Evaluation of the Peace Corps’ Volunteer Delivery System (IG-25-03-E)

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Date Issued

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Submitting OIG

Peace Corps OIG

Agencies Reviewed/Investigated

Peace Corps

Report Number

IG-25-03-E

Report Description

OIG conducted an evaluation of the Volunteer Delivery System to assess the challenges Peace Corps has recently faced in recruiting, selecting, and placing Volunteers. To perform this evaluation, OIG reviewed the agency’s strategic planning and performance documents, recruiting and hiring data, and documentation related to various recruiting strategies. OIG also conducted in-person and virtual interviews with headquarters-based and regional recruitment staff. The evaluation also included an overseas staff survey and a review of relevant documentation. The report contains seven recommendations along with a summary of the effectiveness of Peace Corps’ recruitment strategies and approaches.

Report Type

Inspection / Evaluation

Agency Wide

Yes

Number of Recommendations

Questioned Costs

Funds for Better Use

Report updated under NDAA 5274

Open Recommendations

This report has 7 open recommendations.

Recommendation Number	Significant Recommendation	Recommended Questioned Costs	Recommended Funds for Better Use
1	No	$0	$0
The Peace Corps Director revises the Peace Corps’ strategic and annual performance plan to prioritize the recruitment and retention of a predetermined number of qualified Volunteers.
2	No	$0	$0
The Peace Corps Director, in collaboration with the Associate Director of the Office of Volunteer Recruitment and Selection, develops and implements a plan to generate the predetermined number of qualified Volunteers.
3	No	$0	$0
The Peace Corps Director, in collaboration with the Chief Information Officer, develops a prioritized plan to upgrade information management systems used to support the Volunteer Delivery System. If funding is insufficient, the prioritized plan should be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget as part of the agency’s annual budget request for consideration.
4	No	$0	$0
The agency develops a plan that determines appropriate staffing levels and addresses retention, resource allocation, tools and training for offices that provide critical support to the Volunteer Delivery System.
5	No	$0	$0
The Associate Director for Volunteer Recruitment and Selection ensures that all eligible recruiters are considered for extensions by the Peace Corps Director.
6	No	$0	$0
The Office of Volunteer Recruitment and Selection and the Office of Human Resources assess the appropriateness of existing monetary and non-monetary incentives and benefits for recruiters, taking into account industry standards, performance, and the impact of recruiter turnover.
7	No	$0	$0
The Peace Corps Director improves governance of the VDS steering committee, or establishes other mechanisms, to oversee VDS operations. The committee, or other mechanisms, should ensure clear decision-making authority, effective coordination, and improved program implementation across agency offices and components.