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Food Security Technical Trainer (FSTT)
Location: Outside of Kathmandu
Work Hours: The FSTT will be required to follow a six-day work week and work during holidays. Work hour is not limited to 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM and no provision for overtime.
Reports to: Training Coordinator and Food Security Program Manager
Position Summary:
Under the direction of Training Coordinator (TC) and Food Security Program Manager (FSPM) the Food Security Technical Trainer (FSTT) is responsible for designing, implementation and evaluation of the technical component of the Pre-Service Training (PST) for a food security project. The FSTT coordinates/collaborates with FSPM in the implementation of core food security technical sessions including the production technology of ginger, turmeric, mushroom, fruit-tree cultivation, beekeeping and nutrition education. The FSTT monitors effectiveness of training and Peace Corps Trainees (PCTs) performance and writes periodic evaluative reports to the Training Coordinator.
The FSTT coordinates with (TM), Training Coordinator (TC), Food Security Program Specialist (FSPS) Resource Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs), Language and Culture Facilitators (LCFs) Senior LCF, PST Administrative Assistant and PCV Leaders (PCVLs). She/he ensures language integration, cultural/cross-cultural understanding and learning into the technical component. Under normal working conditions, the FSTT will live at the training site for the duration of contract period. The FSTT delivers one-on-one and small group technical sessions to Peace Corps Trainees (PCTs) and Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) in person. All staff, including FSTT, are expected to follow local and Peace Corps COVID-19 safety mitigation measures during in-person sessions or events. The FSTT may need to conduct training sessions using online/virtual formats if Peace Corps decides to go virtual due to rises in COVID cases.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: University Bachelor’s degree in a Project-related subject (Agriculture, Health). Language Proficiency: Professional oral and written English and Nepali proficiency.
Prior Work Experience:
- Minimum 1 year experience working alongside village community members on locally prioritized agriculture projects in Nepal.
- Willing to live with a Nepali family at the Training site outside of Kathmandu for the duration of contract period.
- Computer proficiency in MS Office: Windows, Excel, Word.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: University Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or Food Security.
Prior Work Experience:
- Experience providing direct technical support on beekeeping and the cultivation of fruit trees, ginger, turmeric, and mushrooms in rural village settings in Nepal.
- Experience partnering with rural community members (especially groups of farmers, women, and youth) to identify, enhance, and mobilize their strengths to address community interests and priorities.
- Experience planning and implementing training sessions and other learning activities that embrace the Experiential Learning Cycle.
- Experience facilitating learning environments that promote collaborative, peer-supported learning.
- Experience partnering with individuals with marginalized social identities (caste, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, and so on) in Nepal.
- Experience navigating language and culture in a rural village community setting in Nepal.
- Experience in a cross-cultural setting with American or international organizations.
- Experience with organizations that achieve their mission through volunteerism.
Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes:
- Communication: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, conflict management skills, diplomacy and tact with staff, Volunteers, Trainees, community members and members of the government. Is cross-culturally sensitive and strives to communicate openly.
- Motivation: Ability to work independently and proactively, is self-motivated and adaptable to constantly changing situations, and accepts responsibility.
- Professionalism: Maintains confidentiality regarding Volunteer issues and other information, and possesses a strong sense of integrity. Sets a positive example for peers and PCVs in performance of professional duties (is punctual, diligent, well-groomed, etc.). Acts as a team member in a consensus-building atmosphere, encourages constructive feedback and accepts suggestions for improvement, and willingly responds to reasonable requests from both colleagues and supervisors in a timely manner
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. To ensure full credit for your experience, please indicate dates of employment by month, day, and year and the number of hours worked per week in your resume.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
BEFORE PST (Preparation Phase):
1. Reads all relevant documents, e.g. project framework, previous PST reports, Peace Corps policies and procedures, standards of conduct/behavior and criteria for becoming a Volunteer.
2. Analyzes Volunteer Assignment Descriptions (VADs), Pre-Training Questionnaires (PTQs), resumes and personal data about PCTs, and reviews previous training evaluations to assess potential technical training needs of PCTs.
3. Follows principles of hands-on experiential learning in designing technical training and uses the Peace Corps session design format throughout the PST.
4. Develops working relationships with Peace Corps, PST staffs and relevant Host Country Agencies, I/NGO and community where training takes place.
5. Visits PST site and coordinates with relevant GoN officials, community people and I/NGOs for technical training design and implementation and for the practicum.
6. Develops a budget in conjunction with the FSPM, Training Coordinator (TC), TM and/or Admin Assistant that includes field trips, practicum, resource speakers, training materials and other resources needed to implement the technical training program. (Periodically during the PST).
7. Collaborates with FSPM and TC to design technical training sessions.
8. Participates in the Training of Trainers, develops session designs and co-facilitates sessions at TOT.
9. If required, participates in discussion activities on the Volunteer competency model and training alignment, periodic professional development activities, and provides inputs based on teaching and learning experience.
10. Collaborates with the TC, resource PCVs, PCVL and LCFs to ensure the integration of technical training into each segment of training including the Safety/security, Health and wellness, Language, and Cross-Culture.
11. Collects training and other resource materials such as books, training manuals/session designs and audio-visual resources from the Resource Center, Program Office, Training office and from other sources (NGOs, INGOs, projects) to set up a technical library at the PST.
12. Arranges land for model garden in each link site for hands on technical training
13. Arranges and ensures at least 2-meter x 2-meter land at each PCTs’ host family for their practice.
DURING PST:
1. Coordinates all technical training activities including designing and conducting training sessions, arranging resource persons, and planning off-site activities such as field trips, practical training, and practicum.
2. Conducts training sessions using a mix of in-person, online, live, and recorded sessions and methods with online platforms that can include Zoom, Skype and LearningSpace. For in-person sessions, take all COVID-19 mitigation measures prior to any session or interaction, as specified by the agency guideline. 3. Works with TC, Senior LCFs and LCFs and ensures the integration of technical component into language, cross-cultural, health and safety security contents.
4. Designs/updates and delivers technical training sessions following principles of hand-on and experiential learning as required in coordination with FSPM.
5. Supports FSPM to develop technical resources regarding food and nutrition security.
6. Monitors PCTs’ progress and makes recommendations on PCTs’ fulfillment of technical objectives and remedial efforts necessary.
7. Visits PCTs’ home garden at least two times during training and gives appropriate and on time coaching, mentoring and feedback.
8. Participates fully in the assessment of the PCTs’ progress in fulfilling the technical training objectives and in evaluating the appropriateness of behaviors and attitudes to become a PCV.
9. Gives and receives appropriate feedback to PCTs and other trainers throughout the PST.
10. Coaches PCTs to solve issues and does not prescribe solution.
11. Writes periodic evaluation reports and submits them to TC and FSPM.
12. Develops assignments for PCTs to perform at their cluster site and follows up the assignments.
13. Co-facilitates integrated field trips that are determined by the training program or suggested by PCTs.
14. Reviews PCTs plans for community activities and practicum including goals, objectives, activities, and budget and assists PCTs with session/activity planning when needed.
15. Coordinates and handles logistics as needed for all technical training activities involving HCN agency officials, including making contacts and scheduling.
16. Builds teamwork among fellow training staff, PCTs and supports PC/Nepal staff, resource PCVs and training team efforts and decisions
17. Lives at the PST hub site and conducts training sessions/activities at the hub site and in small groups at the PST cluster sites.
18. Provides guidance and explanation of any work-related cross-cultural issues to PCTs.
19. Participates in meetings as a full member of the PST staff, supports and assists the Training Coordinator as requested.
20. Integrates ICDEIA (Intercultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) into all training events and sessions whenever possible.
21. Demonstrates respect to diversity that PCTs and staff bring by being inclusive and provide required support to all.
OCCASIONAL MONEY HANDLER:
The PSC may be required to courier cash and/or purchase orders to various vendors who furnish supplies and/or services to PST/IST training site, or other locations as directed by the Contracting Officer. The PSC may also be required to courier cash to PC trainees or volunteers. The PSC will not be functioning as a procurement or disbursing official but will only be acting as an intermediary between the Contracting or Disbursing Officer and the recipient. In the case of dealing with vendors, the PSC will not exercise any procurement discretion concerning the supplies or services to be purchased or the cost limits of these purchases; these will be determined by the Contracting Officer.
SAFETY AND SECURITY:
1. Is knowledgeable of the Peace Corps Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and in the event of an emergency conducts his/her role in helping to ensure the safety of PCTs and Staff.
2. Assists the Food Security Program Manager and Training Coordinator in developing, assessing and redesigning competencies and training sessions as required.
3. Evaluates and reports Volunteer/Trainee acquisition of safety and security competencies. Immediately communicates Volunteer safety and security concerns and issues to the Safety and Security Manager (SSM) and Training Coordinator.
4. Supports the safety and security systems that are in-place for pre-service training, including reinforcing Trainee roles and responsibilities related to personal safety and security.
5. Knowledgeable and supportive of Peace Corps safety and security policies and procedures, including the timely reporting of suspicious incidents, persons or articles.
6. Integrates into the community at the Training site, with a focus on developing positive relationships with community members during PST.
7. Strictly follows Peace Corps Nepal COVID-19 mitigation protocols and guidance including physical distancing, PPE, usage of mask, accommodation, number of participants present at any event, as specified by the agency guideline.
8. Regarding COVID safety, staff monitor their own symptoms, manage risks, and ensure that those around them are also following the correct procedures
9. The Contractor is required to follow any workplace health and/or safety rules indicated
for their position specified in a Peace Corps policy.
POST PST:
1. Submits a complete technical training manual to TC and FSPM, including all technical
training session design and handouts used in the PST along with names of all resource
persons and recommendations for their future involvement in PST. Follows Peace Corps
guidelines for manual format.
2. Submits PCT evaluations and thorough periodic reports in a timely manner. Submits
final technical training report, documenting all lessons and activities for use in the future.
3. Returns all indispensable items, technical training materials and resources to the PST
admin, Training Coordinator/IRC Manager.
4. Recommends the TC and TM for improvements in technical and language training for
future PSTs and Language ISTs/Camps.
OTHERS
1. As required and instructed by the Training Coordinator and/or FSPM.
2. Follows Peace Corps Policies and Guidelines for a Professional trainer/staff behavior
HOW TO APPLY (by July 24, 2023):
Carefully review the full advertisement and Statement of Work for the above listed positions online at https://np.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/.
For your application to be marked as complete and considered for further review:
- By email: Submit (1) your resume, (2) a brief cover letter in English, and (3) include the position to which you are applying for in the subject line to nepaljobs@peacecorps.gov.
- By mail or hand delivery: Provide (1) your resume, (2) a brief cover letter in English, and (3) include the position to which you are applying at the top of the cover letter and send to U.S. Peace Corps, P.O. Box 15150, Kathmandu, Nepal or hand deliver to our office in Maharajgunj. All applications must reach our office by the deadline, July 24, 2023.
- All applicants: If you have ever served as a Peace Corps Trainee/Volunteer or a Peace Corps staff member please include the position location, position type, title, and starting and ending dates within your application.
Notes: Late applications will not be considered. Due to high volume, telephone inquiries will not be entertained. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified for interviews.
Peace Corps/Nepal Diversity Statement:
Peace Corps Nepal is committed to embedding equity, diversity and inclusion into our core business practices. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success, and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background and personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, caste, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, disabilities, political affiliation, marital, pregnancy, maternity, or indigenous status.
Peace Corps/Nepal Safeguarding Statement:
We define safeguarding as the preventive action taken by Peace Corps Nepal to protect our volunteers, staff, partners, and communities we work with from harm. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adult who come into contact with Peace Corps are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process and a rigorous due diligence process.