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.   Compensation in the form of lodging, transportation, per diem, is provided by NCBA CLUSA.  No salary/consultant fees are paid. For more information visit NCBA CLUSA Farmer-to-Farmer.

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates (either 1- US volunteer willing to travel or 2 volunteers for a hybrid assignment- 1 remote US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Ecuador) for the position of Cacao Integrated Pest Management Specialist to support Asociación de Productores Orgánicos De Cacao del Cantón Atacames- APROCA  based in Atacames, Ecuador.

Job Description:

APROCA has several phytosanitary problems in organic cacao production. The main diseases include Witch’s Broom and Monilia. Additionally, a weed that farmers call “piñuela” propagates easily in the humid weather that characterizes Atacames.  They would like to apply an integrated management plan to ensure better yields. The association members want to improve their cacao production by applying better agricultural practices for pruning, weeding, and pest and disease control. Therefore, the volunteer should train the participants on organic cacao crop management and share knowledge to enhance their production and mitigate the appearance of weeds, pests, and diseases.

Duration: 2 weeks, February- August 2022 or October- November 2022   

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Analyze the current cacao crop management methods and provide constructive feedback about improvement opportunities.
• Increase members' knowledge of pruning, weeding, as well as pests and disease control.
• Teach participants the organic fundamentals and practices to apply in  integrated pest management of cacao crop.
• Teach participants how to promote and implement organic and sustainable farming techniques, keeping or enhancing the cacao production yield.

• Degree in agriculture or environmental engineering.
• Experience in organic cacao pest and disease control.
• Knowledge of pruning, weeding and best agricultural practices.
• Past work with knowledge facilitation or the train-the-trainer approach is valuable.
• Background working with associations in agriculture is a plus.
• Experience in Latin America is also desirable.
• Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable but not mandatory.
• 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.