Farmer-to-Farmer Organizational Governance Expert

  • Contract

Company Description

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.

Job Description

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidate based in Ecuador for the position of Organizational Governance Expert to support Asociación de Producción Agropecuaria Waylla Kuri de Rukullakta Oro Verde del Pueblo Viejo (ASOPROAKURI) based in Napo, Ecuador.

Waylla Kuri members are currently expanding some of their business areas and this includes improving its organizational structure. Currently Waylla Kuri has statutes that were created as part of their registration at the Superintendency of Popular and Solidarity Economy (Superintendencia de Economía Popular y Solidaria or SEPS) back in 2015.  However, Waylla Kuri lacks internal by-laws. By-laws are important to minimize risks, control the internal affairs of an organization, solve and avoid conflicts and dictate the way the group must function as well as the roles and responsibilities of its authorities. This assignment will focus on the creation of Waylla Kuri’s by-laws to increase membership and trust in board members to develop strong organizational governance.

Duration: 2 weeks, February- May 2021   

 

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

  • The volunteer will help Waylla Kuri to establish their by-laws through a collaborative process following good governance principles.
  • The volunteer will help to raise awareness of good governance key practices and the importance of strengthening accountability mechanisms within the Board of Directors and members through training sessions.
  • The volunteer will teach participants ways to amend or modify by-laws accordingly to adapt to current organization operations.

Qualifications

  • Expertise in associative strengthening, co-operative movement, institutional governance
  • Knowledge of member-based organizations; structure and development including internal procedures. Past work with rural associations or coffee co-operatives is valuable.  
  • 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.

Additional Information

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.