Community Engagement Officer at Green Habitat Initiative (GHI)

Background

• Green Habitat Initiative (GHI) is planning to pilot the application of a Radio Internet System to support climate-smart agriculture in technical assistance titled RANETA (Radio and Internet for Climate Smart Agriculture) in Kebbi State, Northwest Nigeria. RANETA is a unique exploitation of the Radio and Internet to afford rural communities the opportunity to leverage technology and radio, which has widespread use in rural communities to build the resilience of smallholder agricultural practitioners, promote wider use of agrometeorological services to improve data availability, climate forecasting, early warning, adaptation planning, and decision making in the agricultural sector.
• In the medium and long term, this project aims to reduce climate risks in agricultural production, thereby improving food supply and livelihood security.
• As such, GHI is currently seeking to engage a professional community outreach expert to oversee the successful dissemination of the technical assistance’s output to stakeholders on a contract basis.

Responsibilities

• As a Community Engagement Officer, you will be at the forefront of building and engaging the community for the implementation of the project. We seek an enthusiastic and community-focused individual to lead these initiatives, driving meaningful engagement and ensuring the successful implementation of the RANETA project in the target communities.
• Develop and implement community outreach strategies to engage rural communities in Kebbi State.
• Collaborate with local stakeholders to raise awareness of the RANETA project and its benefits.
• Organise and facilitate workshops, training sessions, and community events.
• Provide technical assistance and support to community members on utilising RANETA technology effectively.
• Collect feedback and data from community members to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of outreach efforts.

Qualifications and Required Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Community Development, Social Sciences, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in community outreach and engagement, preferably in the agricultural or environmental sector.
• Strong understanding of rural communities and their socio-economic dynamics.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing community outreach programs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Required Personal Competencies:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Sustainability Knowledge: Knowledge of the sustainability agenda and its relationship with business. Must possess a strong interest in driving corporate action on sustainable development. Must have an international and innovative outlook and mindset.
• Computer/Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Experience with the use of project management software (e.g., Clickup, Slack, etc) is desirable.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive relationships with key decision makers by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; responds to questions, concerns, and requests from executives; meets timeline for delivery of services to a client.
• Research and Analytical Skills: Exceptional ability to conduct research effectively and assemble this information in a timely manner. Proven critical thinker with strong analytical skills. Ability to explain complex information in a clear, concise, and practical manner. Exceptional attention to detail that demonstrates an ability to evaluate complex information or problems to find a precise and digestible solution.
• Communication and Language Skills: Advanced communication skills, including outstanding written and spoken English skills that enable him/her to communicate professionally and confidently. Ability to interact with a broad set of businesses and present over the phone, virtually, and in person. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others, and responds appropriately. Ability to communicate persuasively in written form to help engage at scale.
• Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Exceptional attention to detail, including tailoring language, tone, and content to match various audiences. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Proven ability to provide technical leadership and support.
• Ability to engage and manage strategic stakeholders, including government, implementing partners, academia, beneficiary communities, and the private sector.
• Experience in capacity building.
• Excellent written and communication skills in English required.
• Proficiency in Hausa Language is required.