Community Health Extension Agent - Volunteer Position - Onsite in Senegal • Africa - 2 years, plus 3 months training
Peace Corps · United States
- Hybrid
- Contract
- United States
Job highlights
- Improve maternal and child health in rural Senegal.
- Collaborate with local health workers on best practices.
- Facilitate workshops and mentor health professionals.
- Engage community members in health initiatives.
- Gain valuable international public health experience.
About the role
About The Project
Health facilities and clinics in Senegal are looking to improve maternal and child health in rural communities, and you can lend a hand.
Senegal has a network of over 2,400 health huts and a workforce of over 20,000 community health workers today. Despite these impressive numbers, communities still need support to improve the quality of care and become more self-sufficient. In 2025, the rate of infant mortality decreased from 30.2 deaths per 1,000 births to about 24.4 per 1,000. Progress has been also made to reduce under-five mortality rates. However, the Ministry of Health aims to promote accountability within the local community to further reduce the number of women dying from childbirth and infant mortality through high-quality care. The government, therefore, has requested support to promote the monitoring of infant growth rates and provide training to new mothers on best practices in infant care.
As a Community Health Extension Agent, you will collaborate with local health workers to promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen available health services. Together, you will encourage pregnant women to seek prenatal care.
Activities
How you and the community will make an impact together:
- Facilitate workshops for health workers on effective planning, governance, and integrated health services delivery
- Mentor health workers on soft skills to improve the provision of health services
- Facilitate youth clubs focused on life skills development
- Join home visits to promote healthy pregnancy and newborn health practices
- Promote practices that keep children under 5 healthy at caregiver group meetings
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as English clubs or school gardens.
Required Skills
Qualified candidates will have an expressed interest in working in the health sector and one or more of the following criteria:
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any field
- OR
- 5 years' professional work experience
Language: There are no pre-requisite language requirements for this position.
Key dates
- APPLY BY : June 15, 2026
- KNOW BY : August 1, 2026
- DEPART ON : January 22, 2027
- DURATION : 2 years, plus 3 months training
Key skills/competency
- Community Health
- Maternal Health
- Child Health
- Public Health
- Health Education
- Workshop Facilitation
- Mentoring
- Program Development
- Cross-cultural Communication
- Volunteerism
Skills & topics
- Community Health
- Public Health
- Maternal Health
- Child Health
- Health Extension
- Volunteer
- Senegal
- Peace Corps
- International Development
- Global Health
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight relevant experience in health, education, or community work. Emphasize any international or cross-cultural exposure.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Express your passion for public health and your specific interest in Senegal and the Peace Corps mission.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your motivation for volunteering, your ability to adapt to new environments, and your problem-solving skills.
- Research Peace Corps Senegal: Understand their current projects and challenges to demonstrate genuine interest and preparedness.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the primary responsibilities of a Community Health Extension Agent Volunteer in Senegal with Peace Corps?
- As a Community Health Extension Agent Volunteer in Senegal, your primary responsibilities will involve collaborating with local health workers to improve maternal and child health. This includes facilitating workshops, mentoring health workers, leading youth clubs, conducting home visits for healthy pregnancy and newborn care, and promoting child health at caregiver group meetings.
- What qualifications are needed to become a Community Health Extension Agent Volunteer for Peace Corps in Senegal?
- To be qualified for this Peace Corps volunteer position in Senegal, you need an expressed interest in the health sector. You must also have either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in any field, or at least 5 years of professional work experience.
- Is prior language proficiency required for the Community Health Extension Agent role in Senegal?
- No, there are no pre-requisite language requirements for this Community Health Extension Agent position in Senegal. The Peace Corps will provide the necessary language and cultural training during your initial three months of service.
- What is the time commitment for the Community Health Extension Agent Volunteer position in Senegal?
- The commitment for this volunteer position is 2 years, with an additional 3 months of mandatory training prior to commencing your service. This totals a 2-year and 3-month commitment in Senegal.
- What is the application deadline for the Community Health Extension Agent Volunteer position in Senegal?
- The application deadline to be considered for the Community Health Extension Agent Volunteer position in Senegal is June 15, 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered for the January 22, 2027 departure.
- Will I receive training as a Community Health Extension Agent Volunteer in Senegal?
- Yes, all Peace Corps volunteers, including those serving as Community Health Extension Agents in Senegal, receive comprehensive training. This includes three months of intensive training covering language, cultural, and technical skills relevant to your service.
- What kind of impact can I expect to make as a Community Health Extension Agent Volunteer in Senegal?
- As a Community Health Extension Agent Volunteer, you will directly contribute to improving maternal and child health outcomes in rural Senegalese communities. Your work will help strengthen local health services, empower new mothers with knowledge, and support the overall health and well-being of children under five.