Full TimeENNorth America
Georgia
Qualified candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:
• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any field.
OR
• 5 years’ professional work experience.
Competitive candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:
• Master of Arts/Master of Science degree with an emphasis in non-profit management, public administration, or organizational development;
• Professional work experience with nonprofit organizations in a management or organizational development capacity;
• Strong commitment to organizational capacity building and working closely with fledgling organizations;
• Creativity and experience consulting, mentoring, or coaching organizational leaders or workers;
• Experience with youth in the areas of informal education, employability skills development, summer camps, mentoring, teaching conversational English, or volunteerism/community service;
• Experience with one or more of the following: non-profit development, training, human resource development, strategic planning, project development, grant writing, fundraising, event management, marketing, public relations, volunteerism, or public administration;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and networking skills;
• Ability to establish strong working relationships with organizational leaders, employees, youth, and community members
Georgia is a small country with a rich history, culture, and cuisine. While some aspects of the cultural and physical environment may be challenging, Volunteers who are flexible, enthusiastic to integrate into their communities, and motivated to contribute to the development of others will be able to form meaningful relationships and find satisfaction in their work.
HOUSING
Trainees and Volunteers live with host families during Pre-Service Training and three months after swearing-in. Although Volunteers are eligible to move into separate housing after the initial three months of service, most Volunteers choose to live with host families for their entire service because of the close relationships, safety, and cultural integration it affords. In many small sites there will be a scarcity of independent housing options and therefore this type of housing is not guaranteed.
In every host family setting, Volunteers have a private room with a functioning lock on the door. Every household is equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and at least one room with a heating source for cold weather periods. The plumbing in the houses is mostly indoors, but sometimes outdoor taps and squat toilets can be used in the villages. Gas stoves or propane cylinders are often used for cooking. Many homes also have either a wood-burning stove or fireplace for heating, which can contribute to smoke inside the home.
TRADITIONS INVOLVING ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Alcohol is prevalent in Georgian society. Georgian men may consume large quantities of alcohol at supras (traditional Georgia meals led by a toast master) - mostly homemade wine or vodka - and drink full glasses in one gulp. Georgian women generally consume less alcohol and do so mainly at gatherings of women. In mixed settings, women participate in the toasting but generally consume moderate amounts of alcohol. To maintain a professional image and adhere to policy, Volunteers should consume alcohol in moderation and never appear obviously intoxicated in public. Volunteers will be taught strategies for how to say no and avoid excessive alcohol consumption while remaining culturally sensitive and will be introduced to Peace Corps alcohol policies during PST.
SOCIAL NORMS AND INTEGRATION SUPPORT
Regardless of where in the world they serve, Peace Corps Volunteers are often the subject of curiosity and/or unwanted attention – e.g., skin and hair color or texture, height and weight, race, ethnicity, tribe, national origin, language, religious beliefs, political affiliation, family structure, age, marriage status, socio-economic status, ability, and other aspects. A Volunteer’s colleagues and neighbors may not be used to interacting with foreigners and may have preconceptions about Americans. Georgia is seeing increasing numbers of international visitors but, as foreigners, Volunteers may still experience unwanted attention in their communities.
Georgia has strictly defined and conservative societal roles for men and women. While same-sex relationships are not considered a crime, sexual orientation outside of traditional male/female pairings are typically considered taboo topics. As a general practice in the past, queer Volunteers have chosen to be discreet about their sexual orientation.
Peace Corps is committed to creating a supportive environment for Volunteers of all backgrounds to ensure that Volunteers can discuss concerns with peers and staff confidentially throughout service. During pre-service training, staff will provide Volunteers with information and support on what may impact their experiences in relation to integration, safety, and other topics.
None
Community Economic Development
Yes
Georgia
24
Yes
PCV
No
