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’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 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- remote US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Honduras) qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates for the position of Organizational Development Expert to support Empresa Campesina Agroindustrial de la Reforma Agraria de Intibucá (ECARAI), based in Intibucá, Honduras.

ECARAI was established in 1994 comprised of 9 cooperatives in Intibucá.  ECARAI provides agro-business services to its members that produce vegetables like potatoes (red and white), carrot, cabbage, beet, and radish. Services include technical assistance, transportation, training, merchandising, warehousing, etc.

Currently, they are structured where the small cooperatives feed into ECARAI.  As the smaller cooperatives acquire new board members (youth included), these individuals serve as representatives within ECARAI. The new members don´t know about the cooperative business model and ECARAI would like to provide trainings (organizational structure, participation, understanding roles and responsibilities, etc.), so the new members can take the lead in their own cooperatives as well as ECARAI.

Duration: 3 weeks September- November 2021 

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• The volunteer will analyze the organizational structure and member roles of the cooperatives and ECARAI to provide recommendations if needed.
• In order to develop understanding of the cooperative model, train members of the nine cooperatives and ECARAI board members
• Collaborating with the board and coop members, the volunteer will advise the trainees in the different roles in the cooperatives and ECARAI.
• Works with ECARAI board members to define a transition plan for leadership.

• Degree in business administration, business management and or a similar field
• Knowledge of the cooperative model and structure
• Experience defining roles and responsibilities as well as applying principles to strengthen cooperatives
• Demonstrated ability to develop training plans for leaders
• Experience working with multi-generational cooperatives is desired
• 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.