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.

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking qualified US candidates for 1 in-person Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer assignment for the position of Integrated Pest Management Expert in support of Asociación de Producción Agropecuaria Cargo- ASOPROCARGO based in Centinela del Cóndor, Ecuador based in Milagro, Ecuador.

Asociación de Producción Agropecuaria Cargo "ASOPROCARGO" is an agricultural association that applies agroecological practices in cacao production and has agrotourism farms.  ASOPROCARGO was formed in 2016 because the cacao business was not suitable for small growers; the sales value of cacao beans dropped, but production costs were the same, and producers barely broke even. One solution to combat this situation was for small growers to band together and form associations so they could pool their beans and negotiate high-volume contracts.

Currently, ASOPROCARGO members do not use chemical control for pests for the organic cacao they grow. They do not have an organic certification, but they want to get it in the future. They want to avoid insecticides and fungicides and for this reason, they want to learn how to implement an integrated pest management system. They consider that prevention methods and biological pest management can help them to increase cacao production because they will reduce yield losses by plant diseases and insects.

Duration: 2 weeks April – June 2023

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Increase members' knowledge of pruning, weeding, as well as pests and disease control.
• Teach participants the organic fundamentals and practices to apply in integrated pest management of cacao crop.
• Teach participants how to promote and implement organic and sustainable farming techniques, keeping or enhancing the cacao production yield.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in agriculture or environmental engineering.
• Experience in organic cacao pest and disease control.
• Knowledge of pruning, weeding and best agricultural practices.
• Past work with knowledge facilitation or the train-the-trainer approach is valuable.
• Background working with associations in agriculture is a plus.
• Experience in Latin America is also desirable.
• Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable but not mandatory.
• 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.