MS 131: Crisis Corps Organization, Mission, and Functions

Table of Contents

1.0  Authority

2.0  Purpose

3.0  Organization 

4.0  Office Missions

4.1  Crisis Corps

 

It is the mission of Crisis Corps to mobilize Returned Peace Corps Volunteers  (RPCVs) and Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) completing their tours to help countries address critical needs in the areas of disaster preparedness and mitigation, humanitarian assistance, HIV/AIDS, and post conflict assistance, on a short term basis. It is also the mission of the Office of Crisis Corps to oversee the UNV Program.   

 

4.2  UNV Program

 

It is the mission of the Peace Corps/UNV Program to help place highly trained U.S. Citizens in the UNV program which provides technical assistance to developing countries and gives volunteers the opportunity to contribute to worldwide development.

5.0  Office Functions

5.1  Crisis Corps

 

Crisis Corps:

(a) Responds to requests for assistance of Crisis Corps Volunteers (CCVs);  

 

(b) Coordinates with Peace Corps posts to identify specialized needs and develops CCV assignments to meet those needs;

 

(c) Maintains database of RPCVs interested in serving in Crisis Corps;

 

(d) Recruits, selects, and places CCVs throughout the world following established protocols;

 

(e) Coordinates with PC Headquarters (Regions; Office of Medical Services; Office of Planning, Budget, and Finance; Placement; and SATO Travel) in order to medically and legally clear CCVs, arrange for direct deposit of travel funds, secure travel documents and reservations, and ensure that all appropriate parties are aware of CCV movements;

 

(f)  Provides training on the Crisis Corps program to Region?s staff at Headquarters, Regional Recruiting Offices, and overseas posts. 

 

(g) Assesses the viability and appropriateness of opening Crisis Corps programs in countries with and without an active Peace Corps program and advises the Peace Corps Director on findings;

 

(h) Conducts wide variety of outreach activities to inform and educate RPCV community of opportunity and value of serving with Crisis Corps;

 

(i) Coordinates with the Office of Communications to develop marketing materials aimed at RPCVs, currently serving PCVs, and potential partnering organizations; and

 

(i) Maintains files for each CCV in office consistent with the Agency's Records Management Handbook. 

5.2  UNV Program

 

The UNV Program: 

(a) Informs interested parties through recruitment efforts and public relations activities of UNV opportunities and UNV's requirements for qualified and experienced professionals;

 

(b) Uses established guidelines to determine eligibility for Peace Corps co-sponsorship for U.S. Citizens selected for a UNV assignment;

 

(c) Coordinates with PC Headquarters offices (Regional desks, Office of Medical Services, Office of Planning, Budget, and Finance, and SATO Travel) in order to medically and legally clear UNVs; arranges for direct deposit of travel funds, secures travel documents and reservations, and ensures that all appropriate parties are aware of UNV movement;

 

(d) Updates and maintains program database of PC/UNV candidates and volunteers;

 

(e) Serves as liaison between headquarters PC/UNV office, PC posts, and UNV office in Bonn relaying policy information and up-to-date status of the Volunteers;

 

(f) Facilitates Close of Service procedures, including travel logistics and other procedures outlined in the PC/UNV Handbook;

 

(g) Maintains files for each PC/UNV consistent with the Agency's Records Management Handbook;

 

(h) Coordinates with the Office of Planning, Budget, and Finance to ensure that Volunteer Year Charts and the general UNV program budget are accurate and sufficient to meet program needs; and

 

(i) Works with the Crisis Corps Director to complete UNV sections of required reports such as periodic budget reviews and the operations plan;

 

(j) Pays for and administers all pre-departure and post-service PCUNV expenses as well as any medical travel expenses or evacuation travel expenses (but not medical expenses).

6.0  Effective date