Project Description

Several Peace Corps Response Volunteers are needed to serve as Math/Science Education Specialists as part of the re-opening of the Peace Corps program in Kenya. Kenya Vision 2030 envisions an educational system that is responsive to national and global imperatives, and the National Education Sector Plan (NESP) Volume One 2013-2018 continues to support this Vision by focusing on urgent needs and goals including increased literacy, increased access, progression and transition in all levels of basic education and increased quality and relevance of education with an emphasis on Science, Technology and Innovation. In western Kenya, secondary school enrolment and completion remains low, and special schools lack necessary student to teacher ratios. By working with a Center of Excellence in each region, PC Kenya will support the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology – initially in the counties in Western, Nyanza and Rift Valley Regions – to address those barriers.

The Math/Science Education Specialists, with Bachelor’s degrees in education, math, or science and at least two years of experience in primary or secondary school teaching will work with several primary and secondary schools within a cluster to increase teacher skills and improve the needed progression and transition of students to secondary schools and beyond. PCRVs will also act as a vital partner in the USG DREAMS initiative to keep girls in schools by creating linkages to youth friendly services, stronger social protection systems and better family and community support. Peace Corps is preparing to reopen the country program with 27- month Volunteers when conditions allow, but will initially resume operations with a small group of skilled and experienced education professionals. As part of the initial cohort participating in Peace Corps’ re-entry, the PCRVs can expect to help further develop relationships with the partner organizations, refine the needs assessment, and prepare the way for the 2-year Peace Corps Volunteers to follow.

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

Partner Information

A regional Center of Excellence (specific partner school to be assigned later)

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 Education with a concentration in Math and/or Science OR Bachelor of Science in Math and/or Science
• At least two years’ experience in Primary or Secondary school teaching
• Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) or a minimum of two years working overseas in an international development context
• Flexibility and patience to adapt to changing circumstances and work without constant or close supervision
• Intercultural communication and relationship-building skills
• Basic Kiswahili language or the willingness and ability to quickly self-learn Kiswahili language communication skills prior to departure, including ongoing study and practice during service

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 Kenya

Learn more about the Volunteer experience in Kenya: Get detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and safety 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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