Co-Facilitate Partnership Building for Veteran Rehabilitation Center
Eligibility
Open to all RPCVs
Activity/project background
Partner: Podillya Agency for Regional Development (PARD) (Local NGO)
Podillya Agency for Regional Development (PARD) is a local NGO in Ukraine that serves as a systemic change competency center promoting sustainable community development. Due to the war in Ukraine, there is an increasing number of trauma survivors in the community. To address this need, PARN would like to establish the Genesis and Systems Solution Center in Vinnytsia for the prevention and rehabilitation of people, primarily veterans, suffering from physical and phantom pains.
PARD is requesting a VSPP to help in the collection of information that will aid the organization with the creation and implementation of the Genesis & System Solution Center. The center hopes to adopt recognized best practices and approaches in the center, i.e., Swedish, Norwegian, and Israeli treatment technologies and psychological support for trauma victims. The Center needs assistance with establishing communication and partnerships with organizations and donors who will be able to support such a Center in Ukraine.
The organization has previously worked with several Community Economic Development Peace Corps Volunteers. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer.
Virtual service engagement and tasks
The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their Host Country Partners:
• Research information about potential partners who may be able to support the Center with best practices and equipment for treatment and rehabilitation programs
• Identify programs that support veterans and/or displaced populations with chronic and phantom pain
• Assist PARD staff to write and proofread applications and proposals for support, especially for international partners who may be interested in supporting programs for internally displaced persons
• Co-facilitate communication with international partners
• Assist with establishing communication with U.S.-based humanitarian organizations and health/chronic pain associations that may be interested in helping Ukrainian organizations dealing with displaced persons
This engagement is expected to be approximately 12 weeks. VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5-15 hours per week.
Meetings between VSPPs and Host Country Counterparts will take place during normal office hours, ideal time slots are between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Ukraine standard time. Specific times will be determined during orientation. The Host Country Partner will provide interpretation.
The Host Country Counterpart will have access to email, Zoom, Messenger, Telegram, and WhatsApp for regular communication and collaboration.
Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0-18), two adults must be present.
Optional additional activities
The Peace Corps mission is to promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals:
- To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
- To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
- To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
Goal 1 will be achieved through the VSPP's engagement and completion of the above tasks. The counterpart and VSPP may also choose to identify an activity that aligns with Goal 2. Additionally, the VSPP may identify a Goal 3 activity to implement during their engagement. See recommendations and tools for Goal 3 activities.
Essential qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in public administration, organizational development, NGO management
Language: Basic Ukrainian
Experience:
• 1 year of experience in organizational capacity development and project management
• 1 year of experience in communication, networking, and partnership building
• Experience using spreadsheets (such as Excel or Google Sheets) for data management
Intercultural skills and motivation: Flexible, strong cross-cultural agility, high tolerance for ambiguity, able to work independently, resourceful, creative, and genuinely motivated and capable to serve virtually
Desired qualifications
Education: Master’s degree in public administration, NGO management, organizational development, or business administration
Technical Skills: Familiarity with virtual engagement and communication
Language: Intermediate Ukrainian
Experience:
• Managing a nonprofit in the US
• Experience working with veterans
• Virtual Service experience in Ukraine
Terms and conditions of engagement
VSPPs will be engaging with the host country partner, in coordination with Peace Corps post staff, remotely from the US. They should have access to a computer, internet, and telephone in order to enable direct engagement with the Peace Corps overseas office and the Host Country Counterpart assigned by the host country partner.
Orientation with the host country partner will be provided, within the designated virtual service hours, during the first week of virtual service via an online presentation and discussion. The host country partner will provide an overview of its organization, the local context, and how they envision collaborating with the VSPP.
The VSPP will have regular check-ins with their counterpart and bi-weekly check-ins with Peace Corps staff. Spending unstructured time with counterparts can be critical to relationship-building and is encouraged through activities such as coffee chats and informal calls within the weekly 5-15 hours.
Engagement-specific safety and security
The VSPP will receive an orientation on Peace Corps’ Child Protection Policy and how it relates to online engagement along with IT security best practices. The VSPP will be expected to follow safety and security guidelines for online engagement to ensure their safety and that of the Host Country Partner and their counterpart, and any beneficiaries of the engagement.
Supervision requirements
The VSPP will report to a designated Peace Corps staff member. The VSPP will be expected to abide by the Virtual Service Pilot Participant and Donation Agreement and Participant Principles of Engagement. The VSPP will also be expected to check in with the designated host country counterpart as assigned by the host county partner.
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