Call for Volunteers! Open F2F Assignments in Latin America

Partners of the Americas’ USAID-funded Farmer-to-Farmer program provides technical assistance to individual farmers, farmer associations, agricultural cooperatives, education institutions, and others in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, and Nicaragua, as well as select other countries.  Farmer-to-Farmer recruits experienced agriculturalists who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents to complete short-term assignments (15-day minimum stay; trips are generally 2–3 weeks). Farmer-to-Farmer covers all assignment-related expenses. 

If you are interested in volunteering with the Farmer-to-Farmer program, please send your resume and all program inquiries to Orli Handmaker at Partners International in Washington, DC, or call (202) 524-6295.

Please see below for a list of all current opportunities.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Cacao Farm Management and Post-Harvest Processing Volunteer (Dominican Republic (April-June 2016: 2-3 weeks)

This F2F assignment will focus on farm management and post-harvest techniques with small-scale famers and at Reserva Zorzal – a 1,019 acre bird sanctuary and organic cacao demonstration farm in the northern mountain range of the Dominican Republic. The goal of this assignment is to help Reserva Zorzal with general technical support, agronomic support focused on establishing and maintaining over 100 acres of cacao, and improving their post-harvest processing practices. Reserva Zorzal is seeking a volunteer with extensive expertise and specialization in the cacao industry who has experience working in cacao production and post-harvest management, a degree in agronomy, botany or a related field, an understanding of the fine flavor chocolate market in the US and Canada, experience conducting trainings, and experience developing cacao farming systems. 

Soil Health and Fertility Expert (Dominican Republic (April-June 2016: 2-3 weeks)

This F2F assignment will focus on working with small farmers on soil fertility and health for cacao production at Reserva Zorzal – a 1,019 acre bird sanctuary and organic cacao demonstration farm in the northern mountain range of the Dominican Republic. The purpose of this assignment is to improve the health of Reserva Zorzal’s existing cacao tree population through organic, low-cost and location appropriate methods. Reserva Zorzal is looking for a volunteer who will work to encourage the presence and function of beneficial soil microbiology on their farm, and have the requisite technical and language skills to share that knowledge with farmers and technicians from surrounding communities. The volunteer should have at least conversational Spanish skills, have expertise in soil microbiology, the soil food web, biological nutrient cycling, pest and disease defense, practical application of soil microbiology, compost, balancing soil minerals, macro and micro nutrients, primary and secondary plant metabolites, nutrient density and plant immunity, and practical application of crop nutrition. 

Cost of Production Specialist (Bananas) (Dominican Republic (April-June 2016: 2-3 weeks)

Approximately 70% of banana producers in the Dominican Republic are small farmers that produce on fewer than 5 hectares of land. The purpose of this assignment is to train producers in calculating the cost of production for organic and conventional bananas. The volunteer should have experience determining the cost of production for bananas from both organic and conventional farms, experience making crop yield revenue projections, experience collecting information for value chain studies in banana production, experience creating information management systems for these types of data sets, experience training farmers and technicians in these areas, and the volunteer will preferably know Spanish.

Farm Administration Specialist (Dominican Republic (April-June 2016: 2-3 weeks)

A volunteer with experience in farm management is needed to train banana technicians and producers in how to improve techniques to manage small farms. Experience using existing resources (i.e., land, labor, and capital) to increase efficiency and productivity of a farm is needed. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful but not required. The purpose of this assignment is to assess current farm administration procedures at two banana associations and train executives, producers, and technicians on the principles of good farm administration to enable them to make better use of their resources of land, labor, and capital and get the most benefit from their farms. The volunteer will visit small farms to identify current practices and then provide training on how to improve farm administration. 

GUATEMALA

Greenhouse Production Expert (Ornamental Plants, Flowers, and Foliage) (Guatemala, March-May 2016: 2-3 weeks)

F2F is seeking a professional with experience in greenhouse production and management, new greenhouse production techniques for ornamental plants, and foliage and flower farms. Experience with tropical and subtropical crops is desired.The goal of this assignment is to teach ornamental plant producers about new greenhouse production and management methods. The volunteer will assist producers in addressing their greenhouse production problems and provide techniques and recommendations to increase production. Thee volunteer will also provide information on ways to access new information (i.e., trends, technology, etc.) on greenhouse management and production so they can continue to learn after the assignment is over. 

Expert in Propagation Methods (Ornamental Plants, Flowers, and Foliage) (Guatemala, March-May 2016: 2-3 weeks)

F2F is seeking a professional with experience in new propagation techniques for ornamental plants, foliage and flower production farms. It is important that the assigned volunteer is aware of innovative methods in propagation and fertilization for small and large producers of ornamental plants, foliage and flowers. The goal of this assignment is to teach growers of ornamental plants, flowers, and foliage about new propagation techniques. The hope is that by adapting new and improved methods and practices, the host will see an increase in production volumes followed by an increase in sales revenue and exports. The expected deliverables for this assignment are a manual of guidelines on propagation techniques, a trip report, at least one outreach activity, and recommendations for further work.

Data and Marketing Expert (Guatemala, April-June 2016: 2-3 weeks)

The purpose of this assignment is to assist DIDART (Didacticas Artesanales, or Artisanal Didactics) in developing a digital data management system and training beneficiaries in data entry, organization, and management so that they can track product sales. The volunteer for this project should have knowledge and experience in marketing strategies, international trade, accounts payable, data entry and data management, and in conducting trainings that improve organizational skills. DIDART is looking for a volunteer to help them develop a sales strategy and develop a digital financial system along with a strategy for data management. 

HAITI

Small Animal Health and Meat Quality Expert (Haiti, April-June 2016: 2-4 weeks)

The purpose of this assignment is improving best practices of small animal meat sales, and all factors that affect meat quality. This assignment will contribute to improving, expanding and increasing small animal production in Haiti in an effort to improve the local, national (short term goal) and international (long term goal) market between Haitian producers and buyers. The volunteer will assist in conducting analysis of current quality of small animal meat including goat, chicken and rabbit production, processing and transport, with a focus on nutrition as a factor of meat quality. The ideal volunteer should have experience in agribusiness and the meat market and a solid understanding of the HACCP system, and should have strong communication and presentations skills, be flexible, and be comfortable working with interpreters.

Coffee Agribusiness Management Expert (Haiti, April-August 2016: 4-6 weeks)

The purpose of this assignment is to provide trainings that will help various coffee producers, associations, and cooperatives to collect standardized data that can then be used for analysis and business management, as well as monitoring and evaluation of impact. By implementing basic business accounting and recordkeeping practices, training participants will also be more equipped to produce business documentation for seeking financing. The volunteer will work with the hosts to develop an analysis report with recommendations for improved practices. The volunteer should have experience in agribusiness development as well as experience developing standardized record keeping and data collection systems. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of coffee production systems, good writing and analytical skills, strong communication and presentation skills, be flexible, and be comfortable working with interpreters.

NICARAGUA

Ice Cream Processing Specialist (Nicaragua, January 2016: 2-3 weeks (17-31st preferred)):

A F2F volunteer is needed to hold workshops with dairy processors to begin or improve their current ice cream processing practices. The volunteer will also train processors how to ensure food safety and quality throughout the process. The ideal volunteer will have experience making artisanal ice cream, gelato, and/or other frozen dairy products and experience conducting workshops with adults of varying literacy levels. Spanish language skills and knowledge of processing other dairy products is preferred. 

Advertising Specialist (Nicaragua, February 2016: 2-3 weeks (1-21st preferred)):

A F2F volunteer is needed to work with the National Cattleman’s Commission (CONAGAN), the Nicaraguan Chamber of Beef Industry Exports (CANICARNE), and the Nicaraguan Dairy Chamber (CANISLAC) to develop messages, materials, and propaganda to support the current dairy and meat campaigns. The materials will also be used for the upcoming Nicaraguan Dairy Congress. The volunteer for this assignment should have experience developing advertising and marketing campaigns and some graphic design experience. A graduate degree in marketing, business, or a related field as well as Spanish language abilities and knowledge of dairy and meat markets are preferred. 

Graphic Designer (Nicaragua, Long-Term: 1-3 months (January-March preferred)):

A F2F volunteer is needed to work with the National Cattleman’s Commission (CONAGAN), the Nicaraguan Chamber of Beef Industry Exports (CANICARNE), the Nicaraguan Dairy Chamber (CANISLAC), and the Nicaraguan Institute for Development (INDE) to develop messages, materials, and propaganda to support the current dairy and meat campaigns. This volunteer should have extensive graphic design experience that includes experience designing logos and banners and developing advertising and marketing campaigns. Experience working with the dairy and meat markets is preferred, as is Spanish language fluency.

Cheese Processing Expert (HACCP Specialist) (Nicaragua, February 2016 (8-22 preferred): 2-3 weeks)

A F2F volunteer is needed to work with cheese processors to ensure that their processes are hygienic and safe. The volunteer will conduct workshops with the processors on best management practices for making hard cheeses (gouda and cheddar). The volunteer will also conduct theoretical and hands-on trainings in HACCP for improved quality and hygiene. ItThe right candidate for this assignment will have experience conducting workshops in and presentations on HACCP and experience making hard cheeses and conducting trainings on processing hard cheeses. It is preferred that the volunteer have basic Spanish skills, experience working in a developing country, and a degree in agriculture, agribusiness, or a related field.

Artificial Insemination Bovine Specialist (Nicaragua, April 2016: 2-3 weeks)

An F2F volunteer is needed to train veterinarians and others stakeholders in the cattle industry in best practices regarding bovine artificial insemination. The volunteer will provide theoretical and practical hands-on trainings and workshops on artificial insemination. It is expected that at the end of the assignment the hosts will be able to properly artificially inseminate cows in the Quality Calf Production Project. The volunteer needs to have a graduate degree in veterinary medicine, animal science, or a related field, experience conducting workshops and trainings on artificial insemination, and conversational Spanish skills. The volunteer should be flexible and it is preferred the volunteer have experience working in developing countries. 

Embryo Transplant Bovine Specialist (Nicaragua, April 2016: 2-3 weeks)

An F2F volunteer is needed to train veterinarians and others stakeholders in the cattle industry in best practices regarding bovine embryo transplants. The volunteer will provide hands-on technical assistance and workshops transplant bovine embryos. Theoretical and practical workshops will include artificial insemination in cattle breeding, estrus synchronization, synchronization treatments, collection techniques, classification and embryo transfer. The volunteer needs to have a graduate degree in veterinary medicine, animal science, or a related field, experience conducting workshops and trainings on embryo transfers, experience in estrus synchronization for the implantation of embryos, and conversational Spanish skills. The volunteer should be flexible and it is preferred the volunteer have experience working in developing countries. 

FLEX

Retail Marketing Specialist (Colombia, April 2016, 2-4 weeks (April 5-30th preferred))

An F2F volunteer is needed to assist Zue Cosmetics, a natural cosmetic manufacturing company based in Cali, Colombia, in developing media, brand positioning, and marketing strategies for entry into U.S. retail stores. The volunteer will train Zue Cosmetics staff on key tips to increase brand promotion when selling in U.S. retail. The volunteer will also assist in designing a road map for initial product positioning during its opening in August 2016 at Whole Foods Market, including recommendations on promotions and in-store demonstrations. The ideal volunteer will be a U.S. retail marketing specialist with experience in developing strategies for marketing and brand positioning of products in U.S. retail stores. It is preferred the volunteer have knowledge of the Whole Foods market, and the markets of other similar stores that Zue could target. The expected deliverables for this assignment are a marketing strategy for U.S. retail stores, guidelines for in-store product promotional strategies and demos, a manual on month-to-month brand operations management, an outreach activity, a blog post, a trip report, and recommendations for further work.

Greenhouse Specialist (Guyana, June-August 2016: 2-3 weeks)

The general objective of the assignment is for the volunteer to visit shadehouse vegetable production enterprises that are using the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) System or the Floating Root (FR) System, observe the functioning of the respective systems and common practices, and advise the growers on what changes they should make. The volunteer will hold workshops with the producers to discuss common challenges and solutions and educate them on the best practices for successful NFT and FR systems. The volunteer must be qualified in greenhouse management and have working knowledge of NFT and FR systems.