Project Description

Peace Corps Response Volunteers are needed to serve as Community Health Advisors with the Organization for Sustainable Development, Reinforcement, and Self-Promotion of Community Structures (DEDRAS-ONG) to support the USAID Reinforcement of Community High Impact Health Services Project in Benin. The Ministry of Health has developed and launched the Community High Impact Intervention which consists of health services and all actions carried out at on the community level to promote practices and behaviors that improve and sustain the health of mothers, newborns and children. Through local NGOs like DEDAS, the reach of health services at the community level has been improved by building and expanding a strong network of skilled community health workers capable of treating common childhood illnesses providing health education at the grassroots level.

A Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) with a minimum of Bachelor's degree in Public Health or epidemiology, at least one year of experience in community health, and the ability to work in a French speaking office environment is needed to continue this critical work. As the Community Health Advisor, the PCRV will provide assistance to the health system and territorial entities with the implementation of community health interventions and provide training to Community Health Workers (CHW) in relation to Community Case Management of Children Diseases, sexual and reproductive health, WASH and nutrition. By the completion of this project it is expected that the PCRV will have established strong and reliable monitoring and evaluation system and trained local community members in the maintenance of this system.

Please note that departure dates and other details of this project could change because of the uncertainties as Peace Corps and local partners resume volunteer operations. Candidates selected for this position will be arriving in Benin together as a group, so while the departure dates for the whole group could change, dates cannot be changed for individual candidates.

Partner Information

DEDRAS NGO

Required Skills

• High tolerance for ambiguity and high level of flexibility – some details of this project could change because of the uncertainties as Peace Corps and local partners resume volunteer operationsBachelor in Public Health or epidemiology or equivalent graduate degree
• Experience in at least one of the following public health areas during their PC service or through other professional work in a developing country context: maternal health, infant and young child health or nutrition, household WASH, malaria control, household-level health outreach.
• Project management experience and skills demonstrated
• Ability to adapt to and work in a very low-resource environment, including very limited transportation, internet access, and other amenities
• Ability to work in a French speaking work environment;
• Proficiency with monitoring and evaluation software such as WORD, EXCEL, ACCESS, POWERPOINT, etc.
• At least a year of experience in community health.

The Peace Corps embraces and leverages the diversity of its volunteers as a reflection of America's diversity. Peace Corps Response is committed to reflecting the diversity of the United States in the professionals we send into the field to support the mission of world peace and friendship. Applicants with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Serving in Benin

Learn more about the Volunteer experience in Benin: Get detailed information on culture, communications, housing, health, and safety -- including health and crime statistics -- in order to make a well-informed decision about serving.

Medical Considerations

Before you apply, please review Medical Information for Applicants to learn about the medical clearance process.

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