Farmer-to-Farmer Education Instructor

The National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) is the trade association for cooperative businesses in the United States and an international development organization. NCBA CLUSA provides cross-sector education, technical assistance, and advocacy that helps co-ops thrive. For nearly 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 100 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 21 countries 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.   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 2 (1- remote US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Peru) qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates for the position of Education Transfer Instructor to support Cooperative Alto Huallaga based in Leoncio Prado, Peru.

Cooperative Alto Huallaga was established to cut out intermediaries and allow cacao farmers to export crops themselves. The cooperative has grown to now include 520 members spread throughout the regions. Cooperative Alto Huallaga not only helps their members export, but they also advise farmers and monitor processing to create a homogenous production. The Cooperative aims to balance production and commercialization initiatives. As part of this goal, Cooperative Alto Huallaga loans equipment to farmers to help with their production and decrease input costs for individual farms.

With so many members, Cooperative Alto Huallaga struggles to engage with them. Members often question the value of long-term savings in the Cooperative and do not understand the Cooperative’s need for investments. Therefore, Cooperative Alto Huallaga wants to increase members’ knowledge and engagement about the cooperative structure and business success. The volunteer will assist with this engagement by instructing the technical field team’s knowledge transfer skills so they can engage members and inform them in an effective way.

Duration: 2 Weeks (October – December 2021)

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Contribute to Co-op assessment of competences and/or other variables like efficiency of services that affect member engagement and participation. 
• Train the technical team how to develop learning activities and transfer knowledge about by laws and co-op management. 
• With collaboration of the Co-op develop transfer knowledge and behavior changes monitor strategies/activities. 
• Design educational materials to support co-op learning activities. 

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Professional with extensive experience in developing learning experiences and knowledge transfer. 
• Knowledge of the cacao value chain, agricultural work, coop management, bylaws and membership engagement. 
• Ability to facilitate group trainings, adult training, and the skills to transmit his/her knowledge using non-technical language.   
• The volunteer must also have significant experience working in an international setting including awareness of cultural differences.  
• The volunteer must also be comfortable traveling in rural areas of a foreign country with limited resources.  
• 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 your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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.