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 2 (1- US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Ecuador) qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates for the position of Biofertilizers and Biols Expert to support Asociación de Producción Agropecuaria Waylla Kuri de Rukullakta Oro Verde del Pueblo Viejo (ASOPROAKURI) based in Napo, Ecuador.

ASOPROAKURI was established in 2015 and has 16 members. They are a community enterprise founded by the Kichwa People of Rukullakta in the Ecuadorian Amazon. They produce, process and market organic robusta coffee as well as sacha inchi seeds.  Waylla Kuri members are facing low productivity in their coffee plantations. This could be due to inadequate nutritional management of soil causing the plants to suffer. The soil in this area is poor; low soil pH and high content of phosphorus, aluminum, and fixed iron. Hence, Waylla Kuri would like to learn how to create organic fertilizers using local farm inputs and biols (or bioles in Spanish). These types of fertilizers should be made from readily available resources so that individual farmers can create this on their own.  Waylla Kuri leaders would like to have a training to raise awareness on the correct use of these fertilizers because it is often thought that organic production does not account for the need of inputs.  The selected volunteers will train participants on how to develop a composting system taking advantage of local resources for an increase in robusta coffee production.

Duration: 2 weeks, February- May 2021   

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• The volunteer will give recommendations on soil management techniques the farmers can use to increase productivity such as nutrient maintenance, soil conservation and use of local inputs to create fertilizers and biols at their farms.
• The volunteer will help to raise awareness of adequate soil nutrition, main nutrients and their function in supporting a healthy ecosystem, natural sources of fertilizers and in field recognition of low nutritional densities in their crops.
• The volunteer will train participants in soil analyses using physical, chemical, and biological indicators in the field.
• The volunteer will train participants on techniques to develop an organic fertilization system.

• A degree in environment engineering or agronomy with significant soil management experience
• Expertise in soil science, composting, biol creation
• A candidate with knowledge in chemical and physical properties of soils in coffee plantations is preferred.
• 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.