Farmer-to-Farmer Leadership Training Specialist

  • Contract

Company Description

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.

Job Description

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 Honduras) qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates for the position of Leadership Training Specialist to support Alianza de Mujeres en Café Honduras (AMUCAFE) based in Ocotepeque, Honduras.

Since their first Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) assignment in 2019 AMUCAFE has upgraded their organization capacities by hosting more meetings among leaders and trained their leaders based on leadership and governance principles. However, they still lack organizational skills, correct development and participation within the board of directors, surveillance board, and leaders of subchapters and committees.  Requirements for being part of the committees and leadership roles in subchapters are not established. Requirements for being part of the board of directors and surveillance board are not specific and do not contain details on qualifications needed. New leaders are elected based on popularity rather than if they qualify for positions. New leaders are not prepared for the positions due to lack of definition of requirements and specific training according to the capacities needed.  The purpose of this assignment is to enhance technical and organizational skills for the organization leaders and administrative staff, by creating and improving position profiles and requirements. Creating a training plan for members who may be eligible for leadership positions will help improve the transition process and build proper capacities for accomplishing leadership position goals and tasks.

Duration: 2 weeks August- October 2021

 

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

  • Review the current qualification for each elected position and interview leaders to assess their understanding of their position
  • Work with members to develop a transition plan for newly elected leaders.
  • Role play activities so each training participant understands their leadership responsibilities within the organization
  • Work with the members of AMUCAFE to develop a training plan to strengthen leadership positions.

Qualifications

  • Work experience in organizational development, especially governance of organizations.
  • Work experience in organization management, leadership procedures, evaluating, understanding, and defining profiles, roles and responsibilities.
  • Capacity to transfer knowledge. 
  • Good communication skills. 
  • Experience in creating profile of boards and staff.
  • 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 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.