WHO WE ARE Global Public Service Academy (GPSA) for Health is an educational organization that works in underserved rural communities of Guatemala, Belize, and West Virginia, USA in collaboration with local health authorities. GPSA was founded with an understanding that young adults can make a difference in the world. GPSA has two main goals: to collaborate with local health professionals to determine the health resources and needs of each area; and to provide young adults with a hands-on experience that addresses those needs. To achieve those goals, GPSA offers two types of programs: 1) short-term (1-4 weeks) volunteering programs for high school and college students and 2) long-term (9-18 months) fellowship programs for university graduates. All of our programs are designed in collaboration with Duke University and Johns Hopkins University.
THE POSITION
We are looking for an energetic and dedicated individual to coordinate activities and to provide leadership for the short-term (1-4 weeks) volunteering programs, accounting for approximately 10 months in the year. During the programs, the Program Coordinator is responsible for all the logistics, program staff management, and wellbeing of volunteers. For the remainder of the year, the individual is expected to work on projects that will contribute to the development and quality assurance/improvement of the GPSA programs. The position is based in Quetzaltenango Guatemala and requires travelling to the USA, sometimes for periods longer than 30 days.The position offers a unique opportunity for an independent individual with a passion for global health and adult education.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1.Plan, Coordinate and Communicate Program Activities:
- Communicate with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to coordinate on-site health and educational activities.
- Communicate with community partners to coordinate living arrangements, transportation, and cultural activities.
- Communicate pre-departure and on-site activities to volunteers and school partners.
- Communicate and write program reports, including achievements and recommendation to the GPSA management staff and the Ministry of Health.
- Manage financial resources and write an expense report at the end of each program.
2.Manage Staff and Participants:
- Manage and lead groups of 3-15 volunteers.
- Support, lead and evaluate the performance of team members.
3.Assist with Staff and Stakeholder training
4.Develop GPSA Projects
- Meet with community and health care stakeholders to identify opportunities for short and long-term development projects.
- Identify and develop projects and technical support documents for the improvement of GPSA programs.
Requirement
- Must have a US visa to be able to frequently travel to the USA.
- Must live in or near Quetzaltenango.
Essential Skills
- Demonstrated ability to work in English and Spanish;
- Ability to work independently, with limited supervision, in a home-based setting;
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills;
- Excellent communication and reporting skills to effectively communicate/exchange information, discuss issues, gain support and liaise with stakeholders and the team;
- Ability to integrate the local culture, values, traditions and teachings into the programming;
- Excellent critical thinking and decision-making skills;
- Must be flexible;
- Demonstrated interest in education, tourism, and health.
Desirable Skills
- Experience managing and leading teams;
- Demonstrated experience working with high school or college students;
- Experience working internationally in health or community development;
- Demonstrated skills in training.
