Farmer-to-Farmer Coffee By-Product Developer

  • 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.   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 Honduras ) for the position of Coffee By-Product Developer to support  Cooperativa Agrícola Cafetalera San Antonio Limitada (COAGRICSAL) based in Nueva Arcadia, Honduras.

COAGRICSAL is a cooperative of small producers who grow coffee, cocoa, and allspice. COAGRICSAL processes 20,500 tons of coffee annually which arrives to their processing facilities as coffee cherries. Fifty percent of the processed coffee waste is currently used to create organic fertilizer that is awarded to producers.  They want to improve waste management methods, investigate, and determine opportunities to create by-products from coffee pulp and husk. These by-products could be in the form of pectin or flours, essential oils, industrial or cosmetic compounds or final products. They are open to recommendations on processing, materials and equipment needed, packages, storage conditions and market opportunities.

Duration: 2 weeks between January - June 2023        

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

  • Conduct a rapid assessment and provide recommendations for current waste management procedures
  • Provide some options of economically viable by-products from coffee using waste.
  • Train participants in specific processes for creating coffee by-products.

Qualifications

  • Minimum masters degree in Chemical and/or Industrial engineering, or related field of study 
  • Experience working with coffee byproducts 
  • Knowledge of coffee components 
  • Knowledge in chemical processes for transforming raw matter  
  • 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.