Start date
June 1, 2026

End date
December 7, 2026

Duration
27 weeks

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

Activity/project background

A national association in Ukraine was formed in 2009 to protect the interests and rights of local communities; promote decentralization of decision-making; strengthen the capacity of local government; and support the implementation of national community development reforms seeks the support of a VSPP. The association represents rural communities in their dialogue with central government authorities, particularly on budgetary issues and reforms. It offers various forms of training and non-formal education related to disseminating best management practices, providing advice on legal and financial issues. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the association also assists rural communities affected by the war with reconstruction and sustainability initiatives.

The association is currently implementing several strategic rural development projects, adapting best European practices to the Ukrainian context. The association is piloting European rural development approaches and building an extensive system of rural community networks across Ukraine. As the official representative of Ukraine in the European Rural Parliament, the association ensures a strong link remains between Ukrainian communities and European partners. As part of this work, the association facilitates exchanges and promotes advanced practices in rural development government. Currently, the association is establishing a rural development center which will provide systematic support and coordination for development networks in Ukraine.

The center is seeking the support of a VSPP to support their organization by facilitating a comprehensive strategic planning process; offering workshops on strategic communication, fundraising, and network management; and introducing best practices in rural development activities to partners. Host country partners are interested in opportunities for professional development through training, methodological support, and mentorship during the virtual engagement. Regular online sessions are expected (2–6 hours per week), including training webinars.

The organization has not 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:

• Conduct an analysis of existing rural network development models in the United States, Canada, and Europe to identify the most effective practices of network cooperation, coordination mechanisms, and funding models. Present findings and best practices to partners
• Co-facilitate the development of a detailed strategic plan for the network’s activities of the Rural Development Center for 2026–2027, including establishing the mission, goals, and objectives; identify target groups and stakeholders; develop operational strategies; define assessment and performance indicators; design of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms; and prepare a budget and fundraising plan
• Deliver six workshops for active members of the association’s networks on organizational development, effective network management, strategic communications, fundraising, project management, and the documentation of best practices, using interactive learning methods and encouraging the practical application of acquired knowledge
  
  

VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5–15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be 2–6 hours per week during times mutually agreed upon by the partner and VSPP, with a preference for Tuesdays and Thursdays. Specific times will be confirmed during the orientation.

The host country counterpart will have access to Zoom and WhatsApp 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 field

Experience: 1 year of facilitating project design and management, such as strategic plans or doing leadership development, partnership development, or fundraising

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