ThaiNGO

Position Description:

The TEFL Specialist works with the Program Manager and training Staff to provide technical support to the Teacher Empowerment for Student Success (TESS) project in Thailand, as well as provide support to Trainees, Volunteers, and Thai community partners. They work collaboratively with Program Manager to ensure that project goals and objectives are fulfilled and that the project meets the needs of the post’s Royal Thai Government (RTG) implementing and collaborating partners, as well as the expressed priorities of the schools and communities being served. During Pre-Service Training (PST), the TEFL Specialist will join the training team and act as the technical coordinator to support the technical aspect of training.  The TEFL Specialist will also actively contribute to the overall direction of the Peace Corps program in Thailand and help to ensure the safety and security of Trainees and Volunteers.

Peace Corp Thailand is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability or marital status.

Overview of TEFL Certificate program

The TEFL Certificate program launched in Thailand in 2017 and is designed to meet global professional English teaching standards that Thailand requires. The Certificate consists of pre-service training and practice teaching, followed by two years of supervised teaching experience. 

Over 120 hours of training and ongoing professional development frames two years of supervised teaching experience and is validated by the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL). The TEFL Certificate program uses the Teaching Proficiency Index (TPI) to measure Volunteer teaching competence. For the TPI level, Volunteers are expected to reach particular levels throughout their service; Emerging (during PST), Developing (first year of service), Integrating (second year of service) and Exemplifying (end of service).

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Programming (25%)

The TESS Project is designed and implemented so that Volunteers and Thai community partners collaborate closely on shared goals and objectives. The TEFL Specialist supports the PM to ensure continuous improvement and innovation in the quality of the projects while ensuring PC Thailand is following the procedures set forth by CAL. Programming duties and responsibilities of the TEFL Specialist include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist the PM to design, plan, and implement a sound project plan according to Peace Corps programming criteria and expressed RTG priorities;
• Assist the PM to ensure that Volunteers have appropriate work assignments and host communities during their two-year service;
• Assist the PM in conducting site identification surveys of potential Volunteer site placements for incoming groups. Work with project partners and potential Supervisors and Counterparts to develop the Volunteer’s work site assignment and ensure that safe and secure housing is selected;
• Conduct site visits focused on administering the Teaching Proficiency Index (TPI), particularly to observe and evaluate Volunteer’s teaching at site, provide constructive feedback and ensure that volunteer’s teaching strategy reaches the standards of the TEFL Certificate program;
• Act as a resource on project design and development and link Volunteers to valuable in-country information and contacts. Assist PMs in supervising PCVs in project development and in the development of grant applications;
• In coordination with the M&E specialist, assure Trainees are properly trained on monitoring, reporting, and evaluation including using the Volunteer Reporting and Grants (VRG) for timely and accurate reporting about progress towards TEFL project indicators;
• Respond promptly to communications from Volunteers and to Volunteers' Work Reports.

Training (25%)

Peace Corps conducts extensive pre-service training (PST) to prepare Volunteers for their technical assignment, as well as various in-service events that provide Volunteers and their Thai partners updated knowledge and skills in technical and other areas. The TEFL Specialist’s duties and responsibilities in the area of training include, but are not limited to, the following:      

• Collaborate with the PM and PTS in designing, planning, and executing a comprehensive technical training strategy for trainees and Volunteers that covers their complete cycle of service;
• Working with the  TESS PTS, coordinate and facilitate the TESS technical training for the 3-month PST and all in-service trainings;
• Collaborate with the PM to develop specific task analysis and technical training requirements for the technical component of PST;             
• Act as a support and resource person for other technical training staff throughout PST and assist them in planning, designing, and implementing training sessions as well as being a coordinator for Resource Volunteers and other outside trainers;        
• In collaboration with the PM  and the other PTS, help to design, plan, and facilitate any specialized in-service training events;
• Assist in providing input for the annual Training Status Report (TSR) and participate in review meetings.

Staff Collaboration (20%)

The Programming and Training staff must assure that programming and training functions reflect and support each other and that P&T efforts are fully integrated. The TEFL Specialist’s duties and responsibilities in this endeavor include, but are not limited to, the following:     

• Collaborate and coordinate fully with the PM, PTS and Program Assistant (PA) to ensure the highest level of quality in project implementation and Volunteer support;
• Coordinate with the Training Manager (TM) and Training Assistant (TA) on all training planning and designs;
• Ensure open communication and regular meetings with the PM;

Volunteer Support (10%)

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 TEFL Specialist assists the Program Manager in this area and acts as an important back up contact person for Volunteers. Volunteer support duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:                                    

• Collaborate with PM and PTS in providing technical support to Volunteers related to the TESS project goals and objectives;
• Assist the PM in providing assistance to Volunteers regarding work issues and personal needs. Offer continued information and guidance on cross-cultural matters;                
• Assist the PM in providing support for Volunteers’ well-being; work with Peace Corps Medical Officer to assist Volunteers during emergencies.

Safety and Security (10%)

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 TEFL Specialist, particularly as they concern Volunteers and Trainees in their projects, include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Addresses Volunteer safety and security by adhering to Peace Corps site development policies and procedures. Identifies and immediately communicates Volunteer safety and security concerns and issues to the Safety and Security Manager (SSM) and the Country Director (CD). Assists Program Managers/APCDs to ensure that prospective sites meet established programmatic and safety/security criteria (e.g., safe housing, a clearly defined assignment with an organization that shows real interest in working with a Volunteer, etc.). Reviews and references site history files when evaluating potential sites, and incorporates appropriate safety and security-related information into site history files. 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. Knowledgeable and supportive of Peace Corps safety and security policies and procedures, including the timely reporting of suspicious incidents, persons or articles.
• Work with the PM and the TM to coordinate communication related to safety and security concerns from CD to Volunteers, Trainees and staff;
• Assist the PM in reviewing thoroughly all housing checklists during site visits, checking safety and security criteria and communicating any concerns to the SSM. Collaborate with the SSM on any follow-up site visits and recommendations necessary;
• Assist the TM and other PST staff with host family selection and housing checks to ensure safe housing for Trainees during PST;

Coordination (5%)

Peace Corps Thailand closely collaborates with the Office of Basic Education Commission (OBEC) of Royal Thai Government (RTG) to ensure that the Teacher Empowerment for Student Success (TESS) project meet the expressed needs of our local Thai partners. The TEFL Specialist’s duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist PM in communicating with RTG partners on all project-related matters, including approval of the project plan; provide technical support to Volunteers in the field; Supervisor and Counterpart conferences; site identification and selection procedures;
• Participate in the Project Advisory Committee (PAC) to determine project needs, review and revise project goals and objectives, establish site placement criteria, and determine Volunteer permanent site assignments;
• Assist the PM in fostering positive, collaborative relationships with school administrations, teachers, Primary Educational Service Area Office (PESAO) and other community organizations to ensure that host agencies understand the project purpose and have realistic expectations of Volunteers.        

Other Duties (5%)

• 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.

• COVID19: 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.

• 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.

• May perform other duties as assigned by the Country   Director or DPT as needs require.

Position Qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Teaching, English, or TEFL

Prior Work Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience teaching English
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in the TEFL certification process

Other Required Qualifications:

• Proficiency in written and spoken Thai and English (will be evaluated)
• Excellent facilitation and presentation skills
• Ability to conduct trainings and give presentations, in both English and Thai
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable and willing to work in a collaborative team environment;
• Ability to train adults, assess competency of learners, and provide constructive feedback
• Solid coordination and organizational skills
• Excellent cross-cultural communication skills
• Capacity to relate to people from a diverse range of social and cultural backgrounds
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the workplace
• Flexible, motivated, and self-directed
• Proficiency working with computers, including Microsoft Office Suite, and smart phones
• Must be willing and able to travel up to 40% of the time, including relocation to a location outside Bangkok (usually 1-2 hrs drive away) for 4 months every year for Peace Corps Volunteers’ Pre-Service Training

Preferred Qualifications:

Education: Master’s Degree in Teaching, English, or TEFL

Prior Work Experience:

• 5-10 years’ experience teaching English
• 5-10 years’ experience in the TEFL certification process
• Experience teaching teachers of English
• Prior experience working with international organizations
• Prior experience working with racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds, and/or living abroad

Other Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the Ministry of Education, the Thai education system and English education
• Background and experience in organizational development and capacity-building of non-governmental (NGO) and other community-based organizations (CBO), youth development and program management

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
  Training:	Staff development funds and training opportunities as available

Application Period: July 12, 2022 – August 5, 2022

To apply: Submit a complete resume to PCThailandJobs@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.