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

The Resilient Agriculture Activity (RAA) is a project funded by the United State Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA). Its primary objective is to enhance the sustainability of agricultural practices in the provinces of the South Region of the Dominican Republic, which have been severely affected by climate change and high input prices resulting from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The Resilient Agriculture Activity (RAA) is currently seeking the services of a qualified consultant or consulting firm to undertake the collection of its baseline data. The purpose of this data collection is to establish a comprehensive understanding of the current agricultural practices in the Southwest of the Dominican Republic that will serve as a reference point for evaluating the impact of the activity´s interventions.

USAID’s Resilient Agriculture Activity will improve food security in the Dominican Republic. The Activity’s overarching strategy is to lower production costs and to create more ecological and profitable cropping systems for smallholder farms through the Low-Cost Production System model. The model, developed by the National Cooperative Business Association, Cooperative League of  America (NCBA CLUSA), holistically addresses the needs of smallholder farming enterprises by increasing farm productivity, food quality, and trade opportunities.

PROHOVARD is an association of young agricultural producers located in Hondo Valle, a municipality in the Elías Piña province. Although it is currently represented by 18 young farmers, this association is on the way to expanding by having applied for the registration of a producers' cooperative for their region. This Producer Organization has been recognized for its hard work in the efficient production of strawberries under a controlled-environment (shade house) system; they have recently expanded to the production of other crops such as lettuce and herbs under hydroponic systems. The assignment aims to strenttheng  current operation of organic strawberries as well as fill knowledge gaps that will allow the organization grow in the coming years.

• To gain more knowledge and experience in organic horticulture. 
• To establish a constant production. 
• To fix the pumping system of their hydroponic system so they can restart their lettuce production.  
• To expand their production by using the plots of other members.  

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.
• Working and or academic experience in horticulture and strawberry farming
• Able to adapt and create successful trainings

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.