Activity/project background
Partner: 1. Samara University 2. Bonga College of Education 3. Bonga University 4. Jimma College of Education 5. Dire Dawa University 6. Jinka University 7. Jigjiga University 8. Haromaya University 9. Madda Walabu University 10. Mizan Tepi University (Government)
University or college instructors in Ethiopia are required to engage in problem-solving research that aims to address challenges that communities, as well as the country, are facing at varying levels. Selecting topics, identifying problems that deserve scholarly attention, determining the level of study, and structuring problems into a viable research framework, calls for strong knowledge and skills in research and publication. While the most experienced university staff have demonstrable skills and readiness to go about this task, junior staff and teachers who have limited experience with research need ongoing support in the area. Therefore, practical training that aims to equip participants with the basic skills and build their confidence to engage in this worthwhile practice, is quite relevant to each institution’s mission.
This engagement intends to create opportunities within these ten (10) universities and colleges through the collaboration with one Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) each who will plan and train in research skills to guide and empower their teachers to undertake studies on selected topics of their preference. Since target beneficiaries have been given formal university courses in the area at different points in their career, this program plans to be framed on a project-based learning model whereby participants will have identified a study area to work through the stages with instructional guidance from the VSPP.
The partner institutions on this project are universities of Samara, Bonga, Jinka, Jigjiga, Dire Dawa, Harama, Madda Walabu, and Mizan Tepi as well as Bonga and Jimma Colleges of Education. Details about each host institution will be shared during orientation sessions at the start of the engagement with Peace Corps Ethiopia staff.
Many of these participating universities have previously collaborated with the Peace Corps, and some have not. However, all understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer.
Engagement and tasks
The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their Host Country Partners:
- Engage in initial discussions with selected university teachers to determine specific areas of focus and mutually agreeable methods of facilitation
- Develop an outline of training contents and activities to be covered during the entire period of engagement
- Co-facilitate a 1.5-hour training session twice a week (frequency to be determined); these sessions host discussions on concepts, elements and steps of research supported with assignment of related tasks to accomplish before participants join subsequent session
- Review participants’ outputs and provide constructive feedback
- Hold one-on-one study consultation, when necessary
- Track activities and report bi-weekly to the program manager or post staff assigned for this purpose.
VSPPs are expected to engage in the tasks listed above for an estimated 5-15 hours per week. However, pre-session preparations and reviews of participants’ work are estimated to take up to 7 hours per week (4 hours online).
Online collaboration will generally occur between 1:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Ethiopia time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.
Participants of the program, along with their 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 any field
Experience:
- 2 years of experience in teaching research and/or tutoring or advising on academic research projects at the university or college level
- Experience with facilitation to adult audiences
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
Desired Qualifications
Education: PhD in any field
Experience
- Experience with virtual engagement and communication
- Experience working with non-native university or school learners
- Experience conducting research at a university or company level and/or experience publishing articles in professional journals
- Experience teaching capstone courses to master’s level students
Terms and conditions of engagement
VSPPs will be engaging with the host country partner, in coordination with Peace Corps post staff, remotely from the US. They should have access to a computer, internet, and telephone in order to enable direct engagement with the Peace Corps overseas office and the Host Country Counterpart assigned by the host country partner.
Orientation with the host country partner will be provided, within the designated virtual service hours, during the first week of virtual service via an online presentation and discussion. The host country partner will provide an overview of its organization, the local context, and how they envision collaborating with the VSPP.
The VSPP will have regular check-ins with their counterpart and bi-weekly check-ins with Peace Corps staff. Spending unstructured time with counterparts can be critical to relationship-building and is encouraged through activities such as coffee chats and informal calls within the weekly 5-15 hours.
Engagement safety and security
The VSPP will receive an orientation on Peace Corps’ Child Protection Policy and how it relates to online engagement along with IT security best practices. The VSPP will be expected to follow safety and security guidelines for online engagement to ensure their safety and that of the Host Country Partner and their counterpart, and any beneficiaries of the engagement.
Supervision requirements
The VSPP will report to a designated Peace Corps staff member. The VSPP will be expected to abide by the Virtual Service Pilot Participant and Donation Agreement and Participant Principles of Engagement. The VSPP will also be expected to check in with the designated host country counterpart as assigned by the host county partner.
