Youth and Community Engagement Specialist

Project Description

Georgia’s long-term development significantly relies on youth development and engagement, and you can support.

The country’s declining youth population poses a challenge for economic growth, with the percentage of dependent individuals—those under the age of 14 and those ages 65 and above—projected to increase from 20% to 48% in 2055. Unless the youth begin to contribute to the country’s self-sustained economic growth, Georgia may experience severe tax-deficits and increased poverty. To improve the country’s prospects, the government is investing in its youth.

As a Youth and Community Engagement Specialist, you will create, enhance, or promote engaging youth empowerment activities in collaboration with community leaders. Together you will design and implement youth programs that range from childcare to afterschool camps or sports.

Required Skills

Competitive candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work, Sociology or relevant field
OR
3 or more years of relevant experience, such as working in local communities, community advocacy, and engaging with community members
OR
Relevant experience facilitating workshops/trainings/events

Living Conditions

Volunteers live with host families for the first few weeks before transitioning to independent housing in mid-sized towns or cities. Housing is a reasonable distance, either on foot or by public transportation, from the work site.

Job Highlights

Gain valuable experience developing and conducting youth-focused programming.
Become a valued colleague and part of your community.
Experience the rich Georgian culture firsthand.

Activities

Enhance youth programming through stakeholder engagement and effect project management.
Teach English to children and young adults through classes.
Host clubs focused on English, movies, or debate to enhance student understanding of current social, economic, environmental, and global issues.
Facilitate events or activities with youth, particularly underserved youth, to develop leadership skills, critical thinking, media literacy, and volunteerism.
Support professional development and career advancement.
Conduct English and digital skills workshops or trainings.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community's interests and priorities, such as creative arts or a running club.

Training

After a 3-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to a mid-sized urban community where you will collaborate with governmental and/or non-governmental agencies. You will work with the partner and your community to assess the local needs and develop a work plan in line with their established goals.

Peace Corps/Georgia will equip you with Georgian language resources and you may work with a local tutor who can help you build basic language skills to connect with the community.