AAP/Communication Assistant at Global Village Healthcare Initiative for Africa (GHIV Africa)

Location: Katsina State -Batsari, Danmusa, Dutsinma, Kurfi and Safana LGAs.
Contract Duration: 3 Months with the possibility of renewing

Job Purpose:

The AAP (Accountability to Affected Populations)/Communications Assistant will support the implementation of communication, community engagement, and accountability activities within the project. This role will focus on ensuring effective two-way communication between the organization and the affected communities, ensuring that community feedback is collected, acted upon, and reported appropriately. The AAP/Communications Assistant will also assist with communications efforts to raise awareness about the project, engage with stakeholders, and ensure that information is accessible to diverse groups, including vulnerable populations.

Key Responsibilities:

Community Engagement and Feedback Mechanisms:

• Assist in the design, implementation, and management of community feedback and complaints mechanisms (CFCM) to ensure that affected populations have a platform to voice concerns, suggestions, and complaints.
• Support the collection and analysis of community feedback, ensuring that it is acted upon in a timely manner and reported to the relevant stakeholders.
• Assist in organizing community consultations, focus group discussions, and meetings to gather feedback and involve communities in decision-making processes.
• Ensure that feedback received from the community is categorized, tracked, and communicated back to affected populations through the appropriate channels.

Communication Support:

• Assist with the development and dissemination of information, including newsletters, reports, posters, flyers, and social media content, to keep affected populations and stakeholders informed about the project’s objectives, activities, and impact.
• Help in creating and maintaining communication channels that ensure the timely and accurate flow of information to and from beneficiaries, local partners, and stakeholders.
• Support the communications team in producing content that highlights the project\'s achievements, success stories, and lessons learned.
• Translate materials and messages as needed, ensuring that information is accessible and culturally appropriate for the target audience.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Regularly monitor the effectiveness of community engagement efforts and the functioning of the accountability mechanisms, providing recommendations for improvements.
• Assist in preparing progress reports and updates on AAP activities, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and community feedback.
• Help with maintaining accurate records of all communications, feedback, and complaints received from affected populations.

Stakeholder Engagement and Liaison:

• Assist in coordinating with local authorities, community leaders, and partner organizations to ensure that community concerns and feedback are addressed in line with the project’s objectives.
• Facilitate the exchange of information between community members and external stakeholders, ensuring that all parties are informed of the project’s activities and progress.

Promote Transparency and Accountability:

• Support efforts to create awareness within the community about the accountability mechanisms and the ways they can participate in project activities.
• Promote transparency by ensuring that feedback is shared back with the communities, demonstrating that their voices are heard and valued.
• Assist in ensuring that all community engagement and communication activities adhere to the principles of accountability, inclusivity, and respect for privacy and confidentiality.

Capacity Building and Training:

• Support the training of staff and partners on the principles of AAP, community engagement, and effective communication strategies.
• Assist in developing and delivering awareness sessions for communities on their rights to give feedback, lodge complaints, and engage in decision-making processes.
• To carry out any other duties assigned to

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related field.

Experience:

• 1-2 years of experience in community engagement, communication, or AAP-related work, ideally in humanitarian or development contexts.
• Familiarity with tools and methods used in collecting community feedback, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews.
• Experience in supporting communication campaigns or programs aimed at informing and engaging communities.

Core Competencies:

Community Engagement and Listening Skills:

• Strong ability to engage with community members, listen to their concerns, and respond effectively.
• Experience in working with diverse communities, including vulnerable and marginalized groups, ensuring inclusivity in feedback and communication processes.

Communication and Presentation Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and accessible manner.
• Ability to create engaging and culturally appropriate content for different communication channels, including print, digital, and face-to-face engagement.

Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution:

• Strong skills in identifying issues within community engagement or feedback processes and proposing solutions.
• Ability to address complaints or concerns in a constructive and professional manner, ensuring that they are addressed promptly and transparently.

Attention to Detail:

• High level of attention to detail in tracking and documenting community feedback, ensuring accuracy and completeness in reporting and action-taking.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Cultural Sensitivity:

• Understanding of and respect for the cultural and social dynamics of the communities served, ensuring that communication is sensitive and appropriate.
• Experience in adapting communication strategies to suit different cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic contexts.

Collaboration and Teamwork:

• Ability to work effectively with a diverse team of colleagues, including those from different sectors such as program management, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Collaborative and flexible in working with local partners, community leaders, and other stakeholders to achieve project goals.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and communication tools (email, social media, mobile communication apps).
• Basic knowledge of graphic design tools or content creation platforms (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) is an advantage.

Commitment to AAP Principles:

• Strong understanding of the principles of Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) and a commitment to ensuring that communities are fully involved and informed in decision-making processes.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, particularly in relation to sensitive community feedback or complaints.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:

GHIV Africa is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of vulnerable communities in Northeast Nigeria. Your expertise and dedication can help ensure the safety and protection of those in need.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

EMPATHY AND COMPASSION: Demonstrates a genuine concern for the well-being of vulnerable individuals.

INTEGRITY: Maintains the highest ethical standards in all professional activities.

RESILIENCE: Capable of working under challenging conditions and managing stress effectively.

PROBLEM-SOLVING: Proactive in identifying issues and implementing solutions.

GHIV AFRICA PSEA/GBV, AND CHILD SAFEGUARDING POLICIES:  The successful candidate shall comply and promote the PSEA/GBV, and Child safeguarding Policies at all course and all levels.

GHIV AFRICA HAS ZERO TOLORENCE FOR SEXUAL EXPLOITATION ABUSE AND HARASSMENT (SEAH)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:

GHIV Africa is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of vulnerable communities in Northwest Nigeria. Your expertise and dedication can help ensure the safety and protection of those in need.