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Serve where you’re needed mostRural Sociologist
Agriculture
Job highlights
Jamaica • North America
In partnership with: Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA)
Applications are now closed. View current openings.
Apply by
November 15, 2025Know by
January 1, 2026Depart on
June 1, 2026Duration
12 monthsAbout the project
The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) in Jamaica has requested the support of Peace Corps Response Volunteers (PCRVs) to serve as Rural Sociologists. Parish-level Extension Officers from the RADA are stretched to be able to adequately work with communities to build the organizational capacity and technical skills of community organizations focused on agriculture, especially amidst the growing impacts of climate change. The aim of this Response assignment is to support parish-level extension capacity for the RADA in rural sociology.
The PCRVs will discover, design and adapt training materials aligned to strengthen capacity of colleagues and farmers. The Rural Sociologists will visit a sampling of farmer groups and hold focus group discussions on areas of opportunity and need as understood by the groups, create and submit an initial findings report to their supervisor, do technical extension work, and with RADA staff colleagues, meet with relevant local, parish and national government, public and private sector entities to examine ways to collaborate and leverage partnerships for effective service provision. The overall goal of this assignment is to provide training of trainers and other training materials for the assigned parishes.
Please note that departure dates and other details of this project could change as a result of partner needs or other external factors. Candidates selected for this position will be arriving in Jamaica together as a group, so while the departure dates for the whole group could change, dates cannot be changed for individual candidates.
Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Jamaica project page.
Required skills
Qualified candidates will have the following criteria:
Master’s Degree or equivalent in Sociology with a focus on Agriculture, Environment, Development, Business or a related field
2 years of experience in helping rural families and/or organizations that work with rural families to develop the capabilities, assets, and activities required for families to earn a living from agricultural production and services
2 years’ experience in helping rural families and/or organizations that work with rural families to achieve a livelihood that can strengthen their ability to cope with and recover from societal, marketplace and environmental stresses and shocks
2 years of international development experience in either national level or community-based
Experience in assessment and report writing; training and facilitation
Working knowledge of qualitative research methodologies,
4 years’ experience in improved management practices and technologies to conserve, store, and/or transform agricultural products to add value.
4 years’ experience in agriculture-based business skills
SPECIAL NOTICE ABOUT CITIZENSHIP: Candidates who are dual citizens of Jamaica and the U.S. are not eligible to serve with Peace Corps Jamaica. Volunteer safety is of paramount importance, and the protections of U.S. citizenship promote Volunteer safety. If anyone holding dual U.S. and Jamaican citizenship were to face a legal, safety, or other emergency situation in Jamaica, the Peace Corps' ability to intervene would be limited. If you hold citizenship with both the U.S. and Jamaica, we encourage you to look at other opportunities with Peace Corps.
Language: There are no pre-requisite language requirements for this position.
Required behavioral competencies
These competencies are essential for all service assignments and are assessed in the application and interview process:
Motivation for and commitment to service
Adaptability and open-mindedness
Problem solving and resourcefulness
Behavioral maturity and professionalism
Photos from Jamaica
How you and the community will make an impact together:
Learn more about the living conditions, including detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics on our Jamaica country page. You can also delve into stories about local communities by reading our blog or Volunteer stories.
Meet a Volunteer in Jamaica
Sophia Z.
Agriculture Advisor
"I do my best to remain flexible as the organization navigates the many challenges they face, rather than pushing through projects and priorities that may not serve their changing needs."
See full Volunteer profile
To learn more about serving as a couple in Jamaica, visit the country page.
Application process
From application to departure takes around nine months. Learn about the application process for Volunteer opportunities.
Medical/legal clearance
You will need to be cleared medically and legally in order to serve in Jamaica. Review information on medical clearance and legal clearance to learn about the process.
