ABOUT CUSO INTERNATIONAL

Cuso International is a non-profit development organization that works through volunteers. Each year, we send hundreds of global citizens to work on collaborative development projects in more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. We are one of North America’s leading international development organizations that works through volunteers.

ABOUT THE PARTNER

The Asociación Verde Amazónico is a group of agricultural cooperatives formed in 2009 by four of the most emblematic cooperatives of the San Martin region: Cacao Cooperative ACOPAGRO, Coffee Growers Cooperative Oro Verde, Agro-Industrial Cooperative - CAT Tocache, and the Agricultural Cooperative La Divisoria.  The members of Verde Amazónico are organizations comprised of small-scale producers located in areas where in the past the coca leaf was illegally grown. One of the goals of the organization is to become the main representative of cacao producers and to contribute to the development of its value chain. In order to reach this goal, Verde Amazónico is working towards the institutionalization of the Cacao Growing Sector as well as on the provision of social and entrepreneurial services to its member organizations.

THE VOLUNTEER’S ROLE

Overall placement purpose and specific volunteer placement objectives:
Cuso International in Peru is actively implementing a program of value chain development in the agriculture and tourism sectors in the region of San Martin and has recently undergone an initial sector and stakeholder analysis. One of the sectors which has been identified and has shown a continued growth increase is cocoa. Following the recent value chain and sector analysis, it was identified the need to develop the organizational, administrative and marketing capacity of cocoa producer associations of the San Martin region.

Specific Objectives:

• Analyze the needs of each cocoa associations in the region of San Martin
• Design and deliver training in organizational development, accounting,  and marketing
• Design a farmer to farmer training, which will involve identify and train ´ farmer champions´

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Essential requirements

• Diploma in agriculture, business, or related field
• Experience with organizational development of producers’ associations
• Strong understanding of associations and their organizational systems
• Knowledge of financial management and book keeping
• Strong communication and networking skills
• Experience and willingness to work in rural locations

Desirable

• Understanding of agricultural economics
• Knowledge of cocoa production techniques
• Knowledge of farmer to farmer training methodologies

TRAINING AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Our training and support package covers the costs of being an overseas volunteer, allowing you to enjoy a modest but healthy lifestyle while you volunteer abroad. This includes:

• Attendance at a Cuso International assessment day (candidates must cover the first $150 of the most cost-effective travel expenses and accommodation costs)
• Travel and accommodation costs associated with pre-departure training
• Return airfare and visa/permit (this includes a return flight in the case of a family emergency)
• Coverage for required vaccinations, medications and comprehensive health insurance
• Accommodation while overseas
• A modest living allowance, which varies depending on the country where you are placed
• Quarterly payments to support you in your placement
• Modest support for accompanying partners