Support Website Upgrade for Gender Equality NGO
Activity/project background
Partner: Support Website Upgrade for Gender Equality NGO (Local NGO)
Men and Boys for Gender Equality is a Botswana-based NGO that formed in October 2013 and is registered under Botswana Register of Societies that engages men and boys to reduce gender inequalities, gender-based violence (GBV), and HIV. The organization also promotes the health and wellbeing of women, men, and children.
The organization has started working on a website to share information about their initiatives, and to use it as a platform to document their work and accomplishments to raise funds to support their programs. The target audience is national and international donors, as well as other agencies and foundations that may be interested in the NGO’s work. The organization seeks a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) to enhance their technical expertise on the development and update of its existing website.
The organization has previously worked with Peace Corps Volunteers but has not worked with a Virtual Service Pilot Participant. They understand that the role of a VSPP is different than a two-year Volunteer.
Virtual service engagement and tasks
The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their Host Country Partners:
• Co-assess and determine website design goals
• Upgrade the existing website with graphics, stories, and materials that reflect the NGO’s work
• Co-create a website maintenance guide
• Co-train staff on management of the website
This engagement is expected to be approximately 12 weeks. VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5-15 hours per week.
Meeting times will be expected to be during normal office hours, Botswana time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.
The Host Country Counterpart will have access to WhatsApp and Zoom for regular communication and collaboration.
Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0-18), two adults must be present.
Optional additional activities
The Peace Corps mission is to promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals:
- To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
- To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
- To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
Goal 1 will be achieved through the VSPP's engagement and completion of the above tasks. The counterpart and VSPP may also choose to identify an activity that aligns with Goal 2. Additionally, the VSPP may identify a Goal 3 activity to implement during their engagement. See recommendations and tools for Goal 3 activities.
Essential qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field, OR relevant experience
Experience:
• 2 years’ experience in website development and management
• Experience using WordPress, Squarespace, or similar website platform
Intercultural skills and motivation: Flexible, strong cross-cultural agility, high tolerance for ambiguity, able to work independently, resourceful, creative, and genuinely motivated and capable to serve virtually
Desired qualifications
Technical Skills: Familiarity with virtual engagement and communication
Experience:
• Experience training or coaching in website development or maintenance
• Experience with non-profit organizations
Terms and conditions of engagement
VSPPs will be engaging with the host country partner, in coordination with Peace Corps post staff, remotely from the US. They should have access to a computer, internet, and telephone in order to enable direct engagement with the Peace Corps overseas office and the Host Country Counterpart assigned by the host country partner.
Orientation with the host country partner will be provided, within the designated virtual service hours, during the first week of virtual service via an online presentation and discussion. The host country partner will provide an overview of its organization, the local context, and how they envision collaborating with the VSPP.
The VSPP will have regular check-ins with their counterpart and bi-weekly check-ins with Peace Corps staff. Spending unstructured time with counterparts can be critical to relationship-building and is encouraged through activities such as coffee chats and informal calls within the weekly 5-15 hours.
Engagement-specific safety and security
The VSPP will receive an orientation on Peace Corps’ Child Protection Policy and how it relates to online engagement along with IT security best practices. The VSPP will be expected to follow safety and security guidelines for online engagement to ensure their safety and that of the Host Country Partner and their counterpart, and any beneficiaries of the engagement.
Supervision requirements
The VSPP will report to a designated Peace Corps staff member. The VSPP will be expected to abide by the Virtual Service Pilot Participant and Donation Agreement and Participant Principles of Engagement. The VSPP will also be expected to check in with the designated host country counterpart as assigned by the host county partner.
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