Public Health Educator

Peace Corps

Location not stated

2 days ago

Project Description

Turn your health training or experience into life-changing action by strengthening health education and health systems in Lesotho.

Lesotho faces a persistent dual epidemic of HIV and TB, with close to a quarter of adults living with HIV and one of the world’s highest TB incidence rates at 664 cases per 100,000 people. Chronic food insecurity, limited nutrition knowledge, and reduced access to a variety of nutritious foods impacts communities, especially pregnant women, infants, and young children. These challenges are compounded by resource constraints, frequent clinical staff transfers, and reliance on external funding—placing long-term pressure on communities and health facilities. Addressing these interconnected health and nutrition challenges is a national priority.

As a Public Health Educator, you will collaborate with health workers and clinic staff to expand access to accurate, high-quality health information, strengthen facility-based health services, and promote practical nutrition and food security solutions. Through sustained collaboration and community engagement, you will help improve health outcomes, strengthen community resilience, and contribute to a healthier future for families across Lesotho.

Required Skills

Associate degree in any field and at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).
OR
Bachelor's degree in any field.
OR
High school diploma or GED and four years of full-time, post-high school work (from any combination of roles).

Living Conditions

Volunteers will live in semi‑urban or rural communities across the country, with placements prioritized in both lowland and highland areas of Mokhotlong, Botha‑Bothe, Leribe, Mohale’s Hoek, Quthing, and Qacha’s Nek. Housing is generally simple and may lack electricity and running water. Volunteers typically use pit latrines, collect water from nearby standpipes or pumps, and rely on candles or solar lights. Walking and public transportation are common, and access to cell service and internet varies by location.

Job Highlights

Gain valuable, hands-on experience supporting community-based HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), nutrition, and maternal health initiatives—essentials skills for a career in public health.
Receive dedicated Sesotho language training and build proficiency through daily conversations.
Deepen your understanding of Basotho culture while developing meaningful relationships with the community.

Activities

Guide community groups in assessing local health priorities and designing projects that build long‑term community capacity.
Facilitate health education sessions with village health workers and clinic staff to promote healthier behaviors.
Lead demonstrations on nutrition, safe food preparation and preservation, fruit tree planting, and community gardening.
Support clinic staff through on-the-spot training, peer-to-peer teaching, and practical skill-building initiatives.
Mobilize communities through community outreach campaigns and awareness events.
Support organizations in developing action plans and improving systems such as data tracking and supply chain management.
Facilitate intercultural activities that build connection, understanding, and stronger community relationships.
Lead youth camps and clubs to increase life skills and promote positive development.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects.

Training

As a Public Health Educator, you will receive training in HIV and TB care, nutrition education, and strategies for optimizing local health systems. Peace Corps/Lesotho will also teach you Sesotho to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community. You may also receive language resources and learn Isixhosa or Siphuthi, depending on your site placement.

After ten weeks of training, you will move to a rural or semi–rural community where you will collaborate with health workers and staff at health-driven organizations. You will work with the community to assess the intervention needs and develop long-term solutions.

Couple Living Conditions

Couples who are selected for the same sector will live together but work with different local partners, which may be in the same community or in neighboring communities (not more than 30 minutes apart).

Couple Training Conditions

Same-sector couples may live with different host families during training but will see each other for joint-training sessions and may have time together on weekends.

Country: Lesotho
Partner Organization Name: Ministry of Health facilities, non-governmental organizations, community councils
Language Requirement: None
No Degree Required: Yes
Primary Sector: Health
Apply By: 15-Feb-2027
Know By: 01-Apr-2027
Start Date: 27-Sep-2027
Assignment Length (months): 24
Positions Available: 14
Accepts Couples: Yes
Featured Job: No
Accepting Applications?: Yes
Request Type: 155 Health Extension
Posted on LinkedIn: No
Couple Types: Only heterosexual couples can be accepted for this program.
Couple Sector Combinations: Each person must apply separately and qualify for a position in the same sector as their partner.

Public Health Educator · Peace Corps

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