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. citizen Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidate for the position of Ecotourism Consultant to support Asociación de Productores Ecológicos (APROECO) based in Moyobamba, Peru. The Ecotourism Consultant will provide guidance to this coffee association, nestled in the jungle, that has been producing and selling coffee under the KUNTU coffee label.  Due to rezoning in Moyobamba APROECO had to determine a way to save their office and warehouse space. Using funds from a government issued grant they converted the building into a coffee shop that would contribute to the local tourism industry.  They also developed an ecolodge, Cascadas del Fuego, which they hope to have up and running soon.

The volunteer is expected to assist APROECO is developing a strategic plan so that both the coffee shop and ecolodge will be staples within the local tourism sector.

Duration: 3 weeks, March- April 2021

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Assess current status of coffee shop and ecolodge; providing suggestions for improvements
• In collaboration with the association, develop an ecotourism plan aligned with the objectives and business goals of APROECO cooperative.
• Create an operational plan to be executed with the ecotourism plan.

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Branding with a concentration in tourism is desired
• Knowledge on brand management, sales management and strategy
• Experience starting/operating a business in the hospitality industry is a plus
• Knowledge of coffee shop management and coffee production is preferred, but not required
• Marketing experience in tourism industry
• Experience owning/operating an ecolodge is desired, but not required
• Available for virtual work with the Host Organization, Staff, 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.