(2) PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR (PSC) VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
REF NO: PC 24-04 Language and Cross-Cultural Facilitator (LCF) POSITION: Language and Cross-Cultural Facilitator (LCF)
SALARY: Compensation is negotiable within a pre-determined range, based on salary history and experience.
OPENING DATE: April 19, 2024
CLOSING DATE: May 7, 2024 (17:00pm Tanzania Time) This is NOT A FULL TIME VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT.
Peace Corps Tanzania is looking to add qualified candidates to its roster of potential Language and Cross-Cultural Facilitators (LCFs) for future short-term contract opportunities. Placement on to the roster does not guarantee employment, but rather puts the candidate on a short list that will move through security clearance, etc. so that when short-term contract opportunities are available, the short-list/ “roster” will be the engaged before opening opportunities to the general public.
The schedule may vary, based on operational requirements and may include evening, holiday and weekend work. For each unique event when one or more LCFs are required, Peace Corps Tanzania will reach out to the whole roster of vetted LCF candidates to determine availability and best fit.
Objective of Position:
The Language and Cross-Cultural Facilitator (LCF) plays a critical role in Peace Corps Tanzania’s intensive training for newly arrived Peace Corps Volunteers. We are looking for qualified candidates to temporarily facilitate Pre-Service Training (PST) Programs for Peace Corps Volunteers. Our trainings apply the Community-Based Training (CBT) approach and therefore successful candidates will be required to live and work in rural areas throughout the training period.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
The LCF as a language teacher:
- Implement lesson plans based on acquisition of specific communicative tasks and learning objectives that trainees should achieve. Lesson plans will be developed using the Peace Corps lesson planning format and should incorporate language, cultural and technical components.
- Make appropriate changes based on feedback received and learning needs of the PCTs, respond to constructive feedback and adapt session content accordingly.
- Establish and implement weekly working schedule, based on the PC language program, best practices, and the language materials activities in concordance with the PST calendar of training events.
- Evaluate the language materials based on feedback from PCTs and own experience. Review language materials on their effectiveness, considering the results obtained with individual PCTs and learning level groups.
- Prepare and submit to the Language Coordinator weekly logs on the site training activities.
- Be available outside “classroom” hours to assist with additional language learning activities, including individual tutorials, other learning options and conferences with Trainees.
- Identify specific training techniques that correspond to the trainees’ learning styles and remain open-minded and flexible to the content of the curriculum.
- Guide trainees in managing their own self-study program.
- Designs round-up and evaluation materials (both oral and written) and activities.
- Provide regular and consistent feedback to Trainees concerning language acquisition and performance.
- Help trainees to develop strategies for ongoing learning.
The LCF as a Community Guide:
- Provide support to trainees in planning, organizing and implementing the Community entry assignments.
- Help trainees to create effective strategies and productive habits for coping with the stress of community entry.
- Develops Trainees’ cross-cultural skills by acting as a language and cultural information resource.
- Act as an interpreter and translator, as needed.
- Utilize community-based activities to enhance language instruction.
- Advises/counsels Trainees on technical and cross-cultural activities and practicum taking place in the training community. Participates in these activities as appropriate.
- Work closely with the resource people at CBT to support Trainees in accomplishing the technical component of training.
- Act as a resource person for Trainees on cultural topics of interest. Strive to present objective, unbiased views of Tanzanian tradition and practices and encourage Trainees to seek out answers to their own questions in the community.
- Encourages trainees to practice Swahili language in the community and to seek out other information resources.
The LCF as a Counselor:
- Serves as a model and moral support for the trainees and give them advice when needed.
- Assists Trainees in resolving issues relating to their home-stay experience. Initially serves as the intermediary between host families and Trainees. Provides cultural guidance in day-to-day social interaction.
- Counsels Trainees beyond formal classroom hours as needed to address individual questions.
- Identify trainees’ specific problems in language, adaptation and integration, work with Trainees to develop a strategy to solve problems.
The LCF as a member of the Language Team:
- Participate in the Training of Trainer (TOT) sessions and activities prior to PST. This includes a general TOT with all staff as well as a Language TOT, during which the language team will prepare the strategy and scope of the language training component.
- Participate in PST staff meetings as required, providing detailed feedback and comments on Trainees’ performance and adjustment at site. Participate in training staff meetings and other
training activities by making recommendations for training improvements and staff development.
- Assist the Language Coordinator in the development of an effective SWAHILI Language curriculum. Meet with Language Coordinator to discuss ongoing issues concerning the training design, content, communicative tasks, and functions to be developed.
- Meet with PST Staff to review trainee progress and make recommendations for appropriate individual learning strategies, while maintaining professional confidentiality.
- Provide Language Coordinator and Training Manager with recommendations for improvements in language training for future PSTs and ISTs.
- Participate in the compiling, storing and documenting of language training materials.
- Evaluate the success of the lessons, document comments, ideas and suggestions to assist with future implementation.
- Submit all lesson plans, language materials and other documentation to the Language Coordinator to contribute to the final language training report.
- Oversee closure of CBT at end of PST and aids in break-down of the training Hub.
The LCF as a Peace Corps representative:
- Maintains social and professional relationships with all the training team.
- Ensures excellent preparation and self-readiness before going to class and integrates all components in the content of his/her sessions.
- Maintain a professional and positive public image with the training staff, Trainees and the local community to ensure the proper implementation of PST.
- Work both independently and as part of a team and enhance Peace Corps training philosophy and decisions.
- Be responsible for monitoring own progress and performance, following a performance plan.
- Promote and be guided by the principles of Community-Based Training. Provide relevant experiences for trainees to increase learning in synchrony with the Experiential Learning cycle.
- Be aware of safety learning objectives for Peace Corps training and comply procedures and implementation with safety requirements.
- Be consistent and assertive in enhancing PC training policies and procedures.
- Observe professional code of ethics in regard to Trainees, Staff and the community.
- Observe the limits of confidentiality with Trainees and Staff.
- Promoting learner independence and PCTs’ self-sufficiency.
- Perform other related duties, as necessary, for the smooth implementation of Pre-Service Training activities, as determined by the Training Manager.
- Provide key PC staff with feedback and observations regarding the personal attributes of each trainee required to qualify for service, including motivation for service, productive competence, maturity and adaptability level, skills acquisition, social and cultural sensitivity.
Other
- Other duties as assigned.
- Ensures that safety and security competencies are incorporated and actively integrated in PST programs and effectively delivered to PCTs so that their acquisition is properly evaluated and documented. Assists the Training Manager in developing, assessing and redesigning competencies and training sessions as required. Supports the safety and security systems that are in-place for pre- service training, including reinforcing to PCTs their roles and responsibilities related to their personal safety and security.
Minimum Qualifications and Evaluations:
Applicants must address each qualification listed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.
- Education Requirements:
- Advanced level Secondary School certificate; Successful completion of diploma courses in teaching language, language acquisition or international development.
- Language:
- Excellent knowledge of grammar, idiom, syntax, and pronunciation of Swahili.
- Fluent in Swahili and English languages.
- Ability to write and speak clearly in English.
- Work Experience:
- At least 3 years of experience teaching Swahili to non-native Swahili speakers.
- Skills and Abilities:
- Excellent facilitation and presentation skills, demonstrating innovative and interactive approaches to teaching Swahili language and Tanzanian culture.
- Familiar with Tanzanian cultural norms, and able to explain how Tanzanian and American cultural norms are different and the same using interactive, adult-learning training techniques.
- Conversant and comfortable discussing American diversity concepts and principles.
- Proficient in software programs including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Demonstrated comfort and competence with IT skills needed to support regular use of digital communication and training tools such as Zoom, Teams, Padlet, Mentimeter.
- Ability to work effectively with a team.
- Ability to travel and/or relocate to training village for the whole period of the training.
- A comprehensive understanding of Tanzanian cultural norms and values is required.
- Demonstrate keen sense of cultural awareness for both Tanzanian and American cultures.
- Ability to obtain a security clearance.
- Ability to work as part of a diverse team.
- Ability to work successfully in cross-cultural situations with Americans.
- Ability to multitask and to organize time and activities effectively to meet reporting deadlines.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Education: Certified Swahili teachers by BAKITA
- Experience: Work with International INGO
- Experience: Working with volunteer organization
- Experience; Previous experience working with Peace Corps
- Knowledge and/or experience in secondary education, agriculture, livestock, forestry, gender and women empowerment, HIV&AIDS, and Malaria will be an added advantage.
Note: See How to Apply instructions below.
Applicability:
Contract offer is contingent on availability of funds, reference checks, background check, medical examination, submission of proof of required vaccinations or other medical information.
All applicants must identify in the application whether or not they have ever served Peace Corps as a Trainee or Volunteer (including Response), or as a staff member (USDH, PSC, or FSN), and if so, to identify the position location, position type, title, and starting and ending dates.
How to Apply:
- Resume/CV clearly demonstrating the necessary skill set – 2 page maximum
- Lesson Plan: Prepare and submit a lesson no more than 2 pages, based on adult learning principles, teaching Swahili to a non-Swahili speaking audience. Pick one of the four topics below:
- Greetings
- Going to the Market
- Time and Daily Activities
- Family
Applicants – send both items to the following email address: [email protected] with the subject line:
PC 24-04_LCF_Last Name_First Name.
Shortlisted applicants will be convened to sit for a written test.
NOTE: Due to the high volume of applications received, we will only contact applicants who are being considered. Thank you for your understanding.
