About The Job

Apply by :

October 1, 2025

Know By

December 1, 2025

Depart On

June 16, 2026

Duration

2 years, plus 3 months training

ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.

Project description

The Kingdom of Tonga – located in Polynesia in the South Pacific – consisting of 170 islands stretching 500 miles north to south with a land mass of 290 square miles over 270,000 square miles of ocean. A strongly Christian nation, religion plays a large part in Tongan society and intersects with custom beliefs and the four golden values of Tonga: respect, nurturing relationships, humility, and loyalty.

Tonga is one of the world’s most exposed countries to environmental impacts and natural disasters increasing the complexity and variability for community resilience and risk management. The Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) and Peace Corps continue to build a strong partnership focused on improving environmental outcomes. The focus of this development approach is long-term with sustained shared learning, understanding, and growth.

During Pre-Service Training (PST), Volunteers will engage in a structured experiential learning process to acquire both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. This training will equip them with the skills necessary to effectively facilitate community projects through key "anchor activities" in priority development areas in Tonga.

Waste Management

Poor Waste Disposal Can Lead To Severe Environmental And Health Challenges In Tonga. Volunteers Will Support Initiatives To Improve Waste Management Through

• Community Clean-ups & Awareness Campaigns: Organizing and promoting events to remove waste and educate communities about the environmental impact of improper waste disposal.
• Eco-bricks & Sustainable Solutions: Teaching communities how to repurpose plastic waste into eco-bricks, which can be used for construction and community development projects.
  
  

Marine Conservation

Tonga’s marine ecosystems are vital for food security and biodiversity. Volunteers working in this area will assist with:

• Data Management & Monitoring: Collaborating with local community leaders and members to collect and analyze data on ocean resources within marine protected areas.
• Community-led Marine Protection Initiatives: Supporting sustainable fishing practices and local conservation efforts.
  
  

Farming & Sustainable Agriculture

Agriculture Remains a Critical Component Of Food Security And Economic Stability In Tonga. Volunteers Will Help Promote Sustainable Farming Techniques, Such As

• Composting & Organic Farming: Encouraging the use of organic fertilizers to improve soil health and agricultural productivity.
• Agroforestry & Resilient Crops: Promoting the planting of resilient crops and integrating tree planting into farming practices to prevent soil erosion and enhance biodiversity.
  
  

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene

Access to clean water and proper sanitation is crucial for preventing diseases and improving overall community health. Volunteers will facilitate:

• Water Access & Management: Assisting with the development of sustainable water supply systems, rainwater harvesting and storage solutions.
• Sanitation & Hygiene Promotion: Educating communities on best hygiene practices, including handwashing, safe water storage and sanitation infrastructure improvements.
  
  

Disaster Risk Reduction & Mitigation

Given Tonga’s vulnerability to natural disasters, Volunteers will support local communities in building resilience through:

• Community Emergency Action Plans: Assisting communities in developing and implementing plans to prepare for and respond to cyclones, tsunamis, and other disasters.
• Go-Bag Tutorials & Awareness Campaigns: Educating communities on disaster preparedness and 72-hour kits.
  
  

Community priorities will vary from site to site, but implementing these “anchor” activities with a local counterpart is an effective way for Volunteers to gain trust and community buy-in early in their service. Additionally, Volunteers may collaborate with active partner organizations and stakeholders in these priority areas, working within their communities.

Required Skills

Qualified candidates will have an expressed interest in promoting environmental awareness in schools and communities, and one or more of the following criteria:

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any field
  
  

OR

• 5 years' professional work experience