BACKGROUND

The Peace Corps is an independent U.S. Government agency that sends American volunteers around the world to aid countries to fulfill their development needs. The Peace Corps has programs in 65 countries with approximately 7,000 American volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.

The three goals of the Peace Corps are:

• To help the people of interested countries in meeting their needs for trained men and women;
• To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of peoples served;
• To help promote a better understanding of other people on the part of Americans.

As of date, Peace Corps/Rwanda has approximately 30 Volunteers operating within two sectors namely Health and TEFL Education. The number of Volunteers and sectors are both subject to change over time. Peace Corps originally opened its program in Rwanda in 1974, working for 20 years before closing its offices in 1994. It reopened its doors in 2008. We are seeking an enthusiastic individual who is a team player and self-starter with moral integrity and a spirit of continuous improvement to fill this vacancy.

BASIC FUNCTION

The MNCH PTS/HE actively contributes to the overall direction and achievement of the Peace Corps program in country. Specifically, the MNCH PTS/HE works with the Program Manager/Health (PM/HE) to make sure that the MNCH and Community Development program goals and objectives are achieved, meeting the expectations of the Rwanda Ministry of Health and the needs of the communities served. In collaboration with the PM/HE and Training Manager (TM), the MNCH PTS/HE plans, prepares, and implements timely assist for, and training of, Health and Community Development Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs). MNCH PTS/HE assistance to the PM/HE and TM includes monitoring and evaluating results of PCV site level interventions and making recommendations and implementing sound and appropriate strategies to strengthen programmatic and/or training efforts as necessary.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Support

• help with developing, supporting, and monitoring the MNCH program, which reflects and serves the needs of the host country, in cooperation with appropriate local officials and citizens, Peace Corps staff members, PCVs, and other project stakeholders.
• Stay up to date on research, trends, and best practices on issues related to MNCH at the national, local, and home level.
• Utilize up to date research, trends, and best practices, to assess the MNCH component of the Health project and advise the PM/HE on how to continually enhance the project.
• Collaborate with PC sector specialists and Communities of Practice to ensure project continues to be informed by PC initiatives, taking into consideration local context.
• help with developing potential assignments for PCVs through meetings with interested parties, site visits, and other relevant activities, and initiate and keep contact with potential community partners and sponsoring agencies. Explain Peace Corps’ development goals, philosophy, and approach, including the role of Volunteers, to local sponsoring organizations, supervisors, co-workers and relevant community members in order to set realistic expectations.
• detect and produce PCV sites according to the Site Identification and Site Monitoring Standards to ensure quality placement and meaningful work, perform programmatic sites visits to deliver Volunteer assist,
• help with improving PCV reporting systems, evaluate and providing feedback on Volunteer Report Forms and grants and writing annual reports. evaluate, track, and evaluate Volunteer progress using the Volunteer Reporting and Grants and other standard M&E tools and systems.
• Organize meetings with host country supervisors and counterparts to discuss PCV performance, keep all PCVs related data and PCV site records in electronic and hard copy as appropriate.
• help with initiating and maintaining appropriate contacts within the Rwanda Ministry of Health, locally engaged health facilities, local governments, and other current and potential partner or sponsor organizations utilizing or likely to utilize PCVs.
• help with representing Peace Corps in negotiations with national and local agencies, public and private, on the qualifications, numbers, and placement of PCVs. Help use the negotiations to form the basis for formal organizational agreements.
• Respond to Volunteer requests for assistance or materials in a timely and responsive manner and deliver information/suggestions which are both helpful and realistic. Takes primary responsibility to see that Volunteer files are maintained, and that information is complete.
• organize with other PC/Rwanda units in general, and with other project sectors to ensure consistency in program and training processes and practices and organize.
• Under the direction of the DPT and PM, assist the Project Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings and annual work plan.
• In coordination with PC staff units, assist Volunteer committees’ activities as needed and requested by PM or DPT. May serve as staff liaison for certain Volunteer groups as assigned.

Training

• help with formulating a comprehensive training agenda for each new group of PCVs over the course of their service, in coordination with the PM/Health, TM, and other appropriate staff members.
• Assist the PM/Health, Training Unit led by the TM, administrative staff members, and other staff members as appropriate in the design, implementation and evaluation of Pre-service Training (PST) and In-service (IST) Training programs for PCVs, national and regional workshops of PCVs and their counterparts. This includes the preparation of a comprehensive technical training program; the development of related training materials; coordination of the logistical needs of the technical training (e.g., site visits, hands-on activities); identification and engagement of relevant guest presenters; the facilitation of specific training sessions, and monitoring progress during training whilst giving timely and appropriate feedback to the relevant training staff, the PM, the TM and the Trainees/Volunteers
• Facilitates technical training related to project framework, practical and classroom instruction, and field activities for PCVs and counterparts.
• In conjunction with the PM/HE and TM, to fully capitalize on local resources, including human, to deliver appropriate, quality technical training.
• Assist with the development, perform, and evaluation of all other IST events in coordination with the PM/HE and TM, including regional meetings with PCVs and the mid-service as well as close of service conferences. This includes performing needs assessments; designing and implementing training activities; assisting the TM with on-site management of training events; conducting necessary follow-up activities; and evaluating effectiveness.
• Works with Programming and Training unit to produce and track annual budget marks for training events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience as a licensed registered nurse (current or former) AND/OR holds a master’s degree in nursing, public health, or a related field.
• Level IV (fluent) in reading, writing, and speaking in English and Kinyarwanda. The ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken professional English and Kinyarwanda is essential and required.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, management, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER) of sector specific projects (MNCH related field).
• At least three years of practical experience in the field of public health, nursing, community development in Rwanda.
• At least two years’ experience designing and facilitating training utilizing participatory and non-formal adult education techniques.
• Experience working in cross-cultural environments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including writing skills.
• Ability to effectively oversee multiple tasks under challenging conditions.
• Ability to collaborate with minimal supervision and in a fast-paced and high-stress work environment.
• Computer skills in the full MS Office Suite.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a member of the Programming and Training unit, reports to the Program Manager- Health (PM/HE). The MNCH PTS/HE serves as the key MNCH resource for Volunteers and their Rwandan partners who are engaged in MNCH initiatives and/or trainings in their communities, serving in a combination of program assist, volunteer assist and training assist functions.

LOGISTICS AND WORK GUIDELINES

Principal duty station is in Kigali, Rwanda, with travel away from the office expected. The Contractor is expected to travel away from the Peace Corps office (mostly within Rwanda) up to 50% of the time. Travel will often require working into the evening or weekend hours and/or overnight stays. Travel locations are often reached via driving on roads in ill repair. Volunteer sites may require Contractor to carry supplies/equipment up and/or down steep terrain. Visiting volunteer sites may increase an individual’s exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses.

The Contractor may only use Peace Corps equipment and systems in accordance with the Peace Corps Country Policy on Peace Corps equipment and computer systems.

LEVEL OF EFFORT AND SCHEDULE

This is a contract for full-time work of 40 hours per week, with periods of increased work expected during PSTs, In Service Trainings (ISTs), and while away from the office on travel. Contractor will adhere to the standard office schedule specified in the Peace Corps Country Staff Handbook unless otherwise on approved leave or working an approved alternative schedule. Contractor is expected to report for work on time and to work diligently on assigned Peace Corps duties and responsibilities during work hours. The Contractor must not report for work while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• help with developing, supporting, and monitoring the MNCH program, which reflects and serves the needs of the host country, in cooperation with appropriate local officials and citizens, Peace Corps staff members, PCVs, and other project stakeholders.
• Stay up to date on research, trends, and best practices on issues related to MNCH at the national, local, and home level.
• Utilize up to date research, trends, and best practices, to assess the MNCH component of the Health project and advise the PM/HE on how to continually enhance the project.
• Collaborate with PC sector specialists and Communities of Practice to ensure project continues to be informed by PC initiatives, taking into consideration local context.
• help with developing potential assignments for PCVs through meetings with interested parties, site visits, and other relevant activities, and initiate and keep contact with potential community partners and sponsoring agencies. Explain Peace Corps’ development goals, philosophy, and approach, including the role of Volunteers, to local sponsoring organizations, supervisors, co-workers and relevant community members in order to set realistic expectations.
• detect and produce PCV sites according to the Site Identification and Site Monitoring Standards to ensure quality placement and meaningful work, perform programmatic sites visits to deliver Volunteer assist,
• help with improving PCV reporting systems, evaluate and providing feedback on Volunteer Report Forms and grants and writing annual reports. evaluate, track, and evaluate Volunteer progress using the Volunteer Reporting and Grants and other standard M&E tools and systems.
• Organize meetings with host country supervisors and counterparts to discuss PCV performance, keep all PCVs related data and PCV site records in electronic and hard copy as appropriate.
• help with initiating and maintaining appropriate contacts within the Rwanda Ministry of Health, locally engaged health facilities, local governments, and other current and potential partner or sponsor organizations utilizing or likely to utilize PCVs.
• help with representing Peace Corps in negotiations with national and local agencies, public and private, on the qualifications, numbers, and placement of PCVs. Help use the negotiations to form the basis for formal organizational agreements.
• Respond to Volunteer requests for assistance or materials in a timely and responsive manner and deliver information/suggestions which are both helpful and realistic. Takes primary responsibility to see that Volunteer files are maintained, and that information is complete.
• organize with other PC/Rwanda units in general, and with other project sectors to ensure consistency in program and training processes and practices and organize.
• Under the direction of the DPT and PM, assist the Project Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings and annual work plan.
• In coordination with PC staff units, assist Volunteer committees’ activities as needed and requested by PM or DPT. May serve as staff liaison for certain Volunteer groups as assigned.
• help with formulating a comprehensive training agenda for each new group of PCVs over the course of their service, in coordination with the PM/Health, TM, and other appropriate staff members.
• Assist the PM/Health, Training Unit led by the TM, administrative staff members, and other staff members as appropriate in the design, implementation and evaluation of Pre-service Training (PST) and In-service (IST) Training programs for PCVs, national and regional workshops of PCVs and their counterparts. This includes the preparation of a comprehensive technical training program; the development of related training materials; coordination of the logistical needs of the technical training (e.g., site visits, hands-on activities); identification and engagement of relevant guest presenters; the facilitation of specific training sessions, and monitoring progress during training whilst giving timely and appropriate feedback to the relevant training staff, the PM, the TM and the Trainees/Volunteers
• Facilitates technical training related to project framework, practical and classroom instruction, and field activities for PCVs and counterparts.
• In conjunction with the PM/HE and TM, to fully capitalize on local resources, including human, to deliver appropriate, quality technical training.
• Assist with the development, perform, and evaluation of all other IST events in coordination with the PM/HE and TM, including regional meetings with PCVs and the mid-service as well as close of service conferences. This includes performing needs assessments; designing and implementing training activities; assisting the TM with on-site management of training events; conducting necessary follow-up activities; and evaluating effectiveness.
• Works with Programming and Training unit to produce and track annual budget marks for training events.

• Communication
• Management
• Excel
• Negotiation
• Research
• Training
• Logistics
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including writing skills.
• Ability to effectively oversee multiple tasks under challenging conditions.
• Ability to collaborate with minimal supervision and in a fast-paced and high-stress work environment.
• Computer skills in the full MS Office Suite.

• Experience as a licensed registered nurse (current or former) AND/OR holds a master’s degree in nursing, public health, or a related field.
• Level IV (fluent) in reading, writing, and speaking in English and Kinyarwanda. The ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken professional English and Kinyarwanda is essential and required.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, management, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER) of sector specific projects (MNCH related field).
• At least three years of practical experience in the field of public health, nursing, community development in Rwanda.
• At least two years’ experience designing and facilitating training utilizing participatory and non-formal adult education techniques.
• Experience working in cross-cultural environments.