PEACE CORPS/PANAMA Seeks a Human Resources Assistant

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT 25-001

Vacancy Announcement No. 25-001

Position Title:  Human Resources Assistant (Personal Services Contractor – Local Hire)
Open To:             All Interested Candidates
Opening Date:                October 27, 2025
Closing Date:  November 14, 2025
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week)

The Peace Corps is a U.S. governmental agency that promotes peace around the world by sharing one of America’s greatest resources: Volunteers.  The Peace Corps has been operating for over sixty years in more than 140 countries; the agency’s mission is to promote world peace and friendship, and the goals are: to help the peoples of interested countries and areas in meeting their needs for trained men and women; to help promote a better understanding of the American people on the part of the peoples served; and, to help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of the American people.  (See www.peacecorps.gov for additional information). 

Position Summary

The Human Resources Assistant supports Peace Corps Panama by managing HR functions, ensuring compliance with local labor laws and Peace Corps regulations, and contributing to a positive and efficient workplace.

Key Responsibilities

• Contract Management: Drafts and calculates contracts for short- and long-term PSCs, ensuring compliance with Peace Corps and Panamanian labor laws.
• Recruitment & Selection: Coordinates recruitment processes, including job postings, candidate screening, interviews, and documentation.
• Performance & Development: Oversees performance evaluations, staff recognition programs, and professional development initiatives.
• Payroll & Insurance: Reviews and certifies payroll, payments, and insurance contracts.
• Timekeeping: Maintains accurate leave and attendance records.
• Contracting Officer Duties: Serves as one of the Contracting Officers with the ability to sign service and lease contracts.
• Other Duties: Performs additional tasks as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:    

• Education: Has a bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance or related degree. Master’s degree in human resources management (Preferred).
• Experience within the last five years: 
  • Minimum 3 years’ experience in general HR management with increasing responsibility and technical HR cycle expertise.
  • Minimum 3 years’ experience in budget planning and execution related to human resources management.
  • Minimum 2 years’ experience in applying and interpreting Panamanian labor laws in a professional setting.
  • Minimum 1 year experience in writing human resources policies and procedures.
  • Minimum 1 year experience in conducting training and facilitation, especially in onboard orientation and human resources management sessions.
  • Minimum 1 year in international or organizational development experience within a multicultural context (e.g., international organization or company).
• Language Proficiency: Professional fluency in English and Spanish (oral and written).
• Computer Literate: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel (advanced), Word, and PowerPoint; and data analysis skills.
• Driving: A valid Panamanian driver’s license and willingness to travel as required.
• Valid local residency: Must be a Panamanian citizen. 
• Security and Medical Clearances: 
• Ability to pass a background check and maintain security clearance. 
• Ability to pass a medical clearance and maintain. 
• Other preferred competencies: 
  • Accountability & Integrity; Effective Communication; Intercultural Sensitivity; Flexibility & Resilience; Teamwork & Problem Solving; and Commitment to Continual Learning.

Salary and Benefits 

$1,612.15 – $2,344.69 (gross monthly salary, commensurate with previous experience within salary range, bonus, health/life insurance, transportation allowance). 

Application Process (following this will be taken into account to be considered for an interview) 

Letter of interest, three (3) references, a valid driver’s license, and tailored resume stating each of the minimum required education and experience qualifications (all in English) to be submitted each as a separate document in PDF format as an attachment by email to PA-hiring@peacecorps.gov due by November 14, 2025. Subject line in the email must read: Peace Corps Human Resources Assistant

No phone calls please. ALL applications must be received via email. Interviews and testing are expected to be scheduled for the week of December 1st, 2025. Just those top qualified candidates will be called for an interview. 

For additional information regarding Peace Corps, please visit our website at https://www.peacecorps.gov/panama/ or social media forums: Facebook: Peace Corps Panama / Instagram: PeaceCorpsPanama. 

Additional information:

• Contract will be contingent on availability of funds, continued need for the position, reference checks, medical clearance, and background checks. 
• One or more positions may be filled from the announcement, or that Peace Corps may choose not to fill any positions from the announcement.
• Only those invited to an interview will be contacted, if in line.
• Peace Corps reserves the right not to evaluate or to withhold an offer of a personal services contract to an individual that has a history of poor past performance or conduct as a Peace Corps Trainee, Volunteer, or staff member (USDH, PSC, or FSN).
• Peace Corps reserves the right to withhold an offer of a personal services contract to an individual that is a relative or household member of a current Peace Corps staff member.
• Individuals who have current or prior connections with intelligence activities or agencies through employment, related work, or even family relations may be ineligible for a personal services contract.
• Individual will be required to follow any workplace health and/or safety rules indicated for their position – including complying with any medical and/or training requirements specified for their position in accordance with public health and/or occupational health or safety policies.  
• Individual may be asked to complete one or more temporary duty assignments at other Peace Corps posts, transfer to another Peace Corps post, or to complete a detail with another USG Agency, a Peace Corps Headquarters office, or with a post other than the post of assignment.  As part of an approved detail, the individual may be requested to perform work that may be specifically in line with or may add to the duties stated in the contract.
• The selected candidate will be required to successfully complete the requisite Overseas Contracting Officer Training and receive a Peace Corps Overseas Contracting Officer certificate within one year to retain the position.
• The selected candidate will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement and adhere to all applicable agency confidentiality policies and procedures to retain the position.