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Training & Development

Providing short-term specialist training and development support for staff working in a child development center and indoor playground in Western Mongolia

Key Features

Children and Youth, Staff Development, Safeguarding, Health and Wellbeing, Cross-Cultural Support

Length

6 weeks to 6 months

Job Description

A child development center and indoor playground project in Western Mongolia is seeking experienced individuals to provide short-term training and development support for Mongolian staff and volunteers. The project focuses on supporting children from marginalized backgrounds, including children with disabilities, children from rural communities, and children facing educational or social barriers.

The role is not expected to cover every specialist area, but rather to strengthen and support the local team through practical training, mentoring, and systems development in areas connected to child wellbeing and safe practice. Depending on the person’s background and experience, support may include areas such as safeguarding, child protection, health and hygiene, disability awareness, behaviour support, trauma-informed practice, first aid, playground safety, staff development, educational play, emotional wellbeing, or preventative and response procedures.

The aim is to help ensure that staff are equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to create a safe, supportive, and accessible environment for children and families.

The project is based in Khovd, a remote province in western Mongolia surrounded by dramatic mountains, rivers, and desert landscapes. The area has a rich cultural mix of Mongolian, Kazakh, and other minority communities. Depending on the season, accommodation may be in a modern apartment or a traditional Mongolian ger.

Living in western Mongolia can be both rewarding and challenging. Winters are extremely cold, while summers are dry and active, with many families moving to riverside areas in traditional gers. The community-centered culture provides opportunities to build strong relationships and experience a unique way of life far removed from many modern conveniences.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibility will be providing practical training, mentoring, and capacity-building support for local staff involved in the child development center and indoor playground project.

Depending on the individual’s skills and experience, responsibilities may include:

Delivering workshops and training sessions for staff and volunteers
Helping develop safeguarding and child protection procedures
Supporting preventative and response practices relating to child safety and wellbeing
Advising on health, hygiene, and safe play environments
Assisting with staff development and team mentoring
Supporting accessible and child-friendly approaches for children with disabilities
Helping improve systems, routines, and operational practices
Providing practical guidance for playground supervision and safety
Encouraging sustainable local leadership and confidence within the Mongolian team

The role may also involve spending time with children and families within the community to better understand the local context and the needs of the project.

Qualifications

Candidates should have experience or training in one or more relevant areas connected to children’s services, safeguarding, education, health, disability support, social work, psychology, play work, occupational therapy, community development, or related fields.

Formal qualifications are helpful but not always essential if combined with strong practical experience. Experience working with children, particularly in cross-cultural or community settings, would be highly beneficial.

The project is especially looking for individuals who can provide practical, realistic, and culturally sensitive training that empowers local staff rather than creating dependency on outside support.

A flexible attitude, patience, initiative, and a willingness to adapt to life in a remote region of Mongolia are important for this role.

Living Situations

Living situations will vary depending on the length of stay and the nature of the role.

For short-term volunteers or trainers, accommodation will usually be in a local guesthouse run by international workers from America and Brazil. The guesthouse provides a comfortable and supportive environment for those adjusting to life in western Mongolia and offers opportunities to connect with others involved in community and development work in the region.

For longer-term volunteers, accommodation may be in a local apartment within the community. This provides a more independent living experience and greater opportunity to engage with daily life and culture in Khovd.

Living in western Mongolia can be both rewarding and challenging. Winters are extremely cold, while summers are dry and active, with many families moving to riverside areas in traditional gers. Reliability, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt to a different pace and lifestyle are important qualities for anyone joining the project.

The role may also involve opportunities to participate in community events, visit local families, and experience the unique cultural traditions and landscapes of western Mongolia while contributing to the long-term development of the child development center and indoor playground project.

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