Carver was Sir Bobby Robson’s former assistant and will work alongside former England international Paul Mariner.
Mariner, a former player of Sir Bob during his Ipswich Town days, took over from Paul Sturrock after the Pilgrims chief was relieved of his first-team duties last week.
Carver’s last post in football was with Toronto FC in Major League Soccer.
He has since been linked with jobs at Lincoln City and Peterborough United.
John Carver: “It is a short-term contract at the moment and we will see what happens from there.
“I know Paul very well from his days in Major League Soccer, and it is a great chance to work with him.
“I feel I have been out of the game long enough.
“It has been a long break, but I am ready to get back on the training field again.
“Well, one game which sticks out by a mile is the cup game!
“I was at the league game earlier this season at St James’ Park and Plymouth were a bit unlucky.
“It was only when Nile Ranger came on the game turned a bit and Newcastle went on to win thanks to a great goal from Andy Carroll.
“They were a little bit unfortunate that day.
“There is plenty of the season to go, though, and I am looking forward to it.”