Community Engagement Officer at African Youth for Peace Development and Empowerment (AFRYDEV)

About the Position (Task and Responsibilities)

General Position Summary 

The Community Engagement Officer will play a key role in the MARTAWA ZUROMAYE Project. He/She will be responsible for creating, maintaining, and enhance positive relationships between the NGO and the communities it serves. The officer will be responsible for ensuring that the NGO's programs and services are well-received and utilized by the target communities.

Essential Job Responsibilities 

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, organizations, and stakeholders.
• Act as the main point of contact for community members to address concerns, provide feedback, and seek assistance from the NGO.
• Organize and participate in community meetings, forums, and events to build rapport and foster a sense of belonging.
• Create and implement effective communication strategies to engage and educate the community about the NGO's programs and services.
• Develop and distribute informative materials, newsletters, and social media content to keep the community informed about GBV such FGM and CEFM.
• Maintain a database of community contacts for outreach and engagement purposes.
• Facilitate joint initiatives, projects, and events that benefit the community and align with the AFRYDEV's mission.
• Assist in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of community-focused programs and projects.
• Ensure that the organization's programs are culturally sensitive and address the specific needs of the community.
• Maintain accurate records of community interactions, feedback, and engagement efforts.
• Prepare regular reports detailing the outcomes of community engagement activities and progress toward objectives.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities and partners and consistent with AFYDEV’S relevant program guidelines, principles, values, quality standards and strategic plan.
• Ensure that beneficiaries are effectively targeted according to established standard vulnerability criteria.
• Support the development of program implementation strategies, including partnership frameworks, beneficiary targeting and distribution process as well as psychosocial and capacity building of partners.
• Integrate community approaches, gender sensitivity and capacity building into all activities as appropriate.
• Fulfill AFRYDEV’s Program Management Minimum Standards based on the organization wide guide.
• Ensure all interventions adhere to AFRYDEV’s Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, and beneficiary accountability standards.
• Ensure compliance with donor and AFRYDEV’s regulations related to emergency programming.

Collaboration / Ethical Operating Standards:

• The Community Engagement Officer is expected to maintain high ethical standards, adhere to AFRYDEV's code of conduct.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with AFRYDEV program staff.
• Team building and survivor’s management skills.
• Approachable and good listening skills 
• Collaborate with project staff, community leaders, and local partners.
• He/she should respect the cultural norms and values of the communities they work with and treat all individuals with dignity and respect.

Qualification and Skills

• Bsc, HND in a related field (e.g., social work, community development, public relations).
• Have worked for at least 3 years in a program or project with people in vulnerable situations, including survivors of sexual violence.
• Proficiency level in English and Hausa (written and spoken). Kanuri is an added advantage.
• Knowledge of gender issues, girl’s and women's rights, and issues related to sexual violence in conflict.
• Demonstrate experience in civil society organizations or organizations with a good reputation in the community.
• Demonstrated experience in community engagement, outreach, or related roles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of the local community, its culture, and issues.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in relevant software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, social media platforms) and report writing.

Note

• AFRYDEV is an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate gender, religion, or ethnicity, However, this position is community based and as such community member are highly encouraged to apply.
• AFRYDEV recruitment and selection procedures do not involve any form of payment to the organization, staff and or any assigned third party, requests of such kinds should be immediately reported.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.