Overview

Company Description

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 70 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

The Resilient Agriculture Activity (RAA) is a project funded by the United State Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA). Its primary objective is to enhance the sustainability of agricultural practices in the provinces of the South Region of the Dominican Republic, which have been severely affected by climate change and high input prices resulting from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Covid-19 pandemic.

USAID’s Resilient Agriculture Activity will improve food security in the Dominican Republic. The Activity’s overarching strategy is to lower production costs and to create more ecological and profitable cropping systems for smallholder farms through the Low-Cost Production System model. The model, developed by the National Cooperative Business Association, Cooperative League of America (NCBA CLUSA), holistically addresses the needs of smallholder farming enterprises by increasing farm productivity, food quality, and trade opportunities.

Job Description

The Host Organization, ASOPROAVIN, is located in the municipality of Vicente Noble, province of Barahona. It is a group of over 120 agricultural producers, of which approximately 20 are female, and mainly produce various varieties of plantain and bananas. ASOPROAVIN is one of the few existing producer organizations in the province, located in one of the most economically disadvantaged areas of the country.

Due to the reoccurrence of prolonged periods of drought affecting Dominican farmers every year, the efficient use of the water resources is an increasingly critical factor with regards to the sustainability of the local farming systems.

Objective of the assignment:

To enhance ASOPROAVIN’s capabilities by training their farmers on efficient irrigation practices. Ensuring resilient management practices for their farming systems.

Expected volunteer derivable:

  • Help plan efficient irrigation systems by outlining their layouts, equipment, and operational requirements.
  • Training on good management practices for irrigation systems.
  • Provide guidelines for equipment procurement and maintenance.
  • Provide educational materials, manuals, or resources related to the establishment and management of efficient irrigation systems.

How it fits into RAA:

Efficient irrigation systems are a key component of Climate-Smart Agriculture. Establishing these systems contributes to agricultural resilience by ensuring a reliable and consistent supply of water for smallholding farmers. This practice also improves the correct use of water by minimizing wastage and contamination. Lastly, it creates opportunities for intensification for ASOPROAVIN.

Qualifications

  • Degree or diploma in agriculture, horticulture, agronomy, or a related field.
  • Specialization or coursework in nursery management, seed production, or crop science.
  • Training or certification related to efficient use of water or irrigation systems.
  • Prior experience working with plantain farming systems or any other tropical food system.
  • Experience training groups of people.
  • Spanish speaking abilities desired.

Additional Information

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 Regional citizen for RAA;
  • Advanced English language skills in reading, writing, and 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.

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