Farmer-to-Farmer Proposal & Grant Writing Expert

  • Contract

Company Description

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 nearly 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.   For more information visit NCBA CLUSA Farmer-to-Farmer.

Job Description

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking qualified US candidates for 1 in-person Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer assignment for the position of Proposal and Grant Writing in support of (COCASJOL) Cooperativa Agropecuaria Cafetalera San José, Limitada based in San José de Colinas, Honduras.

COCASJOL is an organization created by organic coffee growers in the municipality of San José de Colinas. COCASJOL works to improve the economic, social, and educational conditions of the community through the sustainable production of coffee. The organization is currently seeking to expand their internal capacity and experience in writing project proposals and preparing a fundraising strategy. The organization would like to receive support through an expert on how to and where to look out for grants and potential donors. They are also interested in learning how to properly write an attractive and innovative project proposal that addresses their needs. COCASJOL plans to expand their facilities and increase their processing capacity and they would like to do so by acquiring a threshing machine and with this would qualify to acquire their own exporting license. A fundraising strategy will allow them to continue to grow as an organization and raise funds for their expansion.

Duration: 2 weeks April-May 2023

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

  • Provide tips to the organization on how and where to look for grants and different types of grants available.
  • Develop with COCASJOL a SWOT analysis for fundraising.
  • Teach members how to develop a draft of a project proposal based on their needs.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience in grant management (including EU funded programs, USDA, or USAID programs, ICO, Green Funding, etc.).
  • Broad knowledge of international cooperation, project management, effective communication skills (personal and institutional), deep knowledge of public and private sector alliances.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to manage deadlines is required
  • Past work in sustainability initiatives within the coffee value chain are highly desirable.
  • 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.

Additional Information

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.