Support Career Development for Displaced Ukrainian Youth

Job Description
The partner charitable organization provides comprehensive opportunities for Ukrainian internally displaced persons (IDPs) to adapt to living in new communities, including a large career counseling project. Providing career counseling is essentially because IDPs, including youth, may face employment problems due to the labor market in different regions of Ukraine, inadequate or no work experience, lack of professional connections, difficulties in adaptation due to trauma, financial difficulties, and other challenges. Therefore, career specialists help with the following services: (1) resume development and revisions; (2) orientation to evolving labor markets; (3) reviewing job search essentials and matching individuals to job vacancies; (4) interview preparation and practice; and (5) career exploration and coaching.

In addition to these services, assistance from native English-speaking specialists is beneficial as they can share the latest global labor market trends and opportunities that will help young people strengthen their professional English language skills and adapt to international standards and requirements. Interaction with native speakers helps IDPs develop cultural awareness, improve their language proficiency, and promote their ability to adapt to different communication styles and broaden worldviews. Thus, the charitable organization is requesting the support of one Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) to support this displaced youth group through an English language career development club.

The organization has previously collaborated with the Peace Corps through VSP program. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a Peace Corps Volunteer or Peace Corps Response Volunteer.

Desired Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field

Experience:

• Virtual engagement and communication

• Curriculum and workshop development

• Conducting group sessions for young people

• Coaching, guiding and/or mentoring youth on career planning (e.g. resume, motivation statement writing, job search on LinkedIn, interviews, etc.)

• Understanding and adapting teaching approaches to different conditions and contexts

Required Skills
Education: Bachelor's degree in any field

Experience:

• Teaching, tutoring, mentoring, or coaching youth aged 25–35 in any educational institutions or youth clubs

• Career consulting

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
I'Mariupol Support Centers (Charitable organization "Charitable foundation "I am Mariupol") I'Mariupol Support Centers is a network of 29 support centers in 20 Ukrainian cities which support internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the occupied city of Mariupol. The centers provide comprehensive support: supporting humanitarian-related issues, creating cultural and artistic events, providing psychological support, and offering legal advice. Additionally, they provide holistic employment assistance, including supporting individuals with the job search, giving guidance on professional self-presentation, and providing training.

In the centers, Mariupol residents unite to support each other with a vision to return to their hometown after de-occupation. Until then, Mariupol continues to live not in buildings, but in the hearts of Mariupol residents.

Website:
Telegram:

Virtual Service Engagement and Tasks
The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their host country partners:

• Coordinate with representatives of the organization to identify priorities for in-depth understanding of the project goals and objectives, including a review of previous career activities and the specificities of the IDP youth they serve

• Co-develop a language club curriculum which will include at least 20 sessions that focuses on professional development, soft skills, professional presentation skills, and job search tips for youth participants

• Co-facilitate a weekly 1-hour online session for club members (average number of students is 15–30, aged 25–35)

• Attend a weekly meeting with Ukrainian colleagues for feedback and discussion

• Guide club members to prepare for at least one peer-to-peer meeting with other young IDPs to share information and knowledge in the areas of professional development and career planning

VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5–15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be 5 hours per week.

Online collaboration will generally occur between 5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Kyiv time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.

The host country counterpart will have access to Zoom, Google Meet, Telegram, emails, and WhatsApp for regular communication and collaboration.

Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0–18), two adults must be present.

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