Start date
May 4, 2026

End date
November 9, 2026

Duration
27 weeks

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

Activity/project background

Since 2003, Cheetah Conservation Botswana (CCB) has worked to help facilitate coexistence between rural communities and carnivore species. With a focus on empowering communities to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and a passion for practical and effective programs, CCB has helped thousands of Botswana live peacefully with wildlife. CCB works with the San communities in the region to develop innovative livelihoods through natural and cultural resources, such as crafts, veld products, ecotourism, and related value chains.

In 2022, CCB implemented the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Kgalagadi Ghanzi Drylands Ecosystem Project (KGDEP) funding to develop a Highway Cultural Centre near Kacgae and a Veld Product Centre in Bere. The funding covers the buildings, needs assessment, and initial training but additional capacity strengthening is required in business skills, financial management, governance systems, entrepreneurship, and related disciplines for the community to effectively manage these livelihood initiatives long term. These initiatives were handed over to the communities to manage in June 2025. CCB is committed to supporting the communities launch and run the projects for poverty alleviation, sustainable community development, and environmental conservation.

The CCB is requesting the support of a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) to enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence in various aspects of financial and business management skills, and to support their marketing initiatives. In addition, the VSPP will also assist in identifying and leveraging resources to support capacity-strengthening initiatives. Cheetah Conservation Botswana is seeking the support of one Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) to support San communities to develop eco-cultural livelihoods and skills.

The organization has previously collaborated with the Peace Corps. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a Peace Corps Volunteer or Peace Corps Response Volunteer.

Engagement and tasks

The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their Host Country Partners:

• Co-develop practical approximately three skill-building sessions on entrepreneurship, small business management, and financial management with communities
• Review and identify lessons learned from other community business models in the region to apply in the four focal area communities
• Assist in developing collaborations and partnerships with similar successful community businesses in the region
• Co-assess and develop marketing and branding materials
  
  

VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5–15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be 10 hours per week.

Online collaboration will generally occur between 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Botswana time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.

The Host Country Counterpart will have access to Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, and email for regular communication and collaboration.

Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0–18), two adults must be present.

Optional Additional Activities

The Peace Corps mission is to promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals:

• To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
• To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
• To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
  
  

Goal 1 will be achieved through the VSPP's engagement and completion of the above tasks. The counterpart and VSPP may also choose to identify an activity that aligns with Goal 2. Additionally, the VSPP may identify a Goal 3 activity to implement during their engagement. See recommendations and tools for Goal 3 activities.

Essential Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in any business-related discipline

Experience: 1 year in business, entrepreneurship, business management, financial management, or related experience

Intercultural skills and motivation: Flexible, strong cross-cultural agility, high tolerance for ambiguity, able to work independently, resourceful, creative, and genuinely motivated and capable to serve virtually