Project Description

A Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) is needed to serve as a Nutrition Trainer with the Anova Health Institute on their Nutrition Assessment, Counselling and Support (NACS) with their Community Health Workers (CHWs). The Anova Health Institute is a non-profit headquartered in Johannesburg with projects in all nine provinces of South Africa and in other African countries. Their vision is to be the leading organization in innovative health programs that result in positive health outcomes. Anova provides technical support and direct services delivery in several health programs (HIV care and treatment for adults, children, adolescents and pregnant women with Tuberculosis) in which nutrition forms the basis of management. Anova collaborates with provincial and district nutrition directorates to strengthen NACS in order reduce the burden of diseases within the communities. Through Primary Health Care (PHC) re-engineering support, Anova is actively involved in building capacity of community health workers and mother mentors. CHWs’ major role is to visit households in the communities screening for TB, growth monitoring and promotion, chronic diseases of lifestyle and other social circumstances.

The PCRV, with a Bachelor's degree in nutrition, dietetics, or related health sciences, will assist with district NACS activities which includes the training, implementation and facilitation of informed program roll-out at the district level. Some of the expectations of this position are to provide technical assistance to build the capacity of district identified staff, CHWs, CHW Facilitators, Mother Mentors, and provide technical assistance to the supervision of nutrition assessments; support CHWs with the scaling up of interventions to support adequate nutritional intake and appropriate care practices that include screening, counselling and referral to care services. The PCRV will also provide coaching and mentoring on the interpretation of the national Road to Health Booklet (RtHB) at the community level, provide mentorship and coaching on use of technology and nutrition data collection; and train CHW Facilitators to accurately use child nutrition assessments and scales in order to determine children nutritional status. The goal of this assignment is to build capacity of CHWs so as to enable them to conduct basic nutrition screenings, education and referrals as well as work with the districts on their nutrition campaigns.

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

Partner Information

Anova Health Institute

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’s degree in nutrition/dietetics or related health sciences degree
• Nutrition assessment background, computer literacy and some knowledge on data collection
• Five years of progressively professional work experience in fields relevant to nutrition programs
• Have good attention to detail, deadline driven, ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision
• A good team player with good time management
• Be prepared to work
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization

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 South Africa

Learn more about the Volunteer experience in South Africa: Get detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and safety — including crime statistics [PDF] — 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.

---

Does this sound like the position for you?
Get started on your journey.

Apply Now