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. For over 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, natural resources management, and empowerment of smallholder farmers, women, and youth. We currently work in over 20 countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

The Resilient Agriculture Activity (RAA) is a two-year cooperative agreement funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and managed by NCBA CLUSA.RAA will help mitigate increases in poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition in the Dominican Republic caused by higher food, fuel, and fertilizer prices. RAA will do this by promoting sustainable soil fertility management and sustainable cropping practices and improved agricultural practices, such as the more efficient use of fertilizers. RAA will also support local organic fertilizer production to reduce dependence on international markets. An agriculture industry that is more efficient and less dependent on imported fertilizers will support the country’s capacity to address its food security needs domestically.

National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Field Technician who will be in San Juan or the nearby regions in the Southern Dominican Republic. Field Technicians will play a key role in facilitating the dissemination of knowledge and best practices of fertilizer usage, soil fertility, and climate-smart agriculture (CSA) throughout the region.

The Resilient Agriculture Activity (RAA) Field Technician is an employee of NCBA CLUSA based in the Dominican Republic and reports to the Resilience Agriculture Activity Program Manager. The Field Technician will coordinate volunteers; assist in the delivery of CSA training, business development services, and capacity development activities to the Lead Farmers, POs, cooperatives, and agro-enterprises, operating in the region

Salary range: $20,000-$24,000 dolars

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Serve as the main point of contact for several farmer field schools, local fertilizer production groups, and small enterprises associated with the RAA project. This position will require frequent regional travel throughout the southern region of the country, as most of the communication with POs occurs in person in the communities.
• Liaise with the farmer field schools to ensure participants are learning and implementing fertilizer best practices, soil fertility practices, and other climate smart agriculture practices.
•  Assess successes and challenges of the project groups and, with the help of the RAA team, lead farmers, volunteers, and extensionists, identify and communicate potential solutions.
• Collect monitoring data from the project organizations and individual farmers
• Assist in the identification and recruitment of appropriate organizations to participate in the program. Work closely with project organizations and partners to determine what needs could best be addressed by volunteers.
• Design volunteer activities in the form of Assignment Scopes of Work that create measurable economic impact for organizations.
• Liaise with organizations to set up agendas for volunteers’ assignments so they may implement the activities requested.
• Accompany, assist, and facilitate trainings for volunteers for the duration of their assignments, which are on average 15-25 days. Make all in-country arrangements for volunteers, including lodging, transportation, and meals.
• Follow up with organizations to gather feedback on the impact of volunteer assignments
• Document and report on activities using Volunteer Assignment Scopes of Work, Volunteer Assignment Reports, weekly reports, milestone reports, USAID standard indicator reports, and any other additional reports or materials requested. All written reports, including e-mail communications, must be prepared in English.
• Communicate with volunteers prior to departure to provide guidance on training development, advise on cultural questions, and facilitate communication between the volunteers and the organizations.
• Orient volunteers to the program upon arrival, providing an overview of the assignment, local culture, expectations for the trip, provide translation between volunteer and host organization, etc.

• A university degree, preferably a bachelors degree in a relevant subject. Technical knowledge of agriculture, soil fertility, and fertilizer usage and production is helpful.
•  At least two years professional experience relevant to the RAA project and the region.
• Ability to take initiative and make decisions independently. Ability to work with a diverse audience.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Good knowledge of and contacts in the local agribusiness sector.
• Fluency in English and Spanish with ability to translate.
• Ability to drive a motorcycle. This will be the primary means of travel throughout the region.

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.