Activity/project background
Partner: Wolaita Sodo University (Government)
Animal Science encompasses various disciplines such as animal nutrition, physiology, genetics, reproduction, and health. Conducting experiments and research in these areas requires a sound understanding of laboratory equipment and their proper handling. However, the individuals working in animal science at Wolaita Sodo University have not all received adequate training in this aspect. The proper handling and management of laboratory equipment is crucial to ensure accurate and reliable results, maintain laboratory safety, and prolong the lifespan of costly equipment. Inadequate knowledge and skills in this area can lead to equipment malfunction, data contamination, or even accidents in the laboratory.
To address this challenge, the university is requesting a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) to build the capacity of 3 to 4 laboratory technicians who are responsible for laboratory equipment handling and management through training seasons on key components such as laboratory safety, equipment use, storage, and handling, prevention measures, compliance, and practical exercises.
Specifically, the training will be on gas chromatography (GC) machine handling and management to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate operations, which are essential for animal science research and experimentation. These trainings will enhance the skills of laboratory staff and ensure sustainable actions and measures are implemented into the university’s laboratory protocols.
Wolaita Sodo University has not previously worked with a Peace Corps Volunteer or a VSPP. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer.
Engagement and tasks
The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their Host Country Partners:
- Co-facilitate a knowledge and skill gap assessment of the laboratory staff about gas chromatography (GC) machines
- Co-design training materials and co-facilitate weekly training sessions for the lab staff on gas chromatography (GC) machine function, setup and calibration, preventive maintenance and troubleshooting, and data management and documentation
- Co-design a laboratory check list for gas chromatography (GC) machine maintenance and installation
- Co-develop guidance, resources, and materials for the ongoing management and maintenance of gas chromatography (GC) machine
This engagement is expected to be approximately 18 weeks. VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5-15 hours per week.
Meetings between VSPPs and Host Country Counterparts will take place during normal office hours, Ethiopian time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.
The Host Country Counterpart will have access to Zoom, WhatsApp, email, and Microsoft Teams for regular communication and collaboration.
Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0-18), two adults must be present.
Optional additional activities
The Peace Corps mission is to promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals:
- To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
- To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
- To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
Goal 1 will be achieved through the VSPP's engagement and completion of the above tasks. The counterpart and VSPP may also choose to identify an activity that aligns with Goal 2. Additionally, the VSPP may identify a Goal 3 activity to implement during their engagement. See recommendations and tools for Goal 3 activities.
Essential Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in any field
Experience:
- 1 year of experience working in an animal science laboratory
- Experience teaching or mentoring in an academic environment
- Experience working on gas chromatography (GC) machine installation and maintenance
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
Desired Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in animal science, agricultural science, or a related field
Experience:
- Experience developing training materials and guidance related to laboratory management and maintenance
- Familiarity with virtual engagement and communication
Terms and conditions of engagement
VSPPs will be engaging with the host country partner, in coordination with Peace Corps post staff, remotely from the US. They should have access to a computer, internet, and telephone in order to enable direct engagement with the Peace Corps overseas office and the Host Country Counterpart assigned by the host country partner.
Orientation with the host country partner will be provided, within the designated virtual service hours, during the first week of virtual service via an online presentation and discussion. The host country partner will provide an overview of its organization, the local context, and how they envision collaborating with the VSPP.
The VSPP will have regular check-ins with their counterpart and bi-weekly check-ins with Peace Corps staff. Spending unstructured time with counterparts can be critical to relationship-building and is encouraged through activities such as coffee chats and informal calls within the weekly 5-15 hours.
Engagement safety and security
The VSPP will receive an orientation on Peace Corps’ Child Protection Policy and how it relates to online engagement along with IT security best practices. The VSPP will be expected to follow safety and security guidelines for online engagement to ensure their safety and that of the Host Country Partner and their counterpart, and any beneficiaries of the engagement.
Supervision requirements
The VSPP will report to a designated Peace Corps staff member. The VSPP will be expected to abide by the Virtual Service Pilot Participant and Donation Agreement and Participant Principles of Engagement. The VSPP will also be expected to check in with the designated host country counterpart as assigned by the host county partner.
