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.   For more information visit NCBA CLUSA Farmer-to-Farmer.

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking (1- in person volunteer) qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidate for the position of African Swine Fever (ASF) Epidemiology Expert to support the Ministry of Agriculture and USDA Food for Progress Project Safe Agriculture/Food Export (SAFE) based in Dominican Republic.

Duration: 3 weeks January- March 2023  

The Ministry of Agriculture is the governing body of the Dominican Republic’s National Agricultural Sector, responsible for formulating and directing agricultural policies in accordance with the general development plans of the country. The ASF Incident Command response was created in mid-2021 to respond to the African Swine Fever outbreak identified in June 2021. They are the central competent authority for the response that coordinates with USDA/APHIS and other bilateral and multilateral interested parties. The Ministry of Agriculture and USDA/APHIS have formed a joint National ASF Incidents Command Center and have already formulated a national response plan to control & eradicate ASF in the country.

The USDA Food for Progress Project Safe Agriculture/Food Export (SAFE) project (operating locally as ProGana) was awarded to the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) to lead a consortium of public and private organizations, for a seven-year project to be implemented in the Dominican Republic from September 2015 to December 2023 to strengthen the Dominican beef and dairy value chains. SAFE supports the Dominican livestock sector by strengthening the capacities of producers, producer organizations, beef and dairy processors, and government institutions in 9 provinces. To date, Progana has supported 60+ farmer organizations with related technical assistance, matching grants to establish private extension systems as well as improve HACCP and SPS systems in milk collection centers and beef processing facilities.

There is a need ASF is easily transmitted across the country on trucks—truck tires, wheel wells, undercarriages and it has also been reported of the high incidence of ASF spreading via other carriers. It is key to formulate on data collection of ASF for extension agents and field veterinarians. Additionally, there is also a need for farmers to receive training on identification of sick animals and disease spread. SAFE plans to coordinate with the Animal Health Veterinarians from the National Livestock Directorate (DIGEGA) and the selected F2F volunteer to prepare trainings.

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Primarily train on data collection at control points for extension agents and field veterinarians. 
• Identify individual tools needed for technicians to monitor the disease. 
• Train farmers on procedures for vigilance and notification of sick animals and animal movements to appropriate officials by training in identification of all the points in which disease can spread from geological zones through the recovery and reorientation of the Health Defense Groups (HADGs) in vulnerable communities.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Master of Science or PhD in epidemiology
• Experience: More than 10 years of experience in epidemiology and disease biosecurity measures. Direct experience with ASF preferred but not required
• Language: Spanish fluency preferred but not mandatory
• Experience working in a developing country preferred
• Flexibility
• 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.