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 Branding Expert to support Corporación Fortaleza del Valle (FORTALEZA) based in Manabi, Ecuador. The Branding Experts will provide technical assistance to members of this cacao corporation to bolster their presence in national and international markets.  Fortaleza is a second degree organization (comprised of federations, chambers, and/or unions) dedicated to the production and commercialization of fine aroma national organic cacao. Their main clients are located in Switzerland, Italy, U.S.A., Czech Republic, and Ecuador.

Cacao and chocolate markets are very competitive in Ecuador and Fortaleza needs to stand out amongst competitors. Fortaleza is known nationally as a strong organization with international prestige.  However, they still need support building a stronger brand that would reflect the translation of “Fortaleza” which means “strength or fortress.”  They hope to create a branding strategy that entails; establishing a designated group to oversee their social media pages, creating a branding promotion and marketing budget, implementing storytelling, developing a brand slogan, etc.

Duration: 2 weeks, March-July 2021

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Assessment of current brand elements of Fortaleza, such as social media, chocolate, and other product’s packaging, and how Fortaleza’s brand is currently positioned in the market.
• Collaborate with members and employees to develop a strong branding strategy that reflects their messaging and commitment to quality.
• Trainings on updating social media and deliver recommendations of web page update.
• Collaborating with the youth team to update online representation of the organization via social media platforms.

• A degree in Marketing and Communications or  similar field
• Experience in brand management and strategy development with small to mid-size companies
• Cacao value chain experience is a plus
• 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.