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 Marcala, La Paz in Honduras. The goal of this assignment is to support the members of the COMSA who work in coffee in Improvement & Development of Plastic Lumber Materials.  Participants will:

• Optimize processes, materials, and machinery to enhance plastic lumber quality and yield.
• Develop new products for the coffee sector and other industries and manage post-production considerations effectively.

Deliverables:

• Technical report on process optimization.
• Guidelines for additives, materials, and machinery as new products.
• New product designs and guidelines. 
• 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.

• Industrial or Mechanical Engineer
• Material sciences or similar careers
• Experience in processing plastic and polymer technology
• Expertise in plastic development and manufacturing processes
• Research and Development R&D in plastic lumber products
• Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, innovation and creativity

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.