Under the supervision of the Training Manager (TM), the HC serves as liaison between Host Families and Peace Corps Training Staff and provides support to Peace Corps Trainees living in homestay and undergoing Pre-Service Training in Cameroon. Peace Corps uses a community-based approach in rural/semi-urban settings to train Trainees. The position is seasonal, covering the Peace Corps PST timeframe which is typically 4 - 5 months (April to August) and based where PC training takes place. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work and live in rural or semi-urban settings with very limited resources. Solid cross-cultural and negotiation skills are required. 

The HC will have the following roles and responsibilities:

• Host Family Identification and Selection: 40%
• Host Family Liaison and Homestay/Trainee Support: 60%

Host Family Identification and Selection:

• Develop/review homestay program goals and objectives, and the host family selection criteria and standards in consultation with the Training Team, PCMO, and Safety and Security Manager.
• Develop and implement a host family selection strategy for PST.
• Assist the Training Logistician in the identification, recruitment and preparation of host families that meet the required standards.
• Prior to each PST, propose to the TM a final list of host families selected, and prepare all the necessary documentation to this effect.
• In collaboration with the Language and Cross Culture Coordinator (LCC), match Trainees to specific host families in accordance with their needs, and taking into account the different clusters and language classes.
• Organize and conduct homestay orientation, follow-up sessions and evaluation (initial, mid-PST, and final) for host families.

Host Family Liaison and Homestay/Trainee Support:

• Organize and conduct homestay program orientation for Trainees in coordination with PST staff.
• Provide necessary guidance and support to the PST staff for implementing the homestay program.
• Serve as the key liaison between host families and PC/PST staff with regard to the homestay program; providing regular updates to the TM.
• Ensure the respect of homestay policies.
• Maintain regular communication and feedback with Trainees regarding their homestay experience.
• Conduct regular visits (at least twice a month) to host families to evaluate the homestay experience and living conditions; including hygiene of house/rooms, Trainee-host family relationship, respect of policy, etc.
• Identify challenges faced by Trainees in homestay and support them overcome these challenges, using a coach approach.
• Tactfully work with homestay families to resolve problems and challenges they are facing.
• Promptly report problems that may endanger the health, wellbeing and safety and security of the Trainee to the TM, PCMO or Safety and Security Manager as the case may be.
• Monitor the homestay program and continuously provide the necessary information, guidance, and feedback to both the Trainees and the host families.
• Design and use case studies (among other techniques) to improve the homestay experience for Trainees.
• In collaboration with the LCC, ensure host family members provide the necessary linguistic and cultural support to Trainees.
• Provide support to sick Trainees as spelled out by the PCMO or TM
• Participate in the evaluation of Trainees (round table, observation, etc.)
• Maintain regular communication about the homestay program with the TM. 
• Submit a mid PST and an end-of-PST report to the TM.
• Serve as a backup language and cross-culture trainer/informant.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the TM.

Required Qualifications:

Education – University Degree in any field.

Prior Work Experience - At least 3 years of homestay, logistics and coordination, or similar experience in a rural or semi-urban community in Cameroon. Experience working with Americans or in an organization that achieves its mission through volunteerism will be an added advantage.

Language Proficiency - Excellent verbal and written communication skills in French and English. 

Knowledge, Skills and abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with limited supervision; 
• Ability to multitask and work as a team member under high pressure with occasional long and out of schedule hours; 
• Ability to work successfully within a multi-cultural environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, conflict management skills, diplomacy and tact with staff, Trainees, host families, community members and local stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and a strong sense of integrity.
• Proficient in the use of internet and Microsoft programs: Outlook (email), Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.
• Ability to design and deliver language and cross-culture sessions using Adult Learning Principles will be an added advantage.  

Desired Qualifications: Strong knowledge of Peace Corps, its mission, and its approach to development. Highly organized, culturally sensitive, analytical, logistics oriented, and professional, with an ability to negotiate and network on behalf of the program.

Application instructions

Submit the following in MS Word or PDF:

1. A cover letter; 
2. Current resume; 
3. At least three professional references. 

Peace Corps Cameroon does not accept documents saved on any cloud format including Google. The file size should not exceed 8MB.

No telephone calls or personal visits please. Only the documents listed in the application instructions should be submitted including your telephone number by December 27, 2019.  Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.