Several Peace Corps Response Volunteers are needed to serve as Youth in Development Program Specialists for Adult Service Providers with the Ministry of Education in Guatemala. More than 50% of Guatemala’s population is currently under the age of 25. This unprecedented “youth bulge” poses both a challenge and an opportunity for Guatemala. Those engaged in formal schooling are commonly not equipped with all of the critical life skills—skills for communicating, interpersonal skills, developing self-esteem, critical thinking, addressing health issues, and using technology—that are necessary for seeking employment and navigating healthy relationships. The youth bulge also brings an opportunity to actively engage young people in planning their future and the futures of their communities and Guatemala. Peace Corps Response Volunteers (PCRVs) will work with both adults and youth to collaboratively build systems at a local level to authentically engage youth and promote positive youth development.

Peace Corps Response Volunteers (PCRVs) with advanced proficiency in written and spoken Spanish and a BA/BS degree in any field are needed to work with adult stakeholders that serve youth between the ages of 12 to 18 and their communities to implement Positive Youth Development methodologies. The PCRVs will be responsible for testing existing training sessions for youth service providers and key community actors. They will also create at least five digital learning modules directed to adult service providers and design and deliver at least three professional development opportunities. PCRVs should have at least one year of experience in the design and facilitation of training sessions with adults and/or training trainers in topics related to: life skills, health and education, substance abuse prevention and/or well-being.

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.

Ministry of Education Guatemala

• 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 Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any field.
• Advanced proficiency in written and spoken Spanish
• At least one year of experience in developing, designing and/or delivering training sessions preferably with adults and/or training trainers in topics related to: life skills, health and education, substance abuse prevention and/or well-being.
• Experience working with local networks to promote positive youth engagement coordinating and facilitating individual and group activities and/or training sessions to youth and adults in the community on various topics.
• Patience and ability to easily adapt and integrate into different socioeconomic and cultural conditions.
• Emotional maturity and professionalism necessary to serve as a positive role model for youth.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to establish solid working relationships with important local stakeholders in an intercultural environment.
• Strong ability to maintain flexibility and structure in chaotic or understructure environments.