Peace Corps/Jamaica Vacancy AnnouncementProgramming and Training Specialist/Education

The United States Peace Corps seeks an experienced professional to serve as a Programming & Training Specialist in the field of Literacy Education, to be based in Kingston. Applicants must have at least three years of experience in primary education, teacher training and literacy education initiatives, particularly in rural areas. Additional experience in training design and monitoring & evaluation is highly desired.

Remuneration: Starting Basic Salary ranges from J$2,434,392 – J$2,868,536 per annum depending on education and experience. Allowances total $141,588 per annum, and a bonus is payable at 8.33% of Basic Salary. This position is for a one year contract with four additional one-year option periods; pending successful performance and availability of funds, the contract is renewable annually without expiration.

Please review the following pages for detailed information regarding the position. Only applications including the following information will be reviewed:

1. Completed Sections 1-3 of the Application Form (pages 6-11) 2. Resume3. Cover Letter

In order to be considered for employment, please submit all requested documents via email to vacancy@jm.peacecorps.gov with the subject line “PTS Application.”

Peace Corps reserves the right not to consider applications received after closing date and/or failing to follow application instructions. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Appointment will be based on successful security clearance and availability of funds.

Applications are due by 8:00 a.m. on August 8, 2016.

STATEMENT OF WORKProgramming and Training Specialist/Education (PTS/EDU)

DUTY STATION: Kingston, Peace Corps Office BASIS OF EMPLOYMENT: Long-Term Personal Services ContractSUPERVISOR: Program Manager/Education (PM/EDU)SUPERVISES: N/A

GENERAL: The Programming and Training Specialist/Education (PTS/EDU) provides support in the development, planning, implementation and administration of Peace Corps Jamaica’s (PCJ’s) programming and training processes. Across a 27 month training continuum, the PTS/EDU assumes the role of technical trainer for Peace Corps Trainees/Volunteers (PCT/Vs) and their project partners. The PTS/EDU may be required to travel for brief to extended periods of time, including in-home stay environments in rural Jamaica for up to six weeks.

The Contractor is subject to worldwide availability and may be requested by the Peace Corps to be reassigned or transferred permanently to another Peace Corps Post/Headquarters or perform temporary duties (TDY) as required and to travel to other assignments within Peace Corps’ as assigned. Any such reassignment or transfer shall be subject to agreement of the Contractor. The Statement of Work as defined will remain the same; however the duties may be subject to change as determined by the Contracting Officer.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project & Program Support 25%

Provides technical assistance and guidance to PCT/Vs on matters relating to their assignments and technical training needs through site visits, phone calls, e-mails and/or appointments during office hours

Carries out site development and PCV visits to ensure that prospective sites meet the minimum criteria for work, housing and overall safety and security

Assists the Program Manager/Education (PM/EDU) with the preparation and review of project plans, partnership agreements and relevant project documents

Assists the PM/EDU in maintaining and updating all site, volunteer, and program related files

Administrative & Volunteer Support 20%

With the PM/EDU, organizes and implements sector-related conferences, workshops and group meetings; this includes preparing documentation such as quotes, purchase requests, budgets, and PCT/V travel estimates

Records PCT/V personal and project information in the Volunteer Information Database (VIDA), including but not limited to contact information, vacation approvals, and Volunteer Reporting Forms

Maintains technical libraries and resources; manages assigned equipment and materials, ensuring they are available in a timely manner for PCT/Vs and staff

Ensures timely responses to PCT/V requests via email or phone, providing support and advice throughout their service on topics such as cultural adjustment, policies and procedures, and technical guidance

Produces reports for collaborating agencies, partners, and staff using technical resources as well as internal programs such as VIDA

Assists PM/EDU to ensure that prospective sites meet established programmatic and safety/security criteria (e.g., safe housing, a clearly defined assignment with an organization that shows real interest in working with a Volunteer, etc.); reviews and references site history files when evaluating potential sites, and incorporates appropriate safety and security-related information into site history files

Required to act as a sub-cashier on occasion, safeguarding funds and maintaining all appropriate documentation

Performs other administrative support duties as assigned

Development and Implementation of Training Activities 50%

In coordination with other members of the Programming and Training team, develops and prepares high quality lesson plans and materials that are related directly to desired competencies and learning objectives

Assumes the role of technical trainer for the education program before and during Pre Service Training (PST), including developing learning objectives, designing and delivering lesson plans, developing site-based and practicum activities, assessing trainees’ learning, and evaluating training activities

Collaborates with the training team to integrate all areas of instruction during PST including language, safety and security and culture

Collaborates with staff to conduct periodic assessments of PCTs, assessing overall progress and achievement of core expectations and technical learning objectives

Develops an End of Training Report at the conclusion of each PST cycle to identify successes and areas for improvement, and to identify preparatory activities for future training cycles

Develops and implements the technical training budget for the program area Provides input to the Training Director (TD) for the development of a calendar of training events Collaborates with the TD to design and deliver sessions related to in-service training to improve

PCV’s capabilities and project success Provides logistical and administrative support at all In-Service training conferences

Safety and Security and General Duties 5%Volunteer and Office Safety and Security

Must be knowledgeable and supportive of PC safety and security policies and procedures, including the timely reporting of suspicious incidents, persons, or articles; provides safety and security guidance and support to PCT/Vs

Monitors PCT/V compliance with PC policies, especially related to safety and security Addresses PCT/V safety and security by adhering to PC site development policies and

procedures; identifies and immediately communicates PCT/V safety and security concerns and issues to the Safety and Security Manager (SSM) and Country Director (CD)

Participates in the design and implementation of the Emergency Action Plan Acts as duty officer, as needed

General Staff Duties Actively participates in all-staff meetings and staff development retreats The incumbent is expected to exercise initiative, independent judgment and skill while carrying

out recurring duties May be required to travel for brief to extended periods of time; including in host family and

home stay environments for up to six weeks during PST

OTHER:Teamwork, Professionalism and Judgment

Displays highest level of professional and ethical conduct at all times, treating colleagues, Volunteers and community members in a respectful manner that encourages collaboration and effective teamwork at Peace Corps Jamaica

Maintains confidentiality and discloses any potential conflict of interest

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:Education

University bachelor degree in Education or Literacy Studies (preferred)

Prior Work Experience Three to five years of experience teaching at the primary school level Experience in teacher training and literacy education initiatives Experience in parental engagement and/or community support for primary education Experience in designing and implementing training Experience with the use and implementation of technology to support teaching and/or learning

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attitudes Knowledge of and demonstrated skills in applying adult learning methodologies and behavior

change communication Knowledge of the public education system in Jamaica with emphasis on rural schools Knowledge of educational methodologies and literacy initiatives for children and adults Exposure to project design and management, participatory analysis, and monitoring, reporting,

and evaluation Familiarity with national and international organizations and agencies involved in education and

literacy

Demonstrated ability to facilitate teambuilding and manage adult group dynamics Skilled in counseling, coaching, and mentoring adults Must be proficient in Microsoft Office products Must be able to communicate and work effectively in a multicultural environment Must be fully proficient in English, fluency in Jamaican Patios is highly desirable Ability to work well independently and effectively as a member of a team Must have a valid Jamaican driver’s license with the ability to operate a 4-wheel drive motor

vehicle throughout Jamaica

DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:Knowledge of Peace Corps Mission and Goals

Peace Corps Programming & Training Specialist/EducationJOB APPLICATION FORM

Only complete applications will be considered

Section 1

1. JOB INFORMATION

Vacancy Position Title: Programming & Training Specialist/Education

2. PERSONAL INFORMATION

NameAddress

Phone numbers

TRN or Social Security Number

3. EDUCATIONComplete the following information for all high schools and universities attended:

School NameCity and state/parishMajor (if applicable)Type of degree/diploma receivedDate degree/diploma received

School NameCity and state/parishMajor (if applicable)Type of degree/diploma receivedDate degree/diploma received

School NameCity and state/parishMajor (if applicable)Type of degree/diploma receivedDate degree/diploma received

(add additional schools as-needed)

4. WORK EXPERIENCEComplete the following information for all related work experience over the past 10 years (paid and non-paid).

Employer’s Name & AddressJob TitleHours per weekStarting Date (Mo & Yr)Ending Date (Mo & Yr)Duties and accomplishments

If this is your current employer, may we contact your supervisor?If yes, please provide name and phone number:

Employer’s Name & AddressJob TitleHours per weekStarting Date (Mo & Yr)Ending Date (Mo & Yr)Duties and accomplishments

If this is your current employer, may we contact your supervisor?If yes, please provide name and phone number:

Employer’s Name & AddressJob TitleHours per weekStarting Date (Mo & Yr)

Ending Date (Mo & Yr)Duties and accomplishments

If this is your current employer, may we contact your supervisor?If yes, please provide name and phone number:

Employer’s Name & AddressJob TitleHours per weekStarting Date (Mo & Yr)Ending Date (Mo & Yr)Duties and accomplishments

If this is your current employer, may we contact your supervisor?If yes, please provide name and phone number:(add additional work as-needed)

5. OTHER QUALIFICATIONSPlease list any job-related training courses including titles and dates, skills, (e.g., foreign languages, computer knowledge, typing speed), as well as any job-related certificates, licenses, honors and special accomplishments:

Section 2

Please read each of the following questions carefully and answer yes or no:

1. Do you have a university bachelor degree in Education or Literacy Studies? ____Yes ___No

2. Do you have three years of experience with teacher training and remedial/literacy education initiatives, particularly in rural areas?

____Yes ___No

3. Do you have at least one year of experience designing, implementing, and evaluating training activities?

____Yes ___No

4. Do you have a valid Jamaican driver’s license with the ability to operate a 4-wheel drive motor vehicle throughout Jamaica?

____Yes ___No

5. Are you able to travel for extended periods of time?____Yes ___No

If you answered “yes” to all of the questions above, please complete the next section. Please read each question below carefully and ensure that your response sufficiently demonstrates your qualification and suitability for the position. Please note that answers will require more than a “yes” or “no” response; please go into as much relevant detail as possible but each answer should be no more than 350 words. Responses must be typed directly onto this form.

1. Describe your experience working at the primary school level facilitating remedial/literacy education initiatives.

Response:

2. Share with us your experience facilitating teacher training.Response:

3. Share with us how you have engaged parents and have garnered community support for primary educationResponse:

4. Provide a description of your experience in designing and implementing trainings.Response:

5. How have you used and implemented technology to support teaching and/or learning.Response:

6. Describe your exposure to project design and management, participatory analysis, and monitoring, reporting, and evaluationResponse:

7. Share your experience with teambuilding, coaching, and mentoring adults. Response:

8. Describe your experience communicating and working effectively in a multicultural environmentResponse:

Section 3

Provide the name and contact information of three (3) references, two of which must be professional references:

1.

2.

3.

This application form must be sent along with your cover letter and resume for consideration.