About this role
Curriculum Development Advisor
Project Description: An experienced curriculum developer or e-learning content creator is needed in Sierra Leone to develop a tailored training program for mangrove restoration efforts.
West Africa’s coastline features mangrove ecosystems that sequester up to four times as much organic carbon as tropical forests. The mangroves are also home to species, such as the vulnerable West African manatee, the endangered Timneh parrot, and the critically endangered Western Red Colobus monkey. Rapid urban expansion, resource extraction, and unsustainable harvesting practices are making these mangrove forests quickly disappear and immediate action is needed. West Africa Blue partners with communities to pioneer community-centric, nature-based solutions. The organization’s field staff visit the communities to strengthen environmental education, stewardship, and livelihoods. To ensure the field staff deliver effective training, a customized training program is required.
As a Curriculum Development Advisor, you will collaborate with the staff at West Africa Blue to develop a comprehensive, easy-to-use onboarding training program that features infographics, interactive roleplay, and relevant examples. Alongside the West Africa Blue team, you will implement, test, and update the training program as needed to ensure the field staff are fully equipped to provide high-quality, compliant training to the coastal communities. Your efforts will help safeguard the remaining forests and the communities that depend on them.
Required Skills: Bachelor's degree in education, environmental science or a related field. AND Two or more years of experience facilitating environmental education programming and/or conservation education.
Living Conditions: The Volunteer will live independently in the capital city in either an apartment or house with regular travel to Bonthe and Moyamba Districts for field trips ranging from 1 to 3 weeks in duration. The volunteer will be expected to be able to travel by boat around Bonthe Island. Comfort working outdoors in challenging weather conditions is necessary for success in the role.
Activities: Conduct a community assessment to better understand coastal community members. Draft a tailored training script with language that speaks to targeted community members. Design, implement, and refine the onboarding training program. Build the field team’s capacity to effectively implement field activities. Implement field activities designed to support vulnerable coastal communities.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as cookstove projects that teach safer cooking methods or community awareness activities on ways to manage coastal ecosystems.
Training: After a two-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to an urban community where you will collaborate with the staff at West Africa Blue to assess the needs and develop a work plan in line with their established goals.
Peace Corps/Sierra Leone will equip you with Krio language resources and you may work with a tutor who can help you build basic language skills to connect with the community.
Job Highlights: Expand your training design and delivery skills while supporting natural resource management. Make an impact by supporting Sierra Leone’s environmental adaptation and resilience efforts. Experience the unique and captivating cultures of coastal communities in Bonthe and Moyamba.