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 1 (volunteer based in Ecuador) qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidate for the position of Customer Service and Sales Expert to support Asociación Tsatsayaku, based in Carlos Julio Arosemena Tola, Ecuador.

Asociación Tsatsayaku was founded in 2012 by Kichwa and Mestizo families producing cacao, wayusa, and other chakra products. The association has 103 members, with around half being women. Asociación Tsatsayaku is committed to involving women in all stages of the cacao process, and promotes the chocolate created by their female members.

Asociación Tsatsayaku produces chocolate bars, chocolate bonbons, and cacao nibs which they sell in their store located on the Pan-American Road. They have been struggling with their customer service. Asociación Tsatsayaku hopes to increase their sales by working on customer experience with both wholesale buyers and customers who enter the store. Employees hope to learn better communication skills and explain their products more attractively.

Duration: 2 Week (January - March 2022)

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• The volunteer will train participants in customer service, customer experience, external sales (bargain with clients that have stores) product descriptions, and product benefits.
• The volunteer will train participants in organizing inventory to increase sales, make sales easier, track stock, and manage product rotation.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• The volunteer should have experience with sales and customer service.
• He/she should have an educational background in sales, administration, business, marketing, and/or commercial management.
• Experience with customer interaction and customer service best practices.
• 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.