Communities across Peru are seeking individuals with a passion for entrepreneurship to strengthen financial literacy and marketing skills.

Many rural communities in Peru face persistent poverty and limited economic opportunities due to historical reliance on subsistence agriculture, geographic isolation, and lack of access to financial education. Women and youth are particularly vulnerable, often excluded from formal economic systems and lacking the skills needed to manage resources or start businesses. These challenges perpetuate cycles of poverty and hinder long-term development.

As a Community Economic Development Facilitator, you will collaborate with community members to strengthen personal finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills. Together, you will equip women and youth to manage household finances, create savings groups, and develop small businesses—strengthening families and fostering growth. These efforts will not only improve individual livelihoods but also reduce poverty and promote sustainable development across Peru.

Required Skills

Associate degree in any business discipline, plus two years of full-time, related business work experience post-high school.

OR

Bachelor's degree in any business discipline.

OR

High school diploma or GED and four years of experience in business management.

Living Conditions

Volunteers in Peru typically live with a Peruvian host family in small to mid-sized towns, often provincial or district capitals. Communities may range from 2,000 residents to larger district hubs, and Volunteers often engage with surrounding rural villages. Expect basic amenities, limited internet access, and frequent travel by foot, bicycle, or public transport to reach schools and partner organizations.





Activities

Establish student savings clubs in schools to build financial skills among youth.

Support the creation and operation of community savings groups.

Train community members in personal money management, including budgeting and record-keeping.

Deliver entrepreneurship education and business planning sessions.

Guide youth in developing business plans and preparing for local or national business plan competitions.

Train women’s groups on leadership and financial literacy.

Strengthen knowledge in market assessment, bookkeeping, and marketing for small businesses.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as literacy classes and community-wide recycling campaigns.

Training

As a Community Economic Development Facilitator, you will be trained on a financial literacy curriculum, community savings banks initiatives, and women’s economic empowerment.

Peace

Corps/Peru will teach you Spanish to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community. You might also receive language resources and learn Quechua, a local language in some Andean communities.

After 10 weeks of training, you will move to a rural community where you will collaborate with organizations, such as local governments, women’s groups, public schools, and national social programs. You will work with the community to assess the local needs and develop solutions based on sustainable community economic development.

Job Highlights

Gain a better understanding of business challenges that face communities in South America.

Advance your Spanish language skills through daily conversations and collaborations.

Create a lasting impact while immersed in Peruvian culture.

📌 Business Development Advisor (Perú)
🏢 Peace Corps
📍 Perú