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 Organic Farming and Certification Specialist to support Corporación de Asociaciones de la Chakra Amazónica de Napo, based in Tena, Ecuador.

Corporación de Asociaciones de la Chakra Amazónica de Napo was established in 2015 as a way to organize local coffee producing associations. Their goal is to promote and defend the “Chakra” system, a traditional sustainable agroecological production method. Corporación de Asociaciones de la Chakra Amazónica de Napo Works to improve their farmers’ quality of life, improve their products’ quality, and standardize production. 90% of the associations’ representatives are youth and 60% of their members are women. This inclusion is part of the organization’s dedication to improving participation among women and youth in coffee production. Youth have continued to leave farming due to its unprofitability, but the associations’ want to change this trend.

While farmers are aware of organic production and hold organic certification, they want to improve their current production methods and maintain their organic certification. Many farmers are still unsure what parts of their production is organic and want to continue to meet those requirements. The farmers also hope to improve their yields by learning and applying organic methods more appropriately.

Duration: 2 Weeks (October – December 2021)

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Analyze the current organic production system and provide constructive feedback about improvement opportunities.  
• Support members' knowledge on how to use organic certification requirements to enhance their agricultural production.  
• Teach participants the fundamentals, practices, and protocols for organic certification. 
• Teach participants how to promote and implement organic and sustainable farming techniques. 

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• The volunteer should have experience with organic certifications and organic crop management.  
• Degree in agricultural or environmental engineering.   
• Past work with knowledge facilitation or the trainer-to-trainer approach is valuable. 
• 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 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.