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- remote US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Ecuador) qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates for the position of Finance Educator to support Asociación de Trabajadores Agrícolas “Luis Vargas Torres”  based in Naranjito, Ecuador.

Asociación de Trabajadores Agrícolas Luis Vargas Torres was formed in 2005, by a small group of cacao growers. The organization was created to defend the producers' interests, gain access to broader markets, and negotiate fair prices for their products.  They grow cacao and sell dried cacao beans, cacao paste, cacao jam, and cacao honey.

The organization's members do not have proper control of their finances; they do not recognize if their production is profitable or if they are losing money. Individual farmers have a production plot and invest money, paying workers for crop maintenance, agriculture tools, plants, fertilizers, and other agricultural supplies.  Associates need to understand essential finances to manage their businesses better.  The Board of Directors also needs to improve the financial tracking system of the association.  They know how much they sell as an association but do not know how to interpret financial documents, like income statements, cash flow, or balance sheets. The Board of Directors must be able to understand and interpret financial documents that they already have and improve them, if necessary.  

Duration: 2 weeks May- July 2021 

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Analyze current financial management practices of the association/members and give feedback for improvement.
• Based on the analysis, provide training on basic accounting for cacao producers.
• Provide training on business financial management and its influence on decision-making for the board of directors.

• Degree in accounting, finance and/or a related field
• Experience in accounting and finance for business
• Ability to train on finance topics
• Experience working with agriculture associations 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.