The National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) is the primary voice for people who use cooperative businesses to build a better world and a more inclusive economy. NCBA CLUSA provides cross-sector education, technical assistance, and advocacy that helps co-ops thrive. For over 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 85 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 in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

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 Grant Writer to support Asociación Nacional de Exportadores de Café del Ecuador (National Association of Coffee Exporters of Ecuador also known as ANECAFE), based in Manta, Ecuador.

ANECAFE was founded in May 1983 and is the oldest coffee trade union entity in Ecuador.  They strive to lead Ecuador's coffee exporting sector in a sustainable way, as well as promote production increase, support the improvement of existing coffee production and achieve national and international recognition.

Coffee farmers and associations often do not qualify for a loan at a commercial bank or other financial institution and when they manage to qualify, interest rates are too high as their loans are considered high risk. Investments are necessary to make coffee farming more sustainable and profitable, for current and future generations. Some of the resources available are rotating funds, climate change funds, grants from international organizations (including World Bank or ICO – International Coffee Organization) and other type of funding.

There are available grants for development and cooperation projects that they would like to access, but ANECAFE doesn’t know the necessary steps or process to access them. These funds are necessary to help achieve ANECAFE’s goals.  ANECAFE members want to improve their knowledge of accessing grants and utilize online resources to find grants. They need advice on writing grant proposals, understanding the elements of a good proposal and grant management.

Duration: 2 weeks, April- July 2021

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Teach trainees about grant research, fundraising, grant management and resource access in online platforms.
• Work with the association’s members to create a designated grant writing team that will help ANECAFE to reach social and economic goals.
• Collaborate with training participants to prepare presentations and document templates that will help ANECAFE’s members to submit successful proposals.

• Degree in English, Journalism, Media or a related field
• Minimum of 1-year experience in grant writing (EU funded programs, USDA, or USAID programs, ICO, Green Funding, etc), prospect research, general fundraising or a minimum of 2 years comparable and transferable skills acquired in a professional setting
• Broad knowledge of international cooperation, grant management,  effective communication skills (personal and institutional), deep knowledge of public and private sector alliances. 
• The following KSA are desired: Presentation skills, Written communication, Graphic design skills, Technical documentation, Layout skills, Problem solving,  Deadline-oriented, Strategic Planning
• Past work in sustainability initiatives within the coffee value chain are highly desirable.
• 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.