Project Description

Peace Corps Guatemala is seeking a Peace Corps Response Volunteer to serve as a Health Education Digital Resources Developer to work with the Ministry of Health. Guatemala is ranked fourth amongst countries with the highest maternal and child mortality rate in the western hemisphere. Malnutrition is a significant health issue affecting the new generation of Guatemalans. In some of the sites where Peace Corps works, undernutrition is affecting over 70% of children under 5 years old. This problem affects future mothers and their children’s health and feeds the cycle of poor maternal health and poor children’s health. Past projects have focused on the promotion of health behaviors through in person training of trainers and training of women’s group and their family member on MCH topics, as well as raising awareness on community leaders’ role in addressing the issue. COVID-19 has forced health workers, patients and overall health audiences to minimize personal interactions, making the delivery of in person services that include health education a challenge that needs to be overcome. The support of a Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) has been requested to develop distance education resources, more specifically ones that are used in mobile phones aimed at youth. Even though developing mobile phone apps is the main interest, there is a broad need in developing any form of resources to be delivered through mobile phones, radio, television and the internet.

A Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) with advanced proficiency in written and spoken Spanish and a Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Computer Science, Computer Programming, or similar degree is needed to support the strengthening of community systems that enable the adoption of health behaviors through information and communication technology. The PCRV will learn about key health behaviors and identify local health initiatives that currently use distance education models and resources. The PCRV will identify gaps in distance education models and develop new resources based on this analysis. Additionally the PCRV will conduct training to local work partners on the development and use of distance education modules created and support local work teams to test and use resources created.

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 Guatemala together as a group, so while the departure dates for the whole group could change, dates cannot be changed for individual candidates.

Partner Information

Ministry of Health

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 operations
• Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Computer Science, Computer Programming, or similar degree.
• Advanced proficiency in written and spoken Spanish.
• Experience with cell phone application development and/or software development.
• Experience with e-learning or any distance learning models.
• Experience in training design and delivery.

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 Guatemala

Learn more about the Volunteer experience in Guatemala: 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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