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. For over 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 70 years, NCBA CLUSA has worked in over 100 countries in the areas of food security, agricultural development, strengthening of communities and farmer organizations, natural resources management, and empowerment of smallholder farmers, women, and youth. We currently work in over 20 countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

NCBA CLUSA’s USAID-sponsored Farmer-to-Farmer program sends American farmers and agribusiness professionals on a 2-week agricultural development assignment, promoting sustainable economic growth and agricultural development worldwide. Volunteer technical assistance from US farmers, agribusinesses, cooperatives, and universities aims to increase the resiliency of smallholder farmers’ businesses by focusing on diversification in production, value addition, and other income-generating activities; climate-smart production and strengthening farmers’ cooperatives and producer organizations (POs), with a cross-cutting emphasis on gender, youth, and social inclusion. 

his F2F assignment will be implemented in Vinces, Los Ríos in Ecuador. The goal of this assignment is to support the Productores de Cacao de Vinces who work in cacao in the grafting techniques to propagate management of cacao genetic resources. The objective will be to:

• Raise awareness of the importance of the “Nacional” cacao variety for its unique characteristics and commercial value. 
• Provide the functional and practical principles of genetic regeneration techniques that can be developed in the field. 
• Train in the identification and selection of superior plants. 
• Provide techniques for efficient clonal propagation. 
• Instruct in the use of rooting hormones and planting techniques. 
• Demonstrate grafting techniques and best practices for rootstock and sprouts selection. 
• Promote practices that ensure environmental and economic sustainability of cacao crops.

Deliverables:

• Practical field guides with instructions on rooting practices, transplanting of cuttings, grafting protocols and handling of grafted plants, and plant health monitoring and quality control procedures. 
• Agricultural schedule with activities related to genetic regeneration. 
• Manual or guidance document based on what was learned during the assignment that can be used for genetic regeneration in cacao.  
• A Trip Report with SMART Recommendations that will help to improve the host organization business.
• An outreach activity. Upon return to the United States, the volunteer is asked to share his or her Farmer-to-Farmer Program experience with their community and networks.

• The volunteer should have experience in the management of genetic resources, and genetic regeneration with emphasis in cacao.
• Knowledge in grafting and best cultural management practices in cacao. 
• A degree in Agronomy, botany, plant physiology, or a related field.  
• 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. 

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL ALSO HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to be flexible and available for two week volunteer assignments;
• Desire to promote cross-cultural learning and exchanges through technical assistance;
• Available for virtual communications with Host Organization and Staff;
• U.S. citizen or resident; and
• Advanced English language skills in reading, writing, and speaking.

All application materials must be submitted in English. Compensation in the form of lodging, transportation, and per diem, is provided by NCBA CLUSA.  No salary/consultant fees are paid. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please. Provide your CV on SmartRecruiter.com or [email protected]. 

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, genetic information, age, and legally protected characteristics for non-merit factors.