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 qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates (either 1- US volunteer willing to travel or 2 volunteers for a hybrid assignment- 1 remote US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Honduras ) for the position of Organizational Development Expert to support Cooperativa Cafetalera Belén Limitada (COCABEL) based in Lempira, Honduras.

COCABEL is a coffee cooperative formed in 2000 which prides themselves in being sustainable stewards in the coffee sector.  Not only do they focus on providing their producers with technical assistance, coffee sales and diversified sources of income (selling water and farming Tilapia) but water and soil conservation as well.  While on the surface the organization is highly productive there is lack of communication and participation by the members.  The Board of Directors would like the members to fully understand their roles and responsibilities and participate in meetings and the decision-making process.  They want to create a unified organization with members who identify with the mission, vision, and objectives of the cooperative.

Duration:        2 weeks, June- July 2022

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Collaborate with members to identify tools and techniques to improve the communication with all the members.
• Work with members to develop a system to track member participation and response to meetings, events, and trainings.
• Emphasize the roles and responsibilities of members in a cooperative model to strengthen member knowledge
• Recommend strategies and activities, based off of feedback from COCABEL participants, to increase participation/loyalty among members.

• Degree in communication and/or a similar field.
• Work experience and knowledge of the cooperative model and principles, roles, and duties distribution
• Diverse work experience within cooperatives with a demonstrated ability to facilitate communication amongst different generations
• 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.