VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION SUMMARY

Peace Corps aims to contract a pool of ambitious eager, energetic, and ambitious Language and Culture Facilitators (LCFs) for training American Peace Corps Trainees during Pre-Service Training (PST).

The Language and Culture Facilitators (LCFs) work to develop basic Tetun language skills among Peace Corps Trainees during an intensive Pre-Service Training (PST) program. The LCFs will work closely with a small group of Trainees (3-5) throughout the duration of PST at training site. They conduct Tetun language training classes within the Peace Corps Competency-based curriculum framework, and effectively use a variety of language training techniques, methodologies, and activities. The LCFs are responsible for the implementation and monitoring of daily language classes, as well as the assignments of the trainees. They act as resource persons and provide feedback in the evaluation of the training program and the overall assessment of Trainees’ performance.  The activities of the LCFs are coordinated by the Language and Cross-Cultural Coordinator (LCC) and under the overall supervision of the Training Manager (TM).

This is a short-term contracted position and requires the LCFs to:

• Stay and work fulltime at the training site (site to be determined).
• Attend Training of Trainers for two weeks
• Teach 3 – 5 hours of language instruction daily. Note that work includes teaching a half-day on Saturdays while Sundays are off.
• Prepare lessons, teaching materials and interactive lessons during evening and afternoons.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO):

A.            Preparation Phase Responsibilities

• Actively participates in TOT period to be held prior to the Pre-Service Training.
• Designs lesson plans based upon acquisition of specific Tetun language competencies that Trainees should learn.  Lesson plans will be developed using the Peace Corps lesson-planning format and should incorporate cultural and technical language objectives.
• Participate in the preparation of language training materials or resources under the supervision of the LCC.
• Participate in the preparation of the training site for the language-training program.

B.            Implementation Phase Responsibilities

• Conducts formal and informal language classes in training community with small groups making appropriate lesson modifications based upon the learning needs of Trainees and feedback received from them. Develops Trainees’ culture skills by acting as a language and cultural information resource;
• Serves as a resource on technical and culture activities as well as community project and practicum taking place in the training community. Participates in these activities as appropriate;
• Is available outside classroom hours to assist with language learning (individual tutorials, culture trips/activities, field visits);
• Provides timely and regular feedback to Trainees regarding their progress in language acquisition and cultural understanding. Documents Trainee performance in the language and cultural components under the supervision of the LCC. Shares this information with Trainees and makes recommendations regarding Trainee language status at various stages of the training program;
• Works with host families to enhance language learning;
• Develops Trainees’ culture skills by acting as a language and cultural information resource. Serve as the cultural model and “guide” for Trainees within the community, showing by example and instruction norms of behavior, manners, dress, customs etc.;
• Cooperates with Program Managers, Technical Trainers in designing and implementing the integration of Language/Technical/Cultural lessons. Assist Trainees with the language skills needed for technical language;
• Actively seek resources within the community to assist Trainees in language and cultural learning;
• Meets weekly with the Language Coordinator and other training staff for briefings on upcoming training topics and to develop new lesson plans and create new training materials;
• Participates in ongoing Training of Trainers activities;
• Performs other related duties, as necessary, for the smooth implementation of PST.

C.            Post-Training Responsibilities

• In conjunction with other language and cultural staff, evaluates the language lessons and cultural training activities and makes recommendations regarding improvements for future training programs;
• Contributes to the production of a final language report for the PST;Submits all lesson plans, language materials and other documentation to the LCC for future use;
• All materials developed under this contract are the sole property of the United States Peace Corps.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Timorese nationals only.
• High school diploma required.  A college degree or coursework is an advantage but not required.
• Native speaker of Tetun required and fluency in another local language is an advantage.
• Basic English is desired but not required.
• Comfort in leading small-group Tetun language classes required. Demonstrated experience in facilitating groups is an advantage.
• Prior experience working with Americans and/or experience living abroad is an advantage.
• Availability for training dates and willingness to stay at training site (basic housing might be shared) for dates needed is required.
• Organization, clarity of thought, and engaging use of language in written and spoken expression in native language.
• Personal skills: ability to follow instructions, flexible, patient, adaptable, reliable, sense of humor, sensitivity to gender and diversity issues.
• Security Clearance: Candidates must be able to obtain a security clearance which requires a National ID Card and recent/valid Ministry of Justice Requerimento de Certificado de Registo Criminal. Candidates without these documents may apply, but they should start working on obtaining these documents immediately.

To apply for this position please follow all of these instructions closely:

1. Send your CV (no more than 4 pages) and a cover letter to [email protected]
2. In the subject of the email write:  “YourName_LCF Application.” Make sure both your name and “LCF” is in the subject line. For example, if your name is Mickey Mouse, the subject of your email should be “MickeyMouse_LCF Application.”
3. Clearly state in the cover letter that you are able to work on all of the stated dates of the contract and that you are willing to live at the training site. These are requirements for the position.
4. Along with your CV and a Cover letter write no more than 150 words responding to one of the questions below.  You should choose only one of these questions and respond in Tetun:

1. Describe a cross-culture challenge that you had when working with foreigners and how you dealt with this challenge? or
2. What qualities do you think will make a good LCF? Describe an experience that demonstrates that you have that quality.

Your initial application will be assessed on:

1. Ability to follow the instructions and complete all components of the written application process.
2. Degree to which basic job functions are addressed in the cover letter including your description of experience, fit for the position, availability on training dates and willingness to live at the training site.
3. Quality of response to question above (including organization, clarity of thought, use of language).
4. Relevance of qualifications outlined in the CV and Cover letter.
5. Native speaker of Tetun.

Hiring Process:

After a thorough review of all applicants and submitted materials, top scoring candidates will be invited to a Group Interview & Workshop for further assessment. Depending on the number of qualified applicants, two or three group interviews will be scheduled in early May 2017. 

Closing date: Applications should be received by 8:00 am Monday, April 3, 2017 for consideration in the first review. Positions remain open until filled. No phone calls or personal visits related to this vacancy will be accepted. Only those invited to participate in the group interview will be contacted.

The Peace Corps is an equal opportunity employer.