About The Job

Apply by :

January 1, 2026

Know By

March 1, 2026

Depart On

July 11, 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

OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT:

The Community Economic Development (CED) project seeks to sustain economic growth and improve the standard of living for families and communities. Peace Corps CED Volunteers (hereafter, Volunteers) are assigned to work throughout the country with community development organizations in rural communities where small-scale business activities, such as retail, rural tourism, agribusiness, or community-based services drive the local economy. All CED activities will have a particular emphasis on working with women and youth.

Project Objectives

• Strengthen the capacity of community organizations to contribute to local economic development.
• Empower individuals, especially women and youth, to create and access economic opportunities.
  
  

Project Focus And Approach

The primary focus is on capacity building through a unique one-on-one relationship with local development associations, as well as current and potential entrepreneurs. The Volunteer will conduct community assessments and engage in monitoring and evaluation activities throughout service. The working environment will include formal settings, including high schools, and informal settings, such as communal meeting spaces, entrepreneur’s homes, or places of business. Collaboration includes, but is not limited to:

• Strengthening management of community organizations and businesses.
• Guide project design, planning, marketing, bookkeeping, etc.
• Support individuals in adopting entrepreneurial behaviors.
• Improving individuals’ skills to achieve economic security.
  
  

Digital Literacy

Volunteers will also focus on bridging the digital gap by building capacities in digital literacy to better position community members to achieve future economic growth goals. Staff will train Volunteers and provide them with curriculum materials and other resources so they can offer digital literacy courses to community members.

Expectations For Volunteers

• Be a highly-motivated, self-starter prepared to work full-time within an un-structured environment across formal and informal settings.
• Overcome challenges, including geographic, environmental, climatic, cultural, and socio-economic factors, to integrate fully into a rural, under-resourced community.
• Adapt to Peace Corps and Costa Rican norms and procedures during trainings, meetings, recreational activities, and daily life in our communities of service.
  
  

Ben's Experience

EXAMPLES OF CURRENT VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENTS:

• Ben works in a rural community focused on agribusiness. Each morning, he walks 30 minutes to the high school where he supports the Talleres Socioproductivos Program, helping 7th-11th graders develop skills in leadership, teamwork, and business. Three half-days per week, Ben enjoys giving hands-on support to a teacher developing a school garden where students grow and sell vegetables.
• After the school day, Ben works with the manager of a local cheese factory, teaching her basic computer skills for bookkeeping and marketing, and helps her in building her organizational skills.
• Finally, Ben works twice a week with local women's groups to facilitate entrepreneurial activities, offering training in leadership, empowerment, and business skills.
  
  

Jackie's Experience

• Jackie works in a very remote, rural community of about 150 people. Here, she devotes the majority of her time developing a rural tourism business with the community. She teaches business skills and guides them in applying for grants to build lodging for tourists visiting a nearby National Park. This work is in the afternoons and weekends, as many participants come from outside the area.
• Her work also focuses on helping the community transition from informal work activities, such as illegal gold digging, to more formal and sustainable employment, such as learning how to run a tour guide business. Separately, Jackie loves going daily to the local school where she supports children with their English and physical education classes.
  
  

Required Skills

Qualified candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any business discipline
  
  

OR

• 5 years professional experience in business management