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.

NCBA CLUSA’s USAID-funded Farmer-to-Farmer program sends American farmers and agribusiness professionals on 2-4 week agricultural development assignments, promoting sustainable growth and agricultural development worldwide.  Volunteer technical assistance from U.S. farmers, agribusinesses, cooperatives and universities helps smallholder farmers in developing countries improve productivity, access new markets and conserve environmental and natural resources.  During COVID-19 we have shifted to a hybrid volunteer model that affords US volunteers and in-country volunteers the opportunity to continue to provide technical assistance.   Compensation in the form of lodging, transportation, per diem, is provided by NCBA CLUSA.  No salary/consultant fees are paid. For more information visit NCBA CLUSA Farmer-to-Farmer.

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates (either 1- US volunteer willing to travel or 2 volunteers for a hybrid assignment- 1 remote US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Peru) for the position of Cooperative Educator to support  Cooperative Alto Huallaga  based in Leoncio Prado, Peru.

Cooperative Alto Huallaga was established to cut out intermediaries and allow cacao farmers to export crops themselves. The cooperative has grown to now include 520 members spread throughout the regions. Cooperative Alto Huallaga not only helps their members export, but they also advise farmers and monitor processing to create  homogenous production. The Cooperative aims to balance production and commercialization initiatives. As part of this goal, Cooperative Alto Huallaga loans equipment to farmers to help with their production and decrease input costs for individual farms.

Cooperative Alto Huallaga struggles to engage with their members and have observed low participation rates. When they introduce new services, members are divided as to whether or not the cooperative should pursue the new endeavor.  Therefore, Cooperative Alto Huallaga wants to increase members’ knowledge about cooperatives and member participation; attending general member meetings, voting, etc.  The volunteer will assist with this engagement by working with the technical field team to devise a plan for cooperative education and member engagement.  

Duration: 2 weeks, between October and November of 2022.

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Assess the status of the cooperative through surveys, conversations, etc.  with stakeholders
• Collaborate with the co-op to develop a training of trainers curriculum so that all 500+ members benefit from the cooperative learning opportunities and address behavior changes
• Work with members, staff, and leaders in order to determine the best course of action to positively influence member engagement in efforts to fulfill the annual plan 
• Train the technical team to develop insightful learning activities about by laws, co-op management, etc.
• In collaboration with the training participants, design education materials to support co-op learning activities.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business, Cooperative Business and/or a related field.
• Cooperative professional with extensive experience in teaching and training 
• Work experience pertaining to coop management, by-laws and membership engagement is desired.
• Ability to facilitate adult group trainings focused on cooperative education in a manner that is comprehended by all.  
• Knowledge of the cacao value chain, agricultural work 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 your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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.