Adolescent Health Advisor

Turn your health expertise into meaningful change for young Batswana.
Botswana has one of the highest HIV rates globally, yet the Ministry of Health has made notable progress, positioning the country among the few to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets for the general population. Despite a 68% reduction in new infections among youth, significant gaps remain, especially for young people and adolescent girls. Poverty, stigma, limited access to prevention services, and restrictive social norms can make it difficult for young people to access the information and care they need. Addressing these challenges requires external support to complement national efforts.
As an Adolescent Health Advisor, you will support the government and civil society organizations to strengthen youth-friendly centers and expand access to confidential, age-appropriate services. Alongside community members, you will also work with youth to promote healthy lifestyles and increase awareness of sexual and reproductive health services.

Bachelor's degree in public health, nursing, sociology, or social work, with a focus on youth/adolescent health.
AND
Three or more years of experience implementing youth- or adolescent-friendly services programs.

During training, Volunteers will have a private room within a host family’s house. After training, Volunteers will move to their assigned sites in one of the country’s 10 districts and can expect either a private room or a small, private house on the host family’s compound. The Volunteer should be prepared for limited or unreliable electricity and water in these rural areas. Public transportation via a mini-bus, bus, or taxi will allow the Volunteer to travel to larger towns if needed.

Strengthen your skills in delivering youth-friendly health services and sexual and reproductive health education.
Deepen your understanding of HIV/AIDS and the health challenges affecting young people and communities across Africa.
Learn Setswana from skilled language and intercultural facilitators.

Train health service providers on delivering youth‑friendly services.
Coordinate and deliver age-appropriate health education sessions to reinforce essential health messages.
Conduct school-based peer support groups for HIV-positive youth.
Train health workers on supply chain management for youth health commodities and services.
Lead demand‑creation activities to increase community HIV testing, streamline clinical linkages, and referral services.
Support health education delivery with age-appropriate lessons and engaging activities that reinforce key health messages.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as tutoring students in English and math, or facilitating a reading club at a nearby school.

After a two-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to a semi-urban or rural community where you will collaborate with youth groups, schools, and clinics to assess the needs and develop a work plan in line with their established needs.

Peace Corps/Botswana will equip you with Setswana language resources and you may work with a tutor who can help you build basic language skills to connect with the community. You may also receive language resources to learn Ikalanga, Simbukushu, and Sekgalagari based on your site placement.