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 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 1 in-person US volunteer or 1 virtual US volunteer qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates for the position of Distribution Channel Expert to support Cooperativa Cafetalera Belén Limitada (COCABEL) based in Lempira, Honduras.

COCABEL is a coffee cooperative formed in 2000 which prides themselves in being sustainable stewards in the coffee sector.  Not only do they focus on providing their producers with technical assistance, coffee sales and diversified sources of income (selling water and farming Tilapia) but water and soil conservation as well. 

COCABEL has generated several products as a productive cooperative: dry parchment coffee, roasted coffee (grain and grinded), water (in several packaging), Tilapia fish and solid & liquid organic fertilizers. Final products are not advertised properly and do not meet expectations reaching potential customers in different parts of the department (state), country and outside of the country. Employees/Members do not have the capacities/experience to run market studies or identify potential clients outside of Belén, Lempira. COCABEL has more productive potential than current sales but need to identify specific markets for each product. They would like to potentially understand capacities to reach new markets and distribution channels.

Duration: 2 weeks, August- December 2022

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Analyze the actual distribution channels 
Run with members a diagnosis of current electronic strategies to reach new clients and provide recommendations. 
Guide the development of distribution channel strategies by products.  
Strategies, methodologies, steps, politics, conditions, requirements to reach new local, national and international distribution channels.
Steps to run a market study using (polls, prices, demographic analysis, etc)

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:
Degree in marketing or related field. 
Proven experience in marketing or knowledge of diverse distribution channels.
Must have experience developing a good relationship with clients.  
Knowledge about export process to United States, Europe, and Asia Experience 
Ability to transfer knowledge. 
Knowledge about the coffee sector is a plus. Available for virtual communications with Host Organization and Staff
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.