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 Leadership & Empowerment Specialist to support Cooperativa Cafetalera Quiscamote Limitada (COCAQUIL) based in Lempira, Honduras.

COCAQUIL is a cooperative formed by coffee producers in 1998 and legally established in 2015. COCAQUIL is a producing cooperative formed with the purpose of joining local coffee producers to produce better quality coffee grains and increase competitiveness in the area.

According to their board of directors, COCAQUIL has fallen into decline from the coffee leaf rust crisis in 2012 and witnessed a slow decline in sales due to the fall in the price of coffee in subsequent years. Slow progress that in its wake has been overshadowing the empowerment and active leadership among the producer members, resulting in a poor participation in the sale of coffee, default of membership payments and the departure of several members of the cooperative. Previously having been approximately 80 partners in the cooperative and having declined to a total of 16 producers. The organization needs to empower and involve members in the recovery of COCAQUIL and have a guideline to improve operations, set specific goals and creating a strategic plan.

Duration: 2 weeks April - June 2023

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Help develop and update their Vision and Mission statements
• Help clarify roles and responsibilities based on their status within the organization; General Body Member, Surveillance Board and Board of Directors.
• Help create a strategic plan and annual plan based on the cooperative guidelines.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Work experience in organizational development, especially governance of organizations.
• Work experience in organization management, leadership procedures, evaluating, understanding, and defining profiles, roles and responsibilities.
• Capacity to transfer knowledge. 
• Good communication skills. 
• Experience in creating profile of boards and staff.
• 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.