BACKGROUND

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Health Program Manager (HPM), the PTS performs duties to ensure that the Programming and Training Team effectively trains, supports, and facilitates the work of Health Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) in Malawi. The PTS, working with the HPM, is responsible for key elements in the overall management of the Health Program in Malawi, including responding to partner organizations, preparing reports and correspondence, documenting PCV activities, building the capacity of Health PCVs and Malawian counterparts to achieve the objectives of the Health Program with high impact development activities and strong cross – cultural relationships. The PTS travels across Malawi to support Volunteers. While performing their duties and responsibilities, the PTS will regularly consult the Peace Corps Manual, Peace Corps Malawi Staff Handbook, Peace Corps Malawi Trainee Handbook, and Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook.

Country Program Information:

At the invitation of the Government of Malawi, the Peace Corps began work in Malawi in 1963. Since then, more than 3,000 Volunteers have served in communities across the country, partnering with Malawians to address locally identified priorities in the Education and Health sectors, with climate and HIV activities integrated throughout. Peace Corps Malawi is part of an independent U.S. Government agency established in 1961. Staff and Volunteers work closely together in a practical, mission-driven environment that values partnership, adaptability, and respect for local context to support Volunteers and community relationships across Malawi.

Reference Materials:

While performing their duties and responsibilities, the PTS will regularly consult the Peace Corps Manual, Peace Corps Malawi Staff Handbook, Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook, Overseas Financial Management Handbook, and Overseas Contracting Handbook.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PROGRAM SUPPORT

• Takes an active role in site identification including managing all site development documentation and ensuring housing readiness and final preparations.
• Develops and maintains a resource database of institutions/professionals who can provide PCV communities and their projects with technical assistance and resources.
• Documents successful PCV activities at the community level and in PC Systems (VIDA) to disseminate/circulate among Program staff, PCVs and the VEC/Communications team.
• Uses strong learning agility and creativity to incorporate meaningful Environmental activities into the core Health work
• Coordinates housing upgrades for PCVs.
• Backup support for the HPM, to include performing all functions in the absence of the HPM or as requested.
• Prepares official program documents as required by headquarters or PC Malawi.
• Provides status reports to the HPM on work assigned.
• Develops and actively maintains organized filing systems for program activities, including site history files
• Provides general administrative support to HPM and PC Malawi as requested

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT

• Manages PCV requests for assistance in a timely manner and tracks issues until resolved
• Responds to PCV requests for technical resources
• Tracks PCV secondary projects and maintains database to share with others
• Conducts site visits as agreed by HPM using PC’s site visit guidance and documentation process
• Sends the Volunteering Reporting & Grants (VRG) system resources to PCVs and ensures that VRG reports are received from all Volunteers and uploaded into the system in a timely manner
• Maintains the Volunteer (VIDA) database by updating sites for the Trainees & PCVs, movements of PCVs, entering the site locator form data, and Volunteer contact information
• Following the Volunteer Competency Model, evaluates and provides coaching and feedback to Health Volunteers and their community hosts to improve work quality and to mediate issues that arise between Volunteers, placement sites, or others.
• Enforce policy directly or through appropriate staff as determined by Peace Corps Malawi Volunteer Handbook or Peace Corps Manual.
• Offers support and serves as a key technical advisor for trainees
• Process and track volunteer leave requests in consultation with other staff members.
• Serves as primary back up to PCVs when HPM is not available

TRAINING

• The Health PTS is responsible for designing PC health technical trainings ensuring that all Health Volunteer training fulfills PC Global and PC Malawi training requirements in line with PC’s Volunteer Competency Model as well as the needs of the Health sector program.
• In coordination with Training Unit, assists in planning and coordinating a comprehensive training program, including the pre-departure environment (Journey to Service), online learning communities, pre-service training (PST), mid-service training (MST), and in-service training (ISTs), which provide Trainees and Volunteers (T/Vs) with knowledge, skills and attitudes to successfully fulfill their assignments.
• Identifies and revises technical sessions, resources and materials ensuring timely compilation of all technical session plans including printing and mobilization of all training materials and resources.
• Facilitates Health technical training sessions using Peace Corps standard trainings, post developed trainings, and other materials as needed. Varies the instructional method and activities to best meet different learning styles and the objectives of the session.
• Spends time with Trainees and training staff during PST in formal and informal sessions to accurately assess trainees’ abilities for successful site placement.
• Supports training staff with needs assessments and training evaluations to improve trainings from year to year.
• Compiles and analyzes findings from trainings to inform training design
• Prepares and distributes training event announcements, needs assessments, and logistical details to participants and partners.
• Works with HPM to ensure the participation of appropriate host country participants and other in-country resources for training events
• Maintains accurate and complete records of all training materials used during each training event
• Provides general administrative support to HPM and Training Team as requested

MONITORING, REPORTING, EVALUATION, AND GRANTS SUPPORT

• Supports the review of grant proposals and provides technical input and feedback during the grant review meetings and throughout project implementation
• In consultation with HPM and Grants Coordinator provides guidance and support to Volunteers to implement grant activities in line with Peace Corps Malawi policies and procedures.
• Provide necessary support to Volunteers to ensure successful monitoring and evaluation of their activities
• Supports the HPM in reviewing and analyzing volunteer reports in PC System/VRG.
• Creates and updates data collection tools for clear, accurate reporting.
• Identifies gaps in data collection and then works with the M&E Coordinator to correct the gaps/system.

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Immediately communicates Volunteer safety and security concerns and issues to the Safety and Security Manager and Country Director.
• Knowledgeable and supportive of Peace Corps safety and security policies and procedures, including the timely reporting of suspicious incidents, persons, or articles.
• Participates in the design and implementation of the Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
• Acts as duty officer as assigned.
• Addresses Volunteer safety and security by adhering to Peace

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental health, public health or any health-related field
• 5 years’ experience in managing/implementing/training community-based development programs
• 5 years’ experience in designing and facilitating health technical training including curriculum development.
• 2 years’ experience coaching/mentoring youth or subordinates
• 2 years’ experience coaching/influencing peers, partners, or counterparts
• 2 years’ experience working in an internationally multicultural setting
• 5 years’ experience working in HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Nutrition or WASH projects
• 3 years’ experience in building relationships and gaining stakeholder alignment with district and community level stakeholders
• Demonstrated effectiveness working in a team setting
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills with demonstrated experience in managing complex conversations to achieve positive outcomes
• Able to read, write, and speak English and Chichewa fluently
• Intermediate level Monitoring and Evaluation skills to include data collection and analysis
• Intermediate level proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneDrive) or related platforms such as Google Drive or Zoom

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid Driving License with willingness to be a Peace Corps Occasional Driver
• Experience in managing Event Logistics
• Experience managing volunteer programming or internships.
• Experience working with ministry level government officials

• Takes an active role in site identification including managing all site development documentation and ensuring housing readiness and final preparations.
• Develops and maintains a resource database of institutions/professionals who can provide PCV communities and their projects with technical assistance and resources.
• Documents successful PCV activities at the community level and in PC Systems (VIDA) to disseminate/circulate among Program staff, PCVs and the VEC/Communications team.
• Uses strong learning agility and creativity to incorporate meaningful Environmental activities into the core Health work
• Coordinates housing upgrades for PCVs.
• Backup support for the HPM, to include performing all functions in the absence of the HPM or as requested.
• Prepares official program documents as required by headquarters or PC Malawi.
• Provides status reports to the HPM on work assigned.
• Develops and actively maintains organized filing systems for program activities, including site history files
• Provides general administrative support to HPM and PC Malawi as requested
• Manages PCV requests for assistance in a timely manner and tracks issues until resolved
• Responds to PCV requests for technical resources
• Tracks PCV secondary projects and maintains database to share with others
• Conducts site visits as agreed by HPM using PC’s site visit guidance and documentation process
• Sends the Volunteering Reporting & Grants (VRG) system resources to PCVs and ensures that VRG reports are received from all Volunteers and uploaded into the system in a timely manner
• Maintains the Volunteer (VIDA) database by updating sites for the Trainees & PCVs, movements of PCVs, entering the site locator form data, and Volunteer contact information
• Following the Volunteer Competency Model, evaluates and provides coaching and feedback to Health Volunteers and their community hosts to improve work quality and to mediate issues that arise between Volunteers, placement sites, or others.
• Enforce policy directly or through appropriate staff as determined by Peace Corps Malawi Volunteer Handbook or Peace Corps Manual.
• Offers support and serves as a key technical advisor for trainees
• Process and track volunteer leave requests in consultation with other staff members.
• Serves as primary back up to PCVs when HPM is not available
• The Health PTS is responsible for designing PC health technical trainings ensuring that all Health Volunteer training fulfills PC Global and PC Malawi training requirements in line with PC’s Volunteer Competency Model as well as the needs of the Health sector program.
• In coordination with Training Unit, assists in planning and coordinating a comprehensive training program, including the pre-departure environment (Journey to Service), online learning communities, pre-service training (PST), mid-service training (MST), and in-service training (ISTs), which provide Trainees and Volunteers (T/Vs) with knowledge, skills and attitudes to successfully fulfill their assignments.
• Identifies and revises technical sessions, resources and materials ensuring timely compilation of all technical session plans including printing and mobilization of all training materials and resources.
• Facilitates Health technical training sessions using Peace Corps standard trainings, post developed trainings, and other materials as needed. Varies the instructional method and activities to best meet different learning styles and the objectives of the session.
• Spends time with Trainees and training staff during PST in formal and informal sessions to accurately assess trainees’ abilities for successful site placement.
• Supports training staff with needs assessments and training evaluations to improve trainings from year to year.
• Compiles and analyzes findings from trainings to inform training design
• Prepares and distributes training event announcements, needs assessments, and logistical details to participants and partners.
• Works with HPM to ensure the participation of appropriate host country participants and other in-country resources for training events
• Maintains accurate and complete records of all training materials used during each training event
• Provides general administrative support to HPM and Training Team as requested
• Supports the review of grant proposals and provides technical input and feedback during the grant review meetings and throughout project implementation
• In consultation with HPM and Grants Coordinator provides guidance and support to Volunteers to implement grant activities in line with Peace Corps Malawi policies and procedures.
• Provide necessary support to Volunteers to ensure successful monitoring and evaluation of their activities
• Supports the HPM in reviewing and analyzing volunteer reports in PC System/VRG.
• Creates and updates data collection tools for clear, accurate reporting.
• Identifies gaps in data collection and then works with the M&E Coordinator to correct the gaps/system.
• Immediately communicates Volunteer safety and security concerns and issues to the Safety and Security Manager and Country Director.
• Knowledgeable and supportive of Peace Corps safety and security policies and procedures, including the timely reporting of suspicious incidents, persons, or articles.
• Participates in the design and implementation of the Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
• Acts as duty officer as assigned.
• Addresses Volunteer safety and security by adhering to Peace

• Strong learning agility and creativity
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency in data management and reporting
• Training facilitation skills
• Problem-solving and mediation skills
• Knowledge of Peace Corps policies and procedures
• Ability to travel across Malawi

• Consult the Peace Corps Manual, Peace Corps Malawi Staff Handbook, Peace Corps Malawi Trainee Handbook, and Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook.
• Consult the Peace Corps Manual, Peace Corps Malawi Staff Handbook, Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook, Overseas Financial Management Handbook, and Overseas Contracting Handbook.
• Follow the Volunteer Competency Model.
• Adhere to Peace Corps safety and security policies and procedures.