The National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) is the primary voice for people who use cooperative businesses to build a better world and a more inclusive economy. NCBA CLUSA provides cross-sector education, technical assistance, and advocacy that helps co-ops thrive. 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 85 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 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 Ecuador ) for the position of Good Manufacturing Expert to support  Asociación de Producción de Cacao y Derivados Aromas del Sur – ASOPROMAS  based in Centinela del Cóndor.

ASOPROMAS is located in Centinela del Cóndor canton, Zamora Chinchipe Province. It was founded in 2013 by 18 associates, 61% are men, and 39% are women. This association was created to support local cacao growers and work for fair trade of their products.

Good Manufacturing Practices are applied in all food preparation and handling processes and are a fundamental tool for obtaining healthy products manufactured under quality conditions.  ASOPROMAS is seeking to obtain the GMP certification for production of cacao and its derivates, to guarantee the quality and food safety through procedures of manufacturing, cleaning, and disinfection, personal hygiene, manipulation, controls, records, and storage.  They require the guidance of a volunteer to help them prepare for inspection. 

Duration: 2 weeks, January - June 2023

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Assess the current manufacturing practices in cacao processing and provide constructive feedback about improvements.
• Develop comprehensive training on requirements for obtaining the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification.
• Teach all the participants about the importance of GMP to guarantee quality products.

• The volunteer should have experience in Good Manufacturing Practices in cacao processing.
• Degree in Food Science or Agro-Industrial Engineering.
• Background working with associations in agriculture is a plus.
• 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.