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.   For more information visit NCBA CLUSA Farmer-to-Farmer.

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 Grants Manager to support Empresa Pública Municipal Cacao Orgánico Shuar Taisha (EPMCOST), based in Taisha, Ecuador.

EPMCOST was founded in 2017 with the goal to support cacao growers and eliminate intermediaries to find a fair price for the growers’ products. While they have grown since 2017, the COVID pandemic has slowed this growth. EPMCOST collects the organic cacao beans from its members and transforms them into artisanal cacao paste and cacao powder. EPMCOST also provides training to its entrepreneurs, a majority of whom (2/3) are women. EPMCOST also empowers youths, who make up around half of the organization. By including these vital groups, EPMCOST works towards its mission of promoting the socio-economic development of its members.

However, EPMCOST’s members do not have enough economic resources to maintain the organization’s functions. They hope to find and apply to grants in order to continue working towards their goals. EPMCOST has applied to 2 grants, both of which were rejected on grounds of not meeting the requirements, much to the confusion of the applicants. EPMCOST members view grant opportunities as critical to continuing their operations, so members need to receive training on understanding and successfully applying to grant opportunities.

Duration: 2 Weeks (September – November 2021)

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Analyze the current proposal writing methods and provide constructive feedback about improvement opportunities.
• Support members' knowledge on planning, design, and filing projects for grant applications.
• Teach participants in non-technical vocabulary how to create successful proposals and meet the grant requirements. 

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• The volunteer should have experience with proposal/grant writing, managing applications, and project development for non-reimbursable funds.  
• Knowledge of international cooperation and project management, plus advanced communication skills.  
• Background working with agricultural associations is a plus.  
• Experience with teaching or training is desirable. 
• 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.