TRAINING ASSISTANT (TA)
: Peace Corps Thailand
: Government / องค์กรภาครัฐ
: 1527
: 22 August 2023
22 September 2023
Position: Training Assistant (TA)
Reports to: Training Manager (TM)
Supervises: N/A
Work Week: Standard 40 hour, 5 day work week (in emergencies or on occasions may be asked to work in addition to or outside standard working hours)
Duty Station: Peace Corps Office, Bangkok (Dusit District) (Domestic and international travel as required)
Special Notes: This position requires significant travel, including 4 months at the Pre-Service training site.
Position Summary:
The Training Assistant (TA) is a fulltime contracted position in the Peace Corps office in Bangkok, as well as off-site coordinator for training events outside of Bangkok. The TA is responsible for providing office and field support to the Training Manager (TM) and other Programming and Training staff as well as contracted trainers. The TA is responsible for administrative and logistical support of training events, management of in-country resources center, be a liaison for WWS and other Volunteer groups, as well as for the general safety and security of Trainees and Volunteers. During Pre-Service and In-Service Trainings, the TA acts as on-site coordinator for the event. The TA also supports programming staff on site visits and Volunteer support as needed and is responsible for content and delivery of some In Service Trainings (ISTs).
Primary Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Training Support
Peace Corps conducts extensive pre-service training to prepare Volunteers for their technical assignment, as well as various in-service events that provide Volunteers and their Thai partners with updated knowledge and skills in technical and other areas. The Training Assistant’s duties and administrative support responsibilities for training events include, but are not limited to the following:
- Oversee the workloads of two temporary Training Assistants (TA) assigned to PST Admin/Logistics who are under the supervision of the TM. Coordinates this workload with TM and provides input to evaluation of these temporary staff members.
- Support management of communication for the Training Unit; contact and maintain relations with appropriate local government offices and officials and prepare related correspondence, memoranda, cables, texts, letters, and documents. Translate relevant documents and letters from Thai to English and English to Thai; prepare official documents and correspondence to be forwarded to Peace Corps Headquarters; and maintain and update all inventory, records, and files for the Training Unit.
- Assist TM to make appointments, prepare schedules; handle telephone calls; and other general administrative assistance.
- Assist TM in the preparation of annual training budgets and related documentation.
- Assist TM with all logistical preparations for Pre-Service Training (PST) and various In-Service Training events, including research on and arrangements for venues, transportation, guest speakers, and other logistical coordination.
- Act as primary backup support for TM including management of calendar of training events (COTE), staff management and coordination/communication with Peace Corps office.
- Provide support for the TM and all PST staff as liaison between PST staff and Bangkok office staff. Communicate material support needs and organize transportation of visitors/speakers and supplies to the PST site.
- Assist the TM and DPT in the recruitment and selection of qualified candidates. Keep an up-to-date and thorough list of former training staff with all relevant contact information. Highlights applicants who are banned from working with the Peace Corps. Maintains high level of confidentiality on a need-to-know basis.
- Maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders in coordination with TM.
- Works with TM and DMO to close out training site after Pre-Service Training (PST) and re-open Training Site in preparation for following PST.
- Assist TM to compile, photocopy, and organize training books and materials. Produce the biographical data books for each PST training class; coordinating the collection of information and photos, formatting, and handling the lay out and preparation of the final copy. Distribute the books to all Trainees, staff, Peace Corps Washington, and Royal Thai Government partners.
- Ensure Posts optional trainings, such as but not limited to Project Design Management (PDM) and Student Friendly Schools (SFS) are scheduled, provide logistical support.
- Maintain and inventory training materials and items, working with General Services Officer for appropriate storage of same during non-training times.
Volunteer Support
Volunteers are provided quality training and ongoing project support that equips them to be self-sufficient and to have a productive and fulfilling experience at site. The Training Assistant is an important support and contact person for Volunteers. Volunteer support duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Provide feedback in a timely manner to Volunteers on all email correspondence and phone requests.
- Encourage Volunteers and offer positive feedback on their accomplishments.
- Provide appropriate assistance and guidance to Volunteers regarding cross-cultural and adjustment matters, including questions and/or situations related to ICDEI-A when interacting with Trainees/Volunteers. Refers questions on work issues and personal needs, to PMs, PTS, VSA, LCC as appropriate.
- Provide logistical input related to training events for in the newsletter to volunteers.
- Participate in and/or attend PST sessions related to cultural adjustment, Gender and ICDEIA in order to be better prepared Volunteer support.
Safety and Security
Every Peace Corps Thailand staff member has duties and responsibilities directly and/or indirectly associated with Safety and Security.
The duties and responsibilities of the Training Assistant, particularly as they concern Volunteers and Trainees in their projects, include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Assists the Training Manager in developing, assessing and redesigning competencies and training sessions as required. Evaluates and reports Volunteer/Trainee acquisition of safety and security competencies. Immediately communicates Volunteer safety and security concerns and issues to the Safety and Security Manager (SSM) and Training Manager. Supports the safety and security systems that are in-place for pre-service training, including reinforcing Trainee roles and responsibilities related to personal safety and security. Knowledgeable and supportive of Peace Corps safety and security policies and procedures, including the timely reporting of suspicious incidents, persons or articles
- Assist the TM in fulfilling assigned EAP duties and serve as the alternate to the TM in the event the TM is not available at the time of an emergency.
- Assist TM in reporting safety and security incidents that occur during training events. Receive calls from Volunteers reporting incidents (non-assault and assault), and either refer the call to the SSC or, as appropriate, document needed information for use by other staff.
- Addresses safety and security issues directly with Volunteers when witness to Volunteer conduct or Peace Corps policy infractions. Identifies and immediately communicates Volunteer safety and security concerns and issues to the Training Manager, Safety and Security Manager (SSM) and the Country Director (CD). Monitors Volunteer compliance with Peace Corps policies, especially related to safety and security. Participates in the design and implementation of the Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Acts as duty officer, as needed.
- Maintain confidentiality of issues related to Volunteer support as appropriate.
Sub-Cashier
May be designated a sub-cashier after approval by OCFO/GAP. Responsibilities as a sub-cashier include performing limited cash disbursements as directed by the Director of Management and Operations, proper disbursing and collecting of funds, proper accounting for funds advanced, safeguarding funds advanced, and accepting personal responsibility and financial liability for funds after successful completion of the requisite training for performing sub-cashier duties. (See MS 760 and OFMH 13)
Receiving Officer
May be designated as a receiving officer if assigned by the Country Director and with the approval of the Regional Director. Responsibilities as a receiving officer include accurate review of goods or services, their accompanying invoices, and the purchase order/contract to ensure that the specifications, quality, amounts, price, timeliness, etc. of the goods are consistent with the terms and conditions of the contract/purchase order after successful completion of the requisite training to perform receiving duties. (See MS 511, the Personal Property Management Handbook and OFMH 19)
Occasional Money Holder
The personal service contractor (PSC) may be requested to courier cash and/or purchase orders to various vendors who furnish supplies and/or services to Pre-Service Training/In-Service Training site, or other locations as directed by the Contracting Officer. The PSC may also be requested to courier cash to Peace Corps trainees or volunteers. The PSC will not be functioning as a procurement or disbursing official but will only be acting as an intermediary between the Contracting or Disbursing Officer and the recipient. In the case of dealing with vendors, the PSC will not exercise any procurement discretion concerning the supplies or services to be purchased or the cost limits of these purchases; these will be determined by the Contracting Officer.
COVID-19
Given that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic there will be a lengthy period where there are likely to be limited or no Peace Corps Trainees and/or Volunteers (jointly referred to as “Volunteers”) at Peace Corps/[Country], the PSC may be temporarily assigned during the COVID-19 pandemic, as determined by the Peace Corps Director, to carry out additional duties and responsibilities in furtherance of the goals of the Peace Corps in order to enhance the ability of Peace Corps Volunteers to perform functions under the Peace Corps Act, including facilitating a safe environment in order for the successful return of Volunteers.
This temporary assignment may require the PSC to provide services and/or support beyond what is listed in their current Statement of Work (SOW). The services and/or support may take many forms, examples of which may include but are not limited to, training, providing administrative, technical, medical, and/or operational assistance, building on host country programs, etc. This temporary assignment also may require the PSC to provide these services and/or support to individuals/organizations other than those listed in their current SOW such as host country government, partner organization(s), community member(s), staff, and/or contractors.
TDY
The Contractor is subject to worldwide availability and may be requested by the Peace Corps to be reassigned or transferred permanently to another Peace Corps Post/Headquarters or perform temporary duties (TDY) as required and to travel to other assignments within Peace Corps’ as assigned. Any such reassignment or transfer shall be subject to agreement of the Contractor. The Statement of Work as defined will remain the same; however, the duties may be subject to change as determined by the Contracting Officer.
Driving
Must maintain a valid driver’s license and must be willing to drive Peace Corps vehicles (SUV and vans). Completing Smith System driver training and passing a basic health check (paid for by Peace Corps) are pre-requisites for driving Peace Corps vehicles.
Other Duties as Assigned: May perform other duties as assigned by the Country Director, Director of Programming and Training (DPT), or the Training Manager (TM) as needs require.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree.
- Work Experience: 3 years work experience.
- Fluent in Thai and Proficient in English.
- Must be comfortable speaking in front of groups.
- Excellent facilitation and presentation skills.
- Ability to conduct trainings and give presentations, in both English and Thai.
- Must have driver’s license and able to drive Peace Corps vehicles (including SUVs).
- Ability to mentor and coach staff and Volunteers.
- Strong computer skills (Microsoft office) and ability to trouble shoot electronic and technical problems.
- Familiarity with online training platforms, audio-visual equipment set up.
- Exceptional planning, coordinating, and organizational skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Flexible, motivated, and self-directed.
- Willingness to travel domestically and live full-time for 4 months at the rural village training site.
- Completion of Peace Corps sub-cashier training after hiring.
Preferred Qualifications
- Education: Master’s degree
- 3-5 years’ work experience in planning, organizing, and coordinating large group trainings
- Prior experience working with international organizations
- Prior experience working with racially, ethnically, socioeconomically diverse background, and/or living abroad
- Prior professional supervisory experience
- Experience in administration, logistics, budgeting, and procurement
- Experience in administration, logistics, travel coordination, fleet management, finance, budgeting, or procurement.
- Experience dealing with government officials in rural communities.
Other Information, including Benefits:
- Expected Start Date: After successful US Embassy background check and reference check
- Insurance: Group Health Insurance, Life Insurance, and Workmen Compensation
- Bonus: Eligible for 13th month bonus
- Paid Holidays: Approximately 20 paid holidays/year
- Annual Leave: 11 annual leave (paid personal vacation) days/year to start
- Salary: Salary is negotiable within pre-determined range, based on salary history
- Travel Allowance: Receives money for meals and incidentals when traveling outside of Bangkok
- Training: Staff development funds and training opportunities as available
Application Period: August 22, 2023 – September 22, 2023
To apply: Submit a complete resume to ThailandJobs@peacecorps.gov during the application period listed above.
Notes:
- Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
- One or more positions may be filled from this announcement.
- Peace Corps may consider international applicants, but reserves the right to prioritize host country national candidates.
- Contracting Officer reserves the right to accept late applications on an ad hoc basis
- Candidates must indicate if they have ever previously served as a Peace Corps Trainee, Volunteer, or Staff member.
- Peace Corps reserves the right to withhold an offer from any candidate with a prior history of poor performance or conduct as a Peace Corps Trainee, Volunteer, or Staff member.
- Peace Corps reserves the right to withhold an offer to any candidate that is a relative or household member of any current Peace Corps staff member.
- Peace Corps will not discriminate against an applicant because of that person's race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older, except when the applicant is beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60 years old), disability, or genetic information.
Contact : ThailandJobs@peacecorps.gov
ผู้ประสานงาน / Coordinator
