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 qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates (either 1- US volunteer willing to travel or 2 volunteers for a hybrid assignment- 1 remote US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Honduras) for the position of Bees and Byproduct Management Trainer to support Asociación de Productoras Libres de Marcala’s (APROLMA) based in Marcala, Honduras.

Asociación de Productoras Libres de Marcala (APROLMA) was established in 2013, with the objective of empowering women and providing guidance on obtaining financial success and stability. The association aims to improve its institutional, organizational, and commercial capabilities through the production of specialty coffees, while promoting the protection of human rights and the environment. APROLMA has promoted diversification of business and began looking to create new business opportunities to generate an alternative source of income.

APROLMA wants to become more environmentally responsible by understanding the positive roles of bees in nature as pollinators. Currently, APROLMA has a total of 65 double core beehives located in the community of ´´El Cerron´´. APROLMA would like an expert to provide feedback on bee production, control of plagues, diseases, use of byproducts, and reproduction. They would like to know more about the cost of production of honey to define a proper price. The organization plans to begin commercializing honey under APROLMA´s brand or develop agrotourism in the future.  

Duration:        2 weeks August - December 2022

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Teach participants about the proper management of beehives and reproduction.
•  Cover the different byproducts that can be developed through beehives.
• Collaborate with the host organization to analyze the cost required for the management of beehives and byproducts.   
• Teach the participants about common plagues and diseases related to bee management.
• A Trip Report and Recommendations for further assignments.  These should be submitted prior to departure from in-country assignment (NCBA CLUSA will provide you with a template).
• A timesheet and expense report, if needed, to be submitted within 48 hours of returning home (NCBA CLUSA will provide the templates).

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in Agronomy, preferably with beekeeping expertise.
• Experience developing beehive projects.
• Work experience with bee reproduction.
• Capable of transferring knowledge to farmers.
• Available for virtual communications with Host Organization, Staff and Co-volunteer before assignment.
• 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.