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. We also have opportunities for people who are willing to travel.  For more information visit NCBA CLUSA Farmer-to-Farmer.

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates, (1- US volunteer who is willing to travel or 1- US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Ecuador who would work together) for the position of Grant Writer to support Asociación Nacional de Exportadores de Café del Ecuador (National Association of Coffee Exporters of Ecuador also known as ANECAFE), based in Manta, Ecuador.

ANECAFE was founded in May 1983 and is the oldest coffee trade union entity in Ecuador.  They strive to lead Ecuador's coffee exporting sector in a sustainable way, as well as promote production increase, support the improvement of existing coffee production and achieve national and international recognition.

Coffee farmers and associations often do not qualify for a loan at a commercial bank or other financial institution and when they manage to qualify, interest rates are too high as their loans are considered high risk. Investments are necessary to make coffee farming more sustainable and profitable, for current and future generations. Some of the resources available are rotating funds, climate change funds, grants from international organizations (including World Bank or ICO – International Coffee Organization) and other type of funding.

This assignment will be a follow-up for a Funding Access assignment in which participants will learn how to manage grants and prepare budgets for grant execution. Additionally, associates from ANECAFE want to understand strategies to maximize the success of awards or funds through the implementation of accountable processes, effective monitoring measures, and other key grants management best practices. They want to learn about results presentation, ensure compliance with funder requirements, address aspects of grant finances, and report grants management progress to stakeholders.

Duration: 2 weeks, February- July 2022    

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Collaborate with the participants to assess current measures in place for managing funding
• Teach participants about estimating a grant budget that will include necessary inputs, expenses and other costs related with the project implementation.
• Teach trainees how to measure grant success through evaluation of the use of resources received and goals achieved as a result of grant implementation.
• Teach trainees how to write and publish success stories or reports that will reflect the results of activities related to implemented grants

• Experience in grant management (including EU funded programs, USDA, or USAID programs, ICO, Green Funding, etc.).
• Broad knowledge of international cooperation, project management, effective communication skills (personal and institutional), deep knowledge of public and private sector alliances.
• Strong communication skills and ability to manage deadlines is required
• Past work in sustainability initiatives within the coffee value chain are highly desirable.
• 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

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.