Farmer-to-Farmer Agritourism Specialist

  • Contract

Company Description

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.

Job Description

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. Compensation in the form of lodging, transportation, per diem, is provided by NCBA CLUSA.  No salary/consultant fees are paid.   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 El Salvador ) for the position of Agritourism Specialist to support Asociación Cooperativa de Producción Agrícola Los Pinos de R.L. (ACOPALP de R.L.) based in El Congo, El Salvador.

Los Pinos Cooperative was established on March 6, 1980. The cooperative arose from the Agrarian Reform Law where groups of farmers received land with coffee under the leadership of a cooperative. Initially, the cooperative was dedicated to the production and processing of coffee. However, due to low coffee prices and reduced margins, the cooperative looked for alternatives to generate income. As of 2003, they decided to diversify their offerings by providing tourist services.  Due to their prime location near the beautiful Coatepeque lake, one of the main tourist spots in El Salvador, they have been able to keep activities going but recognize growth is necessary.  Feedback that they receive from visitors of the restaurant and lodge show interest in additional activities, but the board of directors doesn’t know where to begin planning.

Duration: 2 weeks, January- April 2022

 

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

  • Assess current operations at Los Pinos restaurant and lodging facilities in order to provide constructive feedback
  • Based on the assessment results develop a workshop with the members to identify agritourism development opportunities with their pros, cons and order of priority
  • Collaborate with the cooperative to create an implementation plan for activities to be carried out in the next 5 years with recommendations and financial implications.
  • The volunteer will train the members of Los Pinos on how to implement the agritourism development plan
  • If possible, the volunteer will train some members on how to handle communication to attract customers to their agritourism facilities.

Qualifications

  • Degree in Tourism, Hospitality, Tourism Management, Agronomy, and/or related sciences
  • Specialization in agritourism and/or outdoor recreation
  • Working knowledge of agritourism experiences
  • Working knowledge of hospitality and services
  • High verbal communication skills are 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 are preferred

Additional Information

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.