Overseas Recruitment Process

Recruitment

The Peace Corps accepts applications for Country Directors, Program and Training Officers, and Administrative Officers throughout the year.  However, to be considered for the next Overseas Staff Training (OST) class, an application should be submitted at least 5 months prior to the next scheduled OST.  Please note:  If you would like to be considered for the January 2011 hiring cycle, completed applications must be received no later than September 27, 2010.  If submitted after that time, applicants will be considered for the following OST class.  OST classes are held 3 times a year in January, June, and October.  Applications must be completed and submitted online through Avue. To apply, go to Find Jobs.  If you have any questions or concerns, or need more information, please email cdselection@peacecorps.gov.

Country Directors, Program and Training Officers, Administrative Officers, and Associate Peace Corps Directors for Programming must be United States citizens and must not have been associated with intelligence activities.  Some positions, depending on the country, require fluency in French, Spanish, or Portuguese.

Most job offers are made to selected candidates six weeks prior to the beginning of Overseas Staff Training (OST).  Candidates must successfully complete the State Department medical clearance process and the full field security process for a Top Secret security clearance.  Security clearances must be obtained prior to OST and medical clearances for you and your dependents also prior to OST.

Application Documents

The following will be needed to obtain a Peace Corps overseas staff position. Selected candidates will be notified and provided all required forms at the appointed time in the hiring process.

   1. Completed Country Director Selection Criteria pages (only for Country Director candidates)
   2. Signature, Certification, and Release of Information Form (original signature)
   3. Peace Corps Intelligence Background Information (Form 1336) (original signature)

Location

Peace Corps divides its overseas posts into three regions:  Africa; Europe, Mediterranean, and Asia (EMA); and Inter-America/Pacific (IAP).  If you are applying for a position that is not identified with a specific country and only wish to be considered for positions in a particular region(s), please note this on your application.

Time Limits on Employment

It is important to understand that Peace Corps employees receive time-limited appointments and that most employees are limited to a maximum of five years (60 months) of employment with the agency.

Language Requirements

Some positions require fluency in French, Spanish, or Portuguese.  Other languages may be required according to the needs of the post.  Applicants will be screened for language proficiency during the interview process.

Clearances

Selected candidates receive a conditional employment offer, pending medical clearance and background investigation.  The employee and any dependents accompanying the employee to post must be medically cleared before overseas travel is authorized.  Likewise a Top Secret security clearance for the employee must be granted before travel is authorized overseas.  Failure to receive either medical clearance or pass the background investigation normally results in revocation of the offer of employment.

Housing

Housing at post is provided by the Peace Corps, or the employee receives a housing allowance.  Reasonable relocation expenses to and from the country will be paid by Peace Corps, unless the employee fails to complete the scheduled overseas tour for reasons within his or her control.

Working Overseas

For specific information on working overseas for Peace Corps, please view “Working for the Peace Corps: A Guide for Overseas Staff and Their Families” at http://multimedia.peacecorps.gov/multimedia/pdf/employment/working_overseas_guide.pdf.

For specific information on benefits provided to Country Directors, please view the Country Director’s benefits page at http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=pchq.Jobs.overseasop.countrydir.benefits.

Historical Mission

The Peace Corps is one of the most successful and respected development organizations in the world.  Since 1961, Peace Corps Volunteers from every background have worked with people in other countries to expand education for children, promote economic opportunity, improve health and agriculture, and preserve the environment.  By living and serving overseas for two years, Peace Corps Volunteers strengthen cross-cultural understanding between Americans and the people of other countries.