Cooperative Development Specialist - Volunteer Position - Onsite in Jamaica - 12 months
Peace Corps
United States
Posted on Jul 2, 2025
About The Job
Projected Departure
June 1, 2026
Duration
12 months
ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.
Project description
The Agro-Investment Corporation (Agro-Invest) in Jamaica has requested the support of a Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) to serve as a Cooperative Development Specialist. A key aspect of Agro-Invest’s strategy is promoting cluster farming to enhance efficiency and productivity. By fostering collective farming models, Agro-Invest aims to maximize resource use, expand market opportunities, and strengthen the agricultural value chain. The primary objective of this project is to establish and strengthen farming cooperatives within the targeted Agro Parks and Production Zones by providing technical support, capacity building, and facilitating market linkages.
The PCRV will collaborate with a Agro-Invest team member to enhance farmers' knowledge of cooperative governance, financial management, and sustainable farming practices while ensuring compliance with the Cooperative of Friendly Societies guidelines. The PCRV will have key responsibilities including capacity building & training, facilitating cooperative formation & structuring, and business development & strategic planning.
Please note that departure dates and other details of this project could change as a result of partner needs or other external factors. Candidates selected for this position will be arriving in Jamaica together as a group, so while the departure dates for the whole group could change, dates cannot be changed for individual candidates.
Required Skills
A bachelor’s degree in an agriculture related discipline, Agribusiness, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
At least 2 years experience in cooperative development, agricultural extension services, or rural development.
Strong knowledge of cooperative governance and the Cooperative of Friendly Societies guidelines.
Ability to develop training materials and conduct capacity-building initiatives.
Proficiency in project management and strategic planning.
Experience working with farming communities and understanding of agricultural value chains.
Projected Departure
June 1, 2026
Duration
12 months
ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.
Project description
The Agro-Investment Corporation (Agro-Invest) in Jamaica has requested the support of a Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) to serve as a Cooperative Development Specialist. A key aspect of Agro-Invest’s strategy is promoting cluster farming to enhance efficiency and productivity. By fostering collective farming models, Agro-Invest aims to maximize resource use, expand market opportunities, and strengthen the agricultural value chain. The primary objective of this project is to establish and strengthen farming cooperatives within the targeted Agro Parks and Production Zones by providing technical support, capacity building, and facilitating market linkages.
The PCRV will collaborate with a Agro-Invest team member to enhance farmers' knowledge of cooperative governance, financial management, and sustainable farming practices while ensuring compliance with the Cooperative of Friendly Societies guidelines. The PCRV will have key responsibilities including capacity building & training, facilitating cooperative formation & structuring, and business development & strategic planning.
Please note that departure dates and other details of this project could change as a result of partner needs or other external factors. Candidates selected for this position will be arriving in Jamaica together as a group, so while the departure dates for the whole group could change, dates cannot be changed for individual candidates.
Required Skills
A bachelor’s degree in an agriculture related discipline, Agribusiness, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
At least 2 years experience in cooperative development, agricultural extension services, or rural development.
Strong knowledge of cooperative governance and the Cooperative of Friendly Societies guidelines.
Ability to develop training materials and conduct capacity-building initiatives.
Proficiency in project management and strategic planning.
Experience working with farming communities and understanding of agricultural value chains.