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 (1- US volunteer willing to travel) for the position of Carbon Credits Specialist to support Asociación Cooperativa de Producción Agropecuaria “Hacienda Las Tablas” based in (Santa Ana, El Salvador)

Job Description: Las Tablas Cooperative was established in 1980, as a result of an agrarian reform where a farm of about 400 hectares was given to employees. Since then, the cooperative has been dedicated to the production of coffee and sugar cane.   Additionally, the cooperative has 164 hectares of forest, which they have preserved.  They have repeatedly received offers to purchase the land for different purposes: urbanization, private preservation, agricultural operations, timber wood, etc.

The board of directors believes that if they can find the right allies to help them measure the carbon capture in their forest, they can generate additional income by selling credits to companies that want to mitigate their carbon footprint. Therefore, Las Tablas needs a specialist on carbon credits who can teach them the basics of carbon capture measurement and the carbon credits market. This specialist should be able to help them establish steps to follow to achieve this additional income.

Duration: 2 weeks September - December 2022 

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Assess the potential carbon sequestration in the forest and determine the feasibility of a carbon credits project
• Develop a workshop with Las Tablas members to train them on the basics of carbon credits and carbon sequestration measurement
• Research and define a list of potential allies that Las Tablas can contact to help them develop the carbon credits project
• Propose a plan for Las Tablas with the steps they need to follow in order to achieve the objective of additional income generation through the carbon credits project

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Environmental Science, Forestry, Agroforestry, Agribusiness, Business Administration or related fields
• Experience in carbon credits, carbon sequestration, carbon capturing, carbon footprint measurement
• Knowledge (and ideally experience) of carbon and energy commodity markets, strong research and analytical skills, and an innovative approach to solving complex problems.
• Experience designing, implementing, and analyzing forest inventories
• Working knowledge in sustainability
• 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.