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 US Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidate for the position of Sales & Marketing Strategist to support Cooperativa Agroindustrial y de Servicios del Centro Poblado de Bella (CAI Bella), based in Huánuco, Peru. The Sales & Marketing Strategist provides guidance to a busy cooperative that grows cacao and sells their Chocopasion line.  Cai Bella offers full tours and tastings of their chocolate manufacturing plant where visitors get to experience all phases of the cacao bean transformation; from fermentation, drying and toasting, to butter, powder and chocolate production. At the end of the tour, visitors stop at CAI BELLA store to taste and purchase Chocopasion chocolates as they desire.  The problem is that the workers need guidance on marketing and sales techniques to yield greater profits.  Based on the comparison of visitors to the area and number of sales, CAI BELLA knows there is room for improvement to ensure they are able to reach a larger client base.  They are willing to redesign their tours and potentially their store layout to be more appealing and convince vistors to purchase their chocolate.  The volunteer will focus on sales trainings for members and staff of CAI BELLA which will improve their position in the chocotourism sector.

Duration: 2 weeks July 2021 

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Research, plan and execute marketing efforts based on the history and vision of the cooperative
• Provide training on; tourism marketing, customer service, use of marketing strategy, sales management, etc.
• Analyze CAI Bella’s chocolate manufacturing process and suggest improvements to make tourists’ visits to the plant more enticing; improve store and tour design. 
• Enhance CAI Bella’s strategy to strengthen their clientele base in the tourism sector. 

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in Business and Marketing, Communication and/or related field.
• Experience in Branding and Marketing within the tourism industry
• Background in sales/negotiation tactics is desirable
• Knowledge of artisanal chocolate market is desired
• US candidate must be legally able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• Available for virtual communication 
• 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.