Community Engagement Officer at Health Initiatives for Safety and Stability in Africa (HIFASS)

Basic Function

• The incumbent will develop, implement, and coordinate day-to-day activities designed to create community awareness, sensitization, interest, and participation in clinical research as well as support other technical/administrative functions.

Essential Job Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities

• Create linkages with the networks to reach populations.
• Develops community-based outreach initiatives, monitors the recruitment of volunteers within the PHC, and oversees efforts geared towards improving client retention.
• Coordinates advertising and recruitment strategies with the research team.
• Identifies opportunities for investigators to speak to potential collaborators, or potential participant populations and facilitate such events.
• Participates in the development of informational, educational, and communication (IEC) materials and literature.
• Provides community education at different levels to potential study volunteers.
• Provides mitigation communication for clinical research purposes.
• Interfaces with clinical research staff and study volunteers/participants and provides information when needed. This includes but is not limited to assessing participants’ understanding of the study including the nature of visits and samples to be collected.
• Supports written informed consent process for the study.
• Manages the tracking of study participants as appropriate.
• Facilitates and coordinates the community advisory board.
• Develops, and implements innovative and effective techniques to engage communities for clinical research.
• Develops, and regularly reviews/updates community engagement policies, strategies, road maps, procedures, and tools to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of community engagement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Specification

Minimum Education / Training Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science (e.g. Sociology, Social Works, etc.), Humanities, or related field.

Prior Work Experience:

• A minimum of three (3) years’ work experience in community-based activities, including health education/sensitization, social services, and health outreach in support of clinical research and/or public health programs.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of social constructs and cultural values that motivate voluntariness in research.
• Knowledge of relevant strategies and best practices in community building, outreach, community relations, convening, and meeting facilitation.
• Excellent English language written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle difficult situations with a positive mindset and focus on the overall goal of engagement.
• Ability to interact with the public, healthcare providers, community gatekeepers/stakeholders/organizations, and social service agencies.
• Ability to think creatively and implement innovative techniques in community engagement.
• Ability to use computer and office software applications (e.g. Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MS Access, Outlook, and Adobe PDF).

Other specifications:

• Candidates must be resident or ready to relocate to Lagos State.