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 Soil Analyst to support Cooperativa Cafetalera San Miguelito, Limitada  (COCASMIL)based in San Miguelito, Honduras.

The Cooperativa Cafetalera San Miguelito, Limitada (COCASMIL) was established in 1999.  It began with farmer Don Benjamin and 12 other farmers looking for a way to sell their coffee at better prices and improve the livelihoods of the families that grow coffee. COCASMIL provides the following services to their members: selling fertilizers to maintain the coffee farms (which the members can pay for with coffee, usually 80% coffee and 20% money), commercialization of coffee, cupping, drying (until 12% of humidity) and technical assistance in the field.  They are transitioning all their producers to organic coffee production and using organic fertilizers developed in-house, that members should apply to their land.  The issues is that members nor the technicians know the quality of the soil that members have.  They are requesting a soil analysis in order to tailor their organic fertilizer to the needs of the soil.  By adding proper nutrients they can achieve better yields and the quality of coffee production will increase.

Duration: 2 weeks,  March- April 2022         

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Collaborate with the COCASMIL team to analyze the soil quality at member farms.  This includes identification and classification of soil characteristics on their farms.
• The volunteer, along with the participants will use the provided equipment or other mechanisms available in the community to conduct the soil analysis.
• Work along with the participants to develop a soil management plan to increase their coffee productivity and quality.
• Analyze the organic fertilizers formulation that some members use and make suggestions for improvements, it if is necessary.

• Degree in Agronomy, Environmental Engineer and/or a similar field
• Demonstrated history conducting soil analyses
• Experience creating organic fertilizers formulations.
• Experience elaborating soil management plans
• Knowledge of coffee production 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.