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. 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 100 countries in the areas of food security, agricultural development, strengthening of communities and farmer organizations, natural resources management, and empowerment of smallholder farmers, women, and youth. We currently work in over 20 countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

NCBA CLUSA’s USAID-sponsored Farmer-to-Farmer program sends American farmers and agribusiness professionals on a 2-week agricultural development assignment, promoting sustainable economic growth and agricultural development worldwide. Volunteer technical assistance from US farmers, agribusinesses, cooperatives, and universities aims to increase the resiliency of smallholder farmers’ businesses by focusing on diversification in production, value addition, and other income-generating activities; climate-smart production and strengthening farmers’ cooperatives and producer organizations (POs), with a cross-cutting emphasis on gender, youth, and social inclusion.

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking a Volunteer to support the members of the Asociación de Pequeños Productores Agropecuarios del canton Guachapala (AAPPG) who work in vegetables, fruits, and livestock in Organic fertilizers and soil management.

The Volunteer will provide:

• Assessment and feedback on their current fertilizers’ recipes and ingredients.
• A guide reflecting the final recipes using local organic waste.
• A brochure, PowerPoint presentation, or any resource that easily explains the importance of fertilizing the soil and definitions of major elements needed for plant nutrition.
• A guide to implementing physical or biological ways to determine the current status of the soil and recommend practices to improve it.
• A Trip Report with SMART Recommendations that will help to improve the HO business. This report should be submitted to the Field and HQ staff prior to departure from in-country assignment.
• An outreach activity. Upon return to the United States, the volunteer is asked to share his or her Farmer-to-Farmer Program experience with their community and networks.

• Degree in agronomy or agricultural engineering.
• The volunteer should have experience in soil management.
• Knowledge of soil analysis techniques in the field.
• Experience elaborating on various kinds of organic fertilizer.
• Background working with associations is a plus.
• Experience in Latin America is desirable
• Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable but not mandatory.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL ALSO HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to be flexible and available for two week volunteer assignments;
• Desire to promote cross-cultural learning and exchanges through technical assistance;
• Available for virtual communications with Host Organization and Staff;
• U.S. citizen or resident; and
• Advanced English language skills in reading, writing, and speaking.

All application materials must be submitted in English. Compensation in the form of lodging, transportation, and per diem, is provided by NCBA CLUSA.  No salary/consultant fees are paid. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

Interested parties should send their application materials to Shirly Gasparo at sgasparo@ncba.coop.

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, genetic information, age, and legally protected characteristics for non-merit factors.