Start date
June 1, 2026

End date
August 30, 2026

Duration
13 weeks

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

Activity/project background

The partner charitable organization provides comprehensive opportunities for Ukrainian internally displaced persons (IDPs) to adapt to living in new communities, including a large career counseling project. Providing career counseling is essentially because IDPs, including adults, may face employment scarcity due to the labor market in different regions of Ukraine, inadequate or no work experience, lack of professional connections, difficulties adapting due to trauma, financial difficulties, and other challenges. Therefore, career specialists help with the following services: (1) resume development and revisions; (2) orientation to evolving labor markets; (3) reviewing job search essentials and matching individuals to job vacancies; (4) interview preparation and practice; and (5) career exploration and coaching.

At the same time, career success increasingly depends on strong communication and networking skills. Effective oral and written communication, understanding workplace etiquette in line with international standards, and the ability to build professional relationships are key to career advancement, especially in international and multicultural environments. Support from native English-speaking specialists will help participants practice real-life business communication scenarios, including professional writing, meeting etiquette, networking conversations, small talk in the workplace, business etiquette, and more.

Thus, the charitable organization is requesting the support of one Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) to support adults through an English language club with the focus on conversational business English in order to promote career advancement, networking, and expanding job related skills. Through roleplays and conversational English practice participants will acquire a better understanding of proper use of business terminology that will help them to be more compatible in the job market.

The organization has previously collaborated with the Peace Corps through Virtual Service Pilot. 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:

• Coordinate with representatives of the organization to identify priorities for in-depth understanding of the project goals and objectives, including a review of prior career activities and the specificities of the internally displaced persons they serve
• Co-develop a language club curriculum which will include at least 10 sessions that focus on business English (real-life professional setting communication scenarios)
• Co-facilitate a weekly 1-hour online session for club members (average number of students is 15–20, aged 25–35)
• Attend a weekly meeting with Ukrainian colleagues for planning, feedback, and discussion
  
  

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

Online collaboration will generally occur between 5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Kyiv time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.

The host country counterpart will have access to Zoom, Google Meet, Telegram, emails, 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: Teaching, tutoring, mentoring, or coaching adults aged 25–35 in any educational institution or professional development clubs

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