Farmer-to-Farmer Agribusiness Developer

  • Contract

Company Description

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.

Job Description

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking 2 (1- remote US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Peru) qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates for the position of Agribusiness Developer to support Cooperativa Agroindustrial Cordillera Azul de Nuevo Progreso (Cordillera Azul), based in Tocache, Peru.

Cordillera Azul was founded in 2013 to help its cacao farmers access international markets and find a fair price for their products. Now, with 206 members, Cordillera Azul promotes and sells their products with a commitment to sustainable development for their community and members. Part of this sustainable commitment is focused on engaging more women in co-op activities.

Cordillera Azul wants its members to see their farms as a family business where all family members have an opportunity to be engaged with decision making. Currently, women and youth are involved with daily farm activities, but Cordillera Azul wants them to be engaged with farm and co-op management too. Therefore, by training families, Cordillera Azul hopes not only to improve members’ business competencies but also empower women and youth.

Duration: September-October 2022

 

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

  • Determine a strategy for members’ competencies development to increase their leadership skills in the co-op.   
  • Train Cordillera Azul’s families to manage their farms as a part of family agribusiness and improve members’ farm management to include youth and women.  
  • Contribute to the development of cooperative members’ leadership skills and empower them (men, women, and youth) as agribusiness professionals.  

Qualifications

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Agribusiness professional, preferably in cacao  
  • Experience with family/farm businesses  
  • Knowledge of cooperatives, farm development, family economy, social policies, and equity   
  • Experience with group facilitation and adult training   
  • Excellent communication skills  
  • 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.

Additional Information

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.