Youth Development Advisor

Communities across Dominica are seeking professionals skilled in youth skills training to help revitalize 4‑H Clubs and bolster national youth development.

Dominican youth face high dropout rates largely due to poverty-related barriers, uneven school resources, and limited second‑chance education options. UNESCO research shows that boys experience significantly higher repetition and disengagement, with lower‑secondary repetition rates climbing to 12%–16%. With few vocational or re‑entry pathways, many young people lack structured opportunities for personal and academic growth. These educational challenges—combined with ongoing economic strain—create long‑term risks for youth well‑being and employment readiness. The Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Community Development’s youth skills training program provides essential social skills, workplace readiness, and technical training, but the growing demand and evolving community needs make it difficult to sustain consistent, high-quality programming. At the same time, the country’s 4-H clubs, also coordinated by the Ministry, could benefit from updated approaches and dedicated mentoring.

As a Youth Development Advisor, you will collaborate with the Ministry staff and 4-H club leaders to strengthen programs, standardize procedures, and expand youth leadership development. Alongside the community, you will help nurture confident, engaged young leaders who play an active role in their communities and in Dominica’s national growth.

Master's degree in social work, counseling, or clinical psychology.
AND
Three or more years of relevant experience in youth development programming or social work, with skills in organizational development and/or capacity-strengthening practices.

Volunteers spend their first week in a shared double bedroom before moving to independent houses or apartments, either standalone or within a host family compound. Housing is simple, often with open‑air designs and basic appliances; many lack hot water, washing machines, and air conditioning, though electricity, cellular service, and internet are generally reliable. Volunteers commute by bus to their worksites and major shopping areas, generally 25–30 minutes away.

Build versatile skills in curriculum design and facilitation that strengthen your impact across education, youth development, and workforce programs.
Develop foundational Kwéyòl language skills through immersive, daily conversations.
Immerse yourself in vibrant Eastern Caribbean culture through collaboration with youth, schools, and 4-H clubs.

Identify opportunities to strengthen the overall quality and effectiveness of the life skills program.
Develop, review, and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Create engaging teaching materials and practical tools to support curriculum.
Train youth officers through co-designed training-of-trainers sessions.
Facilitate social and life skills sessions in schools and clubs.
Design and facilitate summer day camp activities.
Plan and facilitate mentoring sessions for junior and senior 4-H club leaders.
Facilitate leadership development workshops for 4-H members and student leaders.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as after-school clubs and summer camps to support life skills and job readiness.

After a two-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to a peri-urban community where you will collaborate with the Ministry of Education to assess the learning needs and develop a work plan in line with their established goals.

Peace Corps/Eastern Caribbean will equip you with introductory Kwéyòl language skills and you may work with a tutor who can help you build basic language skills to connect with the community.