Description
Peace Corps began its program in Ukraine in 1992. Initially, the project was called Business Development. At that time the project aimed to support Ukraine’s transition to a free market economy. As the country changed, so did the project priorities.
The current challenge for local governments and civil society organizations is the lack of capacity, especially the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to facilitate sustainable community development that is rooted in civic engagement, cross sector cooperation, use of local resources, transparency and accountability and the sense of ownership of their community.
The Peace Corps Ukraine Organizational Development project will strengthen organizational capacity at the local level by assigning Volunteers to local government bodies, and community-based organizations that facilitate community development.
Project Goal:
Local governments and CSOs lead sustainable community development efforts.
Project Objectives:
1. Strengthen organizational systems and promote organizational learning.
2. Improve organizations’ project design and management practices.
3. Promote collaborative engagement among organizations and community stakeholders.
Volunteers might be asked to help their Ukrainian counterparts cultivate new economic opportunities to benefit their communities. As a response to the newly emerging environment, the areas of activities Volunteers may include sustaining volunteerism, facilitating fundraising, developing charity and philanthropy, tourism, as well as assisting with local government reform on decentralization, and working with vulnerable populations including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Enabling Policy Environment
Decentralization is the most significant reform that aligns with the Peace Corps niche in Ukraine. This and other reforms strengthen civil society and encourage civic engagement at local levels. The legislation transfers powers from the national-level Office of the President and Cabinet of Ministers to local governments, empowering them to be more effective in delivering services to the community. It also gives local governments more budgetary powers in the delivery of their community services. As promising as the reforms may sound, they also presents a set of challenges, such as lack of experience, skills, and human and financial resources. This is where the Community Development Volunteers’ diverse cultural and professional background will be an asset.
Peace Corps began its program in Ukraine in 1992. Initially, the project was called Business Development. At that time the project aimed to support Ukraine’s transition to a free market economy. As the country changed, so did the project priorities.
The current challenge for local governments and civil society organizations is the lack of capacity, especially the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to facilitate sustainable community development that is rooted in civic engagement, cross sector cooperation, use of local resources, transparency and accountability and the sense of ownership of their community.
The Peace Corps Ukraine Organizational Development project will strengthen organizational capacity at the local level by assigning Volunteers to local government bodies, and community-based organizations that facilitate community development.
Project Goal:
Local governments and CSOs lead sustainable community development efforts.
Project Objectives:
1. Strengthen organizational systems and promote organizational learning.
2. Improve organizations’ project design and management practices.
3. Promote collaborative engagement among organizations and community stakeholders.
Volunteers might be asked to help their Ukrainian counterparts cultivate new economic opportunities to benefit their communities. As a response to the newly emerging environment, the areas of activities Volunteers may include sustaining volunteerism, facilitating fundraising, developing charity and philanthropy, tourism, as well as assisting with local government reform on decentralization, and working with vulnerable populations including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Enabling Policy Environment
Decentralization is the most significant reform that aligns with the Peace Corps niche in Ukraine. This and other reforms strengthen civil society and encourage civic engagement at local levels. The legislation transfers powers from the national-level Office of the President and Cabinet of Ministers to local governments, empowering them to be more effective in delivering services to the community. It also gives local governments more budgetary powers in the delivery of their community services. As promising as the reforms may sound, they also presents a set of challenges, such as lack of experience, skills, and human and financial resources. This is where the Community Development Volunteers’ diverse cultural and professional background will be an asset.
Read More
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Additional Benefits
www.peacecorps.gov/benefits
Education Requirements
College Graduate
Desired Languages
English
Other Conditions
Prohibits paid work outside of the sponsoring agency at any time
Subject to criminal background check