The National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) is the primary voice for people who use cooperative businesses to build a better world and a more inclusive economy. NCBA CLUSA provides cross-sector education, technical assistance, and advocacy that helps co-ops thrive. 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 60 years, NCBA CLUSA has worked in over 85 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 in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking 2 (1- remote US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Ecuador) qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates for the position of Grant Mangers to support Asociación de Producción de Cacao y Derivados Aromas del Sur – ASOPROMAS, based in Centinela del Cóndor, Ecuador.

ASOPROMAS was founded in 2013 by 18 associates, 61% are men, and 39% are women. This association was created to support local cacao growers and work for fair trade of their products.  They produce, process, and trade cacao derivates made from fine aroma cacao, and ccn51(Ecuadorian cloned cacao).  Examples of their products sold throughout Ecuador include cacao paste, bonbons, chocolate bars, and cacao liquor. The association also provides fermentation and drying services for associates and non-associate cacao producers.

They have received grant funding from "Educación Sin Frontera," a Spanish Organization working in Central and South America.  The funds were used to receive training in institutional organization and purchase cacao processing machines. ASOPROMAS was also awarded funds from "La Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo" (AECID), which they used to purchased new machines and training on; new product creation, industry processing, sales, etc. ASOPROMAS wants to understand how to measure their grant's success and if it is possible to improve the fund management during its implementation.

Duration: 2 weeks, August- October 2021           

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Assess the current grant management practices of the association and provide constructive feedback about improvements.
• Work with training participants to create a strategic plan to measure grant success through assessment funding management.
• Develop comprehensive training on grant fund management and its importance for the association's development.
• Work with all participants on a sustainable plan for grant funds implementation to achieve association goals.

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations and/or a similar field
• Experience in grant management
• Knowledge of international cooperation, project management
• Excellent communication skills (personal and institutional)
• Strong presentation skills
• Exemplary written communication and deadline oriented
• Background working with associations in agriculture is a plus
• 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.