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’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 Coffee Harvest and Post-Harvest Manager to support Asociación Agroartesanal de Productores de Café de Altura Puyango (PROCAP), based in Loja, Ecuador.

PROCAP is an organization created by coffee growers, who produce organic coffee in Puyango canton. It was established in March of 2000 due to the low price of coffee beans and the realization that growers could obtain better benefits if they sell associatively. These coffee farmers need help improving their harvest and post-harvest techniques in order to avoid mold growth.  They have identified that the issues stem from the fermentation and drying process and are currently using the washed method.

Duration: 2 weeks, January - June 2023

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Analyze the current harvest and post-harvesting process and provide constructive feedback about improvement opportunities.
• Support members' knowledge about good post-harvest practices focusing on the steps of drying, fermentation, and storage of coffee.
• Teach participants about protocols used in the post-harvest process for improving coffee quality and collaborate with members to refine post-harvest techniques.
• Develop comprehensive training on coffee harvest and post-harvest, and their importance for the association's development.

• Degree in food technology, coffee production, agricultural engineering and/or a related field
• Experience in harvest and post-harvest handling of coffee
• Knowledge of coffee quality inspections is highly 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 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.