About this role
Youth Development Specialist
Project Description: Youth in El Salvador are motivated to step forward as leaders to engage with community members and strengthen their communities. You, too, can be part of the movement!
In El Salvador, youth make up more than a quarter of the population, making them one of the country’s greatest assets for the future. Yet, many young people face social and economic challenges that limit their access to positive learning opportunities and impact their overall well-being. Economic hardship, low school completion rates, limited life skills development opportunities, and barriers to active community engagement can make it difficult for young people to reach their full potential. National data show that only half of youth complete lower secondary school and even fewer complete upper secondary school. These low levels of school completion have significant implications for individuals and the country as a whole.
As a Youth Development Specialist, you will collaborate with school staff to equip youth with essential life skills, such as communication, empathy, creative problem-solving, and goal setting. Working alongside community leaders, you will create supportive environments that encourage youth participation in community projects and civic engagement. Over time, this work strengthens families, schools, and community networks, contributing to more supportive environments for youth and advancing El Salvador’s national priorities.
Required Skills: Associate degree in any field and at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles). OR Bachelor's degree in any field. OR High school diploma or GED and four years of full-time, post-high school work (from any combination of roles).
Living Conditions: Volunteers will live in a private room within a host family’s house and share the common spaces with this family. Most placements are in a rural community with intermittent access to electricity and running water. The Volunteer will walk or use public buses to commute.
Activities: Conduct a community assessment with community leaders and school staff to identify and prioritize youth needs. Develop and implement a strategic work plan. Deliver engaging life skills lessons that build communication, emotional well-being, and problem-solving abilities. Lead structured empowerment programs for students and out-of-school youth. Facilitate sports, arts, and recreational activities. Guide youth participation in community projects to promote stewardship. Foster a positive environment for youth community engagement. Engage parents and caregivers in activities for positive family relationships.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as enriching art classes and team sports.
Training: As a Youth Development Specialist, you will be trained in participatory methodologies, youth development strategies, and facilitation best practices. Peace Corps/El Salvador will teach you Spanish to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community.
After 11 weeks of training, you will move to a rural community where you will collaborate with community leaders and school staff. You will work with the community to assess youth development needs and develop long-term solutions.
Job Highlights: Develop international experience in youth programming and life skills education that will support a global career. Inspire the youth in El Salvador to become confident leaders while strengthening your own skills as a public speaker and community organizer. Develop stronger Spanish language skills while forming authentic, lasting connections with community members.