Job Description

NCBA CLUSA is searching for an experienced Consultant Writer with available for multiple short-term assignments over the course of six to twelve months. The consultant will support NCBA CLUSA’s bid preparation as a lead writer drafting and one-voicing the technical proposal. Performing the following tasks:

• Participate in the capture and proposal development process as a lead writer, integrating elements from the request for information (RFI)/solicitation (if available) to support the completion of a proposal within the indicated timeframe in the proposal development calendar.
• Review background information, interview stakeholders, and participate in strategic discussions to understand the critical win themes, unique value propositions, organizational approaches, and standards to highlight in the proposal.
• Conduct desk research as necessary to support technical section development, for example to strengthen descriptions of the context, constraints, opportunities, and needs.
• Work closely with the Proposal Manager, as well as proposal team, to ensure that the proposal is well written, cohesive, organized according to the solicitation requirements and that all technical proposal sections align with NCBA CLUSA’s win strategy.
• Prepare a pre-solicitation blue draft based on information available, existing capture materials (capture plan, win themes, partner heat map, competitive analysis etc.), and results framework.
• The blue draft proposal will include the context statement, conceptual framework, technical approach, and description of activities, management and monitoring and evaluation plan into a well written, cohesive, organized proposal that responds to what we believe will be the funder requirements.
• Prepare a revised “pink” draft following the release of the solicitation, that is aligned with the compliance matrix and proposal calendar.
• Participate in the internal review meetings of the pink and red draft and incorporate reviewer feedback.
• Utilize inputs from internal NCBA CLUSA staff, identified partners and subcontractors, as well as supporting writers (if assigned), in the development of proposal drafts, as directed by the Czar.
• Provide any useful technical guidance and recommendations that will help improve the quality of the final technical proposa

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Five years of experience in proposal writing/editing
• Experience drafting corporate communications for both internal and external audiences.
• Ability to write and provide copy edits in English.
• Ability to draft corporate communications in English.
• Previous experience with US Government funding.

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Job Description

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking 2 (1- remote US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Loja, Ecuador)qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates for the position of Financial Accounting Manager to support Asociación Agroartesanal de Productores Ecológicos de Café Especial del Cantón Loja (APECAEL), based in Loja, Ecuador.

APECAEL was founded in 2004 to save coffee farms in Loja. Due to a decrease in coffee prices, many growers saw coffee as a non-profitable business and some abandoned their production altogether. APECAEL was able to stabilize their production and sell coffee at a fair price. In 2016, APECAEL expanded, building a facility to roast, grind, and store coffee. Currently, APECAEL gathers members’ coffee to sell in the national and international markets.

APECAEL’s long term goals are to increase coffee production and purchase better harvesting equipment. Currently their Board of Directors has two women and one youth, as part of their goals to increase youth participation.

In order to meet their goals and grow their business opportunities, APECAEL needs to understand how to interpret basic financial documents to make sound financial decisions. APECAEL’s members and Board of Directors understand they need to know what the financial reports say in order to make better decisions for themselves and the association. However, there is a misunderstanding about what current financial reports say and how they can use this information.

Duration: 2 Weeks (August to October 2021)

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Analyze the current financial and accounting management practices for the associates and Board of directors and provide constructive feedback about improvement opportunities.  
• Based on the analysis above, provide training on essential financial management for associates, including how to create and interpret basic financial documents.  
• Provide training on business financial management and its influence on decision-making for the Board of Directors. 
• Teach participants about protocols used in financial audits. 

Qualifications

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• The volunteer should have experience in accounting and financial management and the ability to transmit this knowledge using non-technical language.  
• A Degree in Finance, Administration, Accounting, and/or a related field is required.  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.  
• Available for virtual communications with Host Organization, Staff and Co-volunteer
• US candidate must be legally able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• Advanced English language skills; reading, writing, speaking.

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Job Description

• Work with proposal team to develop technical approaches and activities and to write a responsive, quality technical proposal;
• Support proposal teams in writing other sections of the proposal and review all proposal sections to ensure same voice, consistency and compliance;
• Align with NCBBA CLUSA best practices for developing proposal outlines, strategies, and approaches;
• Participate in design meetings, workshops, and proposal reviews;
• Incorporate input from proposal team, technical experts, field teams and reviewers to enhance the quality of the proposal;
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• At least four years of proposal writing experience, including for USAID solicitations;
• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, economics, journalism, or a related field;
• Familiarity with USAID rules and regulations for proposal compliance;
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills required;
• Ability to work effectively in teams and meet tight deadlines;
• Ability to participate in meetings and workshops with partners and field staff, across relevant time zones;
• Experience in Resilience and Market systems preferred.

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Job Description

NCBA CLUSA is seeking a qualified Ecuadorian National for the Municipal Strengthening Lead  for the “Tu Municipio Responde” (TuMUNI) Program funded by USAID.  The purpose of this Activity is to expand citizens' access to critical public services, including to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), by strengthening the capacity of local governments for the effective, transparent, and citizen-responsive provision of local services in no more than 30 municipalities. Through the provision of local services, this Activity will demonstrate that democratic governance produces results and, at the same time, catalyze progress in other sectors such as economic growth, education, digital connectivity, and child nutrition.

The Activity will have two components: (a) More effective and accountable local governance and (b) Improved water and sanitation services. The expected duration of the Program is up to 60 months, beginning in November 2023. This will be a contract position pending award from USAID.

Qualifications

- Bachelors degree in municipal strengthening, democracy and governance or other related fields include urban planning or public administration;

- 5+ years of experience with government development and strengthening, preferably with a focus on municipal services strengthening in Ecuador and/or other countries in the region;

- Experience working with municipal governments in Ecuador;

- Experience working in local governance operations, public policy and engagement and public financial management;

- A demonstrated track record of managing projects with success improving local governance and local public service provision;

- A demonstrated ability to engage with multiple stakeholders, including local civil society and Indigenous groups, at the local and national levels; and

- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an engaging style for public presentations, and analytical, interpersonal, and cross-cultural skills

Fluency in in Spanish and proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of other languages spoken in target municipalities is a plus, but not required.

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