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 2 (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 Coffee Processing Expert to support Asociación Cooperativa de Producción Agropecuaria Cafetalera Divino Salvador based in Chalatenango, El Salvador.

Divino Salvador Cooperative was established in 2009 in the municipality of La Palma. Members' farms are located in the Alotepeque-Metapán mountain range, one of the main coffee-producing areas in El Salvador. The farms’ high-quality soil and altitude are typically sought after in specialty coffees. However, few associates have had access to specialty coffee markets that are willing to pay premiums.  Leaders feel that the producers need to improve their processing activities in order to offer a good quality product to specialty markets. Almost all the members remove the pulp of their coffee using artisanal procedures. This is not a standardized procedure that Divino Salvador farmers practice, each one does it according to their experience.  Drying is done in African raised beds (a suitable method and better than the traditional drying on the ground), but they do not have instruments to measure the adequate percentage of humidity nor do they know a standard.  The selected volunteer will train the members of the Divino Salvador cooperative to improve their coffee processing activities and take advantage of the potential of their quality coffee bean.

Duration: 2 weeks, September - December 2022       

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Evaluate current coffee processing operations on the farms
• Work with cooperative members to define operation standards and critical points
• Conduct trainings to teach farmers the correct procedures for coffee processing
• Host a workshop to develop visual aids to help the farmers remember correct procedures

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Agronomy, Agroindustry, Industrial Engineering, or related fields
• Working knowledge in coffee operations and procedures
• Experience growing and processing coffee is 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.

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.