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. 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 70 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.
Job Description This Farmer-to-Farmer assignment will be implemented in the Puyango, Loja province in Ecuador. The goal of this assignment is to support the members of the Puyango Highland Coffee Producers' Agroartisanal Association or Asociación Agroartesanal de Productores de Café de Altura Puyango (PROCAP) in Spanish, with organic integrated pest and disease management. The volunteer will provide training to member participants on
The importance of integrated pest and disease management and its long-term benefits in coffee production. Sustainable agricultural practices that reduce environmental impact and teach monitoring techniques for early detection of pests and diseases.? Biological (introduction of natural enemies) and cultural methods for pest control.? The importance of keeping detailed records of pest management practices and the results obtained.?? Qualifications The volunteer should have experience in integrated pest management in organic crops, with emphasis in coffee. Also have knowledge in pruning, weeding and best agricultural practices.? A degree in Agronomy, Pest Management, Plant Pathology, Entomology, or a related field.?? Background working with associations in agriculture is a plus.Experience in Latin America is also desirable. Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable but not mandatory.?? 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 resident; andAdvanced 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. Submit your CV on SmartRecruiter.com or [email protected].
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.
