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 (remote) 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 Organizational Development Expert to support Unión de Organizaciones de Productores de Cacao Arriba Ecuador (UOPROCAE) based in Esmeralda, Ecuador. The Organizational Development Experts will support this group consisting of 5 grassroots cacao producing organizations: APROCA, APROCAM, Ecocacao, APROCAR and ASOPROARONES to encourage member participation.  These 450 farmer members sell their chocolate under the brand “Herencia Esmeraldas” which is sold worldwide.

UOPROCAE is an umbrella organization that would like to strengthen the grassroots associations they work with. The current members see UOPROCAE as a company they sell their cacao to but are not interested in the decision-making process of UOPROCAE. The board of directors would like to learn strategies that will encourage stronger and more active member participation, so all associates are aligned with the mission and goals of the organization.

Duration: 2 weeks, March-June 2021

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Assessment of the organization’s structure.
• Collaborate with members and employees to develop a communication strategy that would increase member participation.
• Recommend strategies that will help members better understand their roles and responsibilities, establish effective internal procedures, and coordinate multiple stakeholder groups.
• Trainings on raising awareness about the importance of participation for business success.

• Governance, management or internal procedures expert; organizational development experience desired
• Experience in adult based training/ capacity building specialist
• 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.