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- remote US volunteer or 1 in-person US volunteer) qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates for the position of Organic Fertilizer Expert to support Cooperativa Cafetalera San Miguelito, Limitada  (COCASMIL) based in San Miguelito, Honduras.

The Cooperativa Cafetalera San Miguelito, Limitada (COCASMIL) was established in 1999.  It began with farmer Don Benjamin and 12 other farmers looking for a way to sell their coffee at better prices and improve the livelihoods of the families that grow coffee. COCASMIL provides the following services to their members: selling fertilizers to maintain the coffee farms (which the members can pay for with coffee, usually 80% coffee and 20% money), commercialization of coffee, cupping, drying (until 12% of humidity) and technical assistance in the field. 

COCASMIL has been working towards becoming more environmentally conscious, which is why some of the members are moving towards producing organic. This is one of the reasons why COCASMIL would like to learn 1. how to make their own organic fertilizers for coffee (soil and foliar) and compost, 2: Learn different fertilizer formulas that the organization can make with locally sourced and available materials. All the above needs to be aligned with the certification requirements and take advantage of local resources by using them efficiently.

Duration: 2 weeks, August – December 2022

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Develop along the trainee’s an organic soil fertilizer formula. 
Teach the participants the composting techniques.
Collaborate with the participants and develop a standard protocol to make the organic fertilizers.
Review with the participants their actual organic soil fertility plan providing the necessary feedback and adjustments. 

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

Degree in Agronomy or environmental engineering.
Experience developing foliar and soil organic fertilizers. 
Knowledge of nutritional needs of coffee crops. 
Knowledge of soil science and composting. 
Familiar with certification requirements 
Capable of transferring knowledge to people with various learning styles.
Work experience with farmers. 
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.