Co-train University Faculty on Data Analytics for Development

Job Description
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM), located in the Philippines' municipality of Kabacan, is a higher education institution committed to promoting sustainable development through quality education, research, and extension services. The University Extension Services Center spearheads initiatives aimed at addressing various challenges, such as low agricultural productivity and limited access to social services, as well as enhancing socio-economic growth and fostering environmental awareness.

As the university plays a vital role in fostering community economic development, and to maximize its impact, there is a need to empower faculty extension workers and other stakeholders with robust data analytics skills. By understanding how to collect, analyze, and interpret data, USM will be better able to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to local economies and marginalized communities. Faculty extension workers will also be able to identify community needs, measure the effectiveness of programs, and make informed decisions about resource allocation. Training in data analytics will enable the participants to move beyond anecdotal evidence and utilize concrete data to demonstrate the impact of the organization's efforts, attract funding for vital projects, and ultimately, create more sustainable and prosperous communities. The training will additionally equip the participants with the tools to assess market trends, understand demographic shifts, analyze vulnerability to various hazards, evaluate the impact of small businesses, and track the progress of community development initiative.

USM is requesting the support of a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) to strengthen the faculty extension workers' data analytics skills (i.e. data collection, cleaning, cost-effective approaches, descriptive statistics, visualization, and relevant software) and practical application of data analytics to socio-economic concepts. The virtual engagement will equip faculty extension workers and other stakeholders with data analytics skills and participatory data collection methods, including citizen science techniques and data visualization. Specifically, the VSPP will engage training participants through hands-on exercises that use real-world case studies, practical applications, and communicating complex topics to non-experts. Participating faculty extension workers will learn how to utilize real-world data to inform decision-making, promote sustainable economic development, and build stronger communities.

The organization has not previously collaborated with the Peace Corps. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer.

Desired Qualifications
Education: Master's degree in data science or a related field

Experience: Virtual engagement and communication

Required Skills
Education: Bachelor's degree in any field

Experience:

• 2 years of data analytics and data analysis

• Using data in community development programming and policy formulation

• Training and facilitation

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

Host Country Partner's Mission and Goals
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) is deeply committed to sustainable development, emphasizing quality education, impactful research, and meaningful community outreach. Through its Extension Services Center, USM addresses the pressing needs of its service areas by sharing practical technologies, fostering environmental awareness, and promoting socio-economic growth, particularly among underserved populations. The university has long been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at building community resilience and developing sustainable communities.

As part of its mission to strengthen environmental sensitivity and support local communities, USM actively engages in programs that address environmental protection and community economic development. This aligns closely with the goals of the Peace Corps and USM is excited about the opportunity to collaborate on activities that enhance these programs. The university looks forward to leveraging its resources and expertise to contribute meaningfully to this partnership.

Website: or

Virtual Service Engagement and Tasks
The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their Host Country Partners:

• Co-assess the current data collection and analysis processes

• Co-develop training sessions based on analysis findings

• Train faculty on analyzing real-world data, developing 3 data-driven solutions to address a local challenge, and documenting success stories through impact and lessons learned

• Co-develop a data-driven project proposal prioritizing a local challenge (e.g, local business support) using participatory data collection methods

• Co-develop a data-driven advocacy plan to leverage data for resource mobilization and advocate for community needs

VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5–15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be 5 hours per week.

Online collaboration will generally occur between 8:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m., Philippine time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.

The Host Country Counterpart will have access to Zoom, Google Meet virtual platforms, mobile chat systems, and email for regular communication and collaboration.

Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0–18), two adults must be present.

---