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 Organic Cacao Production Specialist to support cacao producers in Ecuador.  The volunteer will provide introductory training to producers who are beginning their journey in organic cacao production and want to ensure that organic production practices are implemented throughout their processes.  The farmers intend to have awareness campaigns for organic farm management and implementation of measures that will protect natural resources while increasing production yields of cacao. They need recommendations on creating an organic technological package that includes soil inputs (made on the farm or found in the market) focused on phytosanitary and nutritional management.

They have copies of US, European, and Ecuadorian organic standards and will follow a training-of-trainers approach to disseminate information and techniques to the broader farmer network.

Duration: 2 weeks, November- December 2020

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Provide training on organic management of cocoa production that will include recommendations to create a technological package that involves phytosanitary inputs and nutritional management of the soil and crop whilst maintaining adequate yield levels.
• Give recommendations on training delivery and facilitation to OLAM’s personnel for them to be able to replicate organic practices with farmers and providers.

• BS in Agriculture, Horticulture and/or a similar degree field is desired
• Experience in organic crop management and production; including soil management
• Experience with training-of-trainers methods are 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. Spanish language abilities are a plus

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.