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 Organizational Development Expert to support Asociación de Producción Pesquera Artesanal y Maricultura Puerto Cabuyal (ASOPROCABUY) based in Puerto Cabuyal, Ecuador.

The Asociación de Producción Pesquera Artesanal y Maricultura Puerto Cabuyal –ASOPROCABUY was legally established in 2015 in an ancestral community of fishermen and farmers. The community remained for many years away from development and the consumer society without basic services, which also favored the preservation of natural resources. The organization focuses on community organization, strengthening and management to benefit associates and community members. They also seek projects that will improve the living conditions of inhabitants, forest, and marine conservation.

ASOPROCABUY needs support on strengthening and developing a better and empowered association. They decided in 2015 to become more than a group of farmers and fishermen, so they gathered and registered their association in the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments and Fisheries. Some of the reasons why producer groups associate are access to development programs, technical assistance through governmental and non-governmental organizations and access to credits. They want to create a unified organization with members who identify with the mission, vision, and objectives of the association.

Duration: 2 weeks, January - June 2023

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Develop leadership skills. Role plays are highly encouraged to use. 
Provide feedback and recommendations on stakeholder relationship.
Present fundamentals of a strong association, so leaders can apply to raise confidence within association and community members.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:
Degree in communication and/or a similar field 
The volunteer should have experience in leadership, organization development, rural associations, associative fundamentals. 
Knowledge in marine conservation is a plus. 
Experience working with fishermen in rural communities in Latin America is desirable but not mandatory. 
Knowledge in Spanish is also valuable but not mandatory.
Diverse work experience within cooperatives with a demonstrated ability to facilitate communication amongst different generations
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.