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. 

This Farmer-to-Farmer assignment will be implemented in Gualaceo, Azuay province in Ecuador. The goal of this assignment is to support the Cooperativa De Producción Artesanal Tejemujeres, who work in wool and alpaca clothing, to create innovative textile patterns and designs. The objective will be:

• Train participants in the use of design software and digital tools for creating innovative patterns tailored for the artisanal production of sheep and alpaca wool clothing. 
• Provide tools and techniques that enable weavers to express their cultural identity and creativity through new patterns in sheep and alpaca wool textiles. 
• Promote innovation in patterns by blending traditional techniques with new design trends, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage. 
• Train in the development of unique, high-quality textile products that differentiate the cooperative in both local and international markets, thereby increasing their added value. 
• Increase their knowledge in designing criteria, fashion, patterns, and color palettes in order to standardize their creations. 

Deliverables:

• A document that compiles techniques, principles, and design examples, integrating traditional elements with innovative approaches, accessible to all skill levels. 
• A set of digital patterns created during the training sessions, available in formats suitable for design software or printed for manual production. 
• Physical or digital samples of textiles created using the new patterns, demonstrating the practical application of what was learned in the training. 
• A collection of educational resources, such as video tutorials, presentations, or reference materials, that the weavers can access to continue learning and experimenting after the training. 
• Trip Report with SMART Recommendations that will help to improve the HO 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 an educational background in textile design or a related field, combined with significant practical experience in the textile industry, particularly in sustainable and traditional practices.
• The volunteer should also possess strong teaching skills and the ability to work effectively in a culturally sensitive and collaborative environment.
• Background working with women associations is a plus.
• Experience in Latin America is also desirable.
• Fluency in Spanish is 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.