Start date
July 1, 2026

End date
January 6, 2027

Duration
27 weeks

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

Activity/project background

The Department of General Nursing Science at the University of Eswatini’s priorities are education, research, and clinical practicums for nursing students. The Post-Diploma Certificate in Nephrology began in 2018 in response to an increasing burden of renal diseases requiring expert care coupled with a critical shortage of nephrology-qualified healthcare personnel. The nephrology Nursing Science Program is offered over one year, from January to December. Currently, the Faculty of Health Sciences does not have a faculty member (lecturer) who has a qualification in Nephrology Nursing. Hence, they are requesting the support of a VSPP to teach a course in nephrology. The department previously worked with a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) through the Peace Corps, and they would like additional support with a new VSPP. While there was no intake for students in the 2025 academic year, students are currently studying in the program.

The university is seeking the support of one Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) with experience in nephrology to support teaching and learning activities for the nephrology program which include co-reviewing the Nephrology Nursing Program curriculum and delivering coursework specifically on renal transplants and peritoneal dialysis.

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-review the Nephrology Nursing Program curriculum
• Co-prepare and post weekly learning materials for the online course during the semester
• Co-prepare assessments, tests, and examinations within the duration of the semester
• Grade student work and provide timely feedback
• Meeting with students virtually (via video or in writing) for the purpose of clinical guidance
  
  

VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5–15 hours per week. In the initial phase of the engagement, the VSPP will collaborate with the host country counterpart, to review content, set up the online course, and get to know the students. The first few weeks of the engagement will require about 10 hours. As teaching continues with the counterpart, the time needed for the engagement will vary. We estimate that the VSPP should dedicate at least 5–10 hours to the work per week.

Online collaboration will generally occur between 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eswatini time (SAST). Specific times will be determined during orientation.

The host country counterpart will have access to Zoom, 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: Master’s degree in nephrology nursing science

Experience:

• Virtual experience and communication
• 5 years working in a renal unit
  
  

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 virtuall