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 Plant Propagation Expert to support Asociación de Trabajadores Agrícolas “Luis Vargas Torres” based in Naranjito, Ecuador.

Asociación de Trabajadores Agrícolas Luis Vargas Torres was established in 2005, by a small group of cacao growers. The organization was created to help producers gain access to broader markets, and negotiate fair prices for their products.  Throughout the years, the association has engaged members in the cacao paste production process. There are currently 24 active members (75% men and 25% women, including one male youth) and more than 200 cacao suppliers.

Luis Vargas Torres Association wants to identify a variety with high production and disease tolerance traits within the phenotypes they already grow to propagate them and give these seedlings to the associates. The association needs training in how to identify and record desirable traits in cacao. Luis Vargas Torres Association has identified a few cacao varieties and reproduced them in associates’ farms by grafting. The association works with about 12 cacao phenotypes. Learning more about plant propagation will help their associated produce between quality and higher quantities of cacao for the market.

Duration:        2 weeks April – June 2023

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• The volunteer and the association should develop a form for the registration of varieties traits in cacao.
• The volunteer should establish a protocol for collecting data and comparing cacao phenotypes.
• The volunteer will teach trainees different cacao propagation techniques.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• The volunteer should have experience in plant breeding and screening.
• Degree in Agriculture or plant breeding.
• Background working with research in cacao is a plus. 
• 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.