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.   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 volunteer (either 1- US volunteer willing to travel or 1- remote US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Ecuador for a hybrid assignment) qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates for the position of First Aid Instructor to support Comité de Participantes de Prima de Comercio Justo Viche based in Quinindé, Ecuador.

Comité de Participantes de Prima de Comercio Justo Viche is a conglomerate of smaller committees established in 2020 as farmers were seeking a reliable client to whom they could sell their cacao.  They produce organic cacao and a wide range of short and midterm crops (rice, corn, banana, plantain) as well as other permanent species, such as fruits (orange, lemon, mango).

Due to the remote location of many of the producers, it is difficult for them to gain access to transportation and emergency healthcare.  Associates and community members have problems with snake bites, car accidents and agrochemical product poisoning. They would like to receive first aid training from a qualified medical health professional.  The objective is to teach beneficiaries about first aid response to keep individuals alive or to assist affected persons until they can get to health centers or medical aid comes to the site.

Duration: 2 weeks January- November 2022      

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Teach participants how to triage, provide first aid, etc., to patients involved in emergency situations; car accidents, snake bites and poisonings.
• Train participants in First Aid, CPR, AED, Blood Borne Pathogen as deemed necessary
• Develop a plan for maintaining first-aid kits, inventory supplies, restock and clean equipment

• The volunteer should have a medical or nursing degree with experience in first aid assistance. (EMR/EMT/CPR/Medical Technician licenses and certification plus 2+ years of experience may substitute formal education.)
• Critical thinking skills with the ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Ability to communicate safety needs
• 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 is desired

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.