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 volunteers (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) qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates for the position of Marketing Strategist to support Asociación Cooperativa de Producción Agropecuaria y Agroindustrial Piedras Azules de R.L.based in Santa Ana, El Salvador. 

Piedras Azules cooperative was established in 2017 as an effort by coffee producers to process and sell their coffee better. Historically, these coffee growers had produced and marketed their coffee individually. However, various factors such as low coffee prices and the strong coffee leaf rust attack to coffee plantations in 2013 motivated them to join forces and work in an organized manner.
Currently, members believe that they need to improve their marketing skills and define a strategy that creates a profitable coffee business. Doing so would increase their confidence in negotiating better prices.  In addition, Piedras Azules has a logo that was designed by a Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer that reflects the essence of the cooperative and that is the center of the brand identity, but they haven’t agreed on where to place it on their packaging.

Duration:    2 weeks, November 2021- February 2022

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Evaluate current efforts and the cooperative’s plans to market and promote its coffee
• Work with board members to design a marketing strategy that can be effective for the cooperative for the next five years
• Develop a workplan, with input from members, to execute the marketing strategy
• Conduct trainings on marketing-related elements that the members may require based on the assessment
   

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related fields
• Working knowledge in sales and promotion
• Working knowledge in marketing
• 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.