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, COOPESPIRITUSANTO, is a young producer organization made up of 62 smallholding farmers located in the municipality of Batey, province of San Juan, Dominican Republic. This cooperative seeks to offer its associates support so they can provide higher quality agricultural products to the market. The organization’s focus is to provide their communities with affordable high-quality food and a steady livelihood for it’s members. Most of the member farmers of this coop are dedicated to the production of avocados, beans, peas, various short-cycle vegetables, and small-scale poultry farms under tropical conditions.

Objective of the assignment:

Provide COOPESPIRITUSANTO with technical tools and knowledge on post-harvest management of avocado.

Expected volunteer deliverables:

  • Help the organization create a guideline for all post-harvest processes.
  • Conduct a training for cooperative members in proper sorting, grading, and packing practices.
  • Help the organization establish committees that focus on overseeing the post-harvest process.

How it fits into RAA:

This assignment provides farmers the ability to offer consistency to their clients through their final product, creating the opportunity of establishing formal commercial deals that are long-term. Delivering a steadier income to smallholding farmers. Which strengthens local food security.

Qualifications

  • Degree or diploma in Agriculture-related courses.
  • Prior experience working with farmers, or agricultural cooperatives.
  • Experience in training adult groups, training of trainers, or adult education.
  • 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.