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 1 qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidate based in Ecuador for the position of Organizational Strengthening Experts to support Asociación de Producción Agropecuaria Cargo (ASOPROCARGO) based in Milagro, Ecuador.

The Asociación de Producción Agropecuaria Cargo "ASOPROCARGO" is an agricultural association that applies agroecological practices in cacao productions and has agrotourism farms. ASOPROCARGO was formed in 2016 because, the cacao business was not suitable for small growers; the sales value of cacao beans dropped but production costs were the same and producers barely broke even. One solution to combat this situation was for small growers to band together and form associations so they could pool their beans and negotiate high volume contracts.

ASOPROCARGO would like to receive training on member roles and responsibilities that will encourage member participation and adoption of good agricultural practices (using sustainable methods for pest and disease control, integrate soil management techniques and improve irrigation) among all members. This knowledge transfer training will give the association essential tools that will steer members to the cooperative path and discourage side-selling.

Duration:        2 weeks April- June 2021

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Analyze the current organizational structure and provide constructive feedback about how the association is managing it.
• Develop comprehensive training on organizational strengthening and its importance for the association's development.
• Teach participants about members' roles and responsibilities so they understand how this will make the association sustainable

• Analyze the current organizational structure and provide constructive feedback about how the association is managing it.
• Develop comprehensive training on organizational strengthening and its importance for the association's development.
• Teach participants about members' roles and responsibilities so they understand how this will make the association sustainable
• 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.