo, Ecuador. The volunteer will work 100% remotely to build leadership skills in members, with emphasis on women and youth as part of the organization’s generational replacement plan.  The consortium of cacao associations has recognized the importance of integrating women and youth into business operations in order to establish the next generation of leaders within the cacao sector, expand business capacities, drive change, and improve their farm management practices.  Some members have received leadership development training in the past and require a refresher, therefore all members will benefit from this assignment.

Duration: 3 weeks starting October 2020

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Provide training on leadership styles and effective group collaboration, as well as how to put leadership skills to use and amplify the talent of current members and younger generations.
• Collaborate with Consorcio Cacaoteros de Napo and partners to identify, curate and deploy effective practices, training materials, and other elements that expand current members, women and youth’s participation and engagement.
• The volunteer will recommend a brief and practical toolkit with evidence-based activities that representatives can replicate in the field with producer groups to motivate them and promote leadership in order to achieve locally-defined goals and objectives.
• In collaboration with members, the volunteer will assess and recommend changes (if applicable) to their internal policies to promote member participation.

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with ability to establish trust, build relationships, empower people and demonstrate integrity and credibility
• Subject matter expert in women and youth services, leadership development, career navigation, and/or economic mobility
• Flexible skill set that includes; organizational governance and development, leadership development, training and facilitation, and research as well as a demonstrated commitment to women and youth partnerships
• Previous work experience with rural associations is desired
• Available for virtual communications with Host Organization and Staff
• US candidate must be legally able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• Advanced English language skills; reading, writing, speaking.

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.