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 candidate US volunteer willing to travel for the position of Cooperative Governance Specialist to support Asociación de Productores de Café Especial- APROCAE based in La Paz, Honduras.

APROCAE is the initiative of a small group of farmers from the municipalities of Chinacla and Marcala.  The association was founded to support coffee farmers and improve their living conditions and limited work opportunities.  APROCAE provides the last preparation process from dry parchment coffee to green coffee and exports around 900,000 pounds of organic green coffee indirectly through two local brokers.

APROCAE membership has significantly grown in the past years and their current internal statues and procedures are no longer fulfilling their needs. APROCAE seeks a volunteer who can assist in strengthen their manual on internal regulations, expectations for board members and employees of the cooperative. Streamlining their internal regulation manual to clearly frame roles and responsibilities within the organization and design a transition of power outline to avoid cooperative instability.

Duration:        2 weeks (January - June 2023)

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Aid in the development of an internal regulation manual.  
• Provide support in the creation of clear guidelines for current board positions and employees.
• Collaborate with participants in the development of a transition of power in leadership positions in order.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in Business Administration and/or a similar field
• Experience in organizational development in governance and leadership roles.
• Experience in developing internal regulations manual is preferable
• Experience in operational procedures
• Experience in working with farmers is preferable
• Ability to transfer knowledge  
• Available for virtual communications with Host Organization
• 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.