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 qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates (1- US volunteer willing to travel) for the position of Financial Educator to support Asociación de Producción Agropecuaria Cargo- ASOPROCARGO” based in (Milagro, Ecuador)

The Asociación de Producción Agropecuaria Cargo "ASOPROCARGO" is an agricultural association that applies agroecological practices in cacao productions and has agrotourism farms. ASOPROCARGO was formed in 2016. The Ecuadorian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) helped the initial 12 members form ASOPROCARGO, which has now increased to 17 associates with the goal of continued growth. Since the association was created, members have established practices that are beneficial to the environment and their finances by decreasing the use of agrochemicals on their crops and establishing direct contact with cacao exporters, avoiding intermediates.

The volunteer will help ASOPROCARGO´s members understand and interpret financial documents such as budgets, balance, cash flow, income statements and other tools for decision-making. This organization has grown in the past years, and they are in need of formal financial training in order to register and interpret financial information and to the members and the board of directors.

Duration: 2 weeks June- September 2022

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Analyze the current financial method that the association is managing and     provide feedback about improvement.
• Teach trainees how to use financial fundamentals
• Guide the trainees in financial statement interpretation, and how to translate them into simple ( non-technical jargon)

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• The volunteer should have experience in teaching finance and/or transmitting   financial fundamentals by using non-technical language.
• Degree in Finance, Economy Sciences, Accounting, or a related field
• Background working with associations in agriculture is a plus.
• Experience in Latin America is also desirable.
• Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable but not mandatory. 
• 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.