About this role
Support University Researchers’ Academic Writing
Description: The Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP) is a Mexican educational institution with a long history and recognition in academia. BUAP was founded on April 15, 1587, making it one of the oldest universities in the Americas. The name "Benemérita" refers to the recognition of its merits and significant contributions to society.
BUAP has outstanding research activities in various disciplines, promoting the generation of knowledge and innovation. It participates in research projects both nationally and internationally, contributing to scientific and technological advancement.
BUAP is requesting a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) to support university researchers develop their academic writing skills by creating or adapting a research writing guide and facilitating weekly workshops focused on developing and practicing writing and editing skills.
The organization has previously collaborated with the Peace Corps. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a Peace Corps Volunteer or Peace Corps Response Volunteer.
Desired Qualifications: Education: Doctorate in any field
Language: Basic Spanish
Experience: • Virtual engagement and communication • Proofreading and editing papers for journal publication • Facilitating workshops or teaching at the graduate level
Required Skills: Education: Master’s degree in any field
Experience: 2 years teaching research and/or academic writing
Intercultural skills and motivation: Flexible, strong cross-cultural agility, high tolerance for ambiguity, able to work independently, resourceful, creative, and genuinely motivated and capable to serve virtually
Host Country Partner’s Mission and Goals: The Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP) is a public and autonomous institution consolidated at the national level, committed to the comprehensive training of critical and reflective professionals and citizens at the upper secondary, higher, and postgraduate education levels. BUAP trains individuals who are capable of generating, adapting, recreating, innovating, and applying knowledge that responds to society’s needs.
The university fosters research, creation, and dissemination of knowledge. It promotes respect, opportunities, and connection; and contributes as a community of knowledge to the development of art, culture, and the solution of economic, environmental, social, and political problems of the region and the country.
Virtual Service Engagement and Tasks: The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their host country partners:
• Co-conduct an assessment to understand the researchers’ skill level and interests • Co-design and co-facilitate two series of workshops to help researchers acquire the skills needed to review and edit research articles (group size will be approximately eight researchers with a B2 (intermediate high) to C1 (advanced) English level, who will participate by invitation only. Each workshop series will have six one-hour long sessions. The final (sixth) session will allow participants to provide feedback and resolve any lingering questions • Review researchers’ articles and provide feedback • Create a digital folder containing workshop session plans and materials used • Participate in weekly planning and feedback meetings
VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5–15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be 4–5 hours per week, with one hour of synchronous facilitation and approximately 3–4 hours of asynchronous work.
Online collaboration will generally occur between 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Mexico City time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.
The host country counterpart will have access to Google Meet and/or email for regular communication and collaboration.
Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0–18), two adults must be present.