Community Officer at Save The Slum Initiative

POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Officer will be the primary point of contact between the project and the target communities. The role is responsible for mobilizing communities, facilitating participatory planning, promoting hygiene behavioral change, and establishing community-based management structures for the sustained operation and maintenance of the solar and WASH facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Community Mobilization and Sensitization:

• Conduct entry meetings with community leaders, local government authorities, women’s groups, youth associations, and other stakeholders to introduce the project and gain buy-in.
• Lead the participatory selection of project beneficiaries, ensuring transparency and inclusivity, with a focus on the most vulnerable households.
• Organize and facilitate community-wide sensitization meetings on the benefits and responsibilities associated with the solar and WASH interventions.

Facilitation and Capacity Building:

• Facilitate the formation and training of Community Project Management Committees (CPMCs) and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Committees (WASHCOMs) with gender-balanced representation.
• Facilitate the formation of Solar Energy Management Committees where applicable.
• Train these committees on their roles and responsibilities, including record-keeping, conflict resolution, operation and maintenance, and community contribution/mobilization.
• Conduct hands-on Hygiene Promotion sessions and campaigns using methodologies like Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), PHAST, or other participatory approaches to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.
• Support the Technical and Training Manager in identifying and selecting community members for technical training as \"Community-Based Technicians.\"

Data Collection and Monitoring:

• Conduct baseline and endline surveys, including KAP (Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices) surveys related to WASH.
• Regularly monitor community participation, functionality of committees, and the adoption of positive hygiene behaviors.
• Collect data on project indicators related to community engagement and software activities.
• Report on any community-level conflicts or grievances related to the project and support their resolution.

Coordination and Reporting:

• Work closely with the Technical and Training Manager to ensure community activities are aligned with technical implementation schedules.
• Liaise with local government extension workers (e.g., Health, Agriculture, Community Development officers) to leverage existing structures and resources.
• Submit regular weekly and monthly activity reports to the Technical and Training Manager.
• Document success stories, challenges, and lessons learned from the field.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• A National Diploma or Bachelor\'s degree in Sociology, Community Development, Rural Development, Public Health, or a related social science field.
• Minimum of 3 years of proven experience in community mobilization, preferably within WASH, Public Health, or Renewable Energy projects.
• Demonstrable experience in facilitating training and using participatory methodologies (e.g., CLTS, PHAST).

Personal Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups, including community leaders, women, and youth.
• Strong understanding of the socio-cultural and political context of Akwa Ibom State and the South-South region of Nigeria.

Language Requirements

• Ability to speak the local language (Ibibio, Annang, or Oron) fluently is mandatory.

Desirable:

• Previous experience working with an NGO on a donor-funded project.
• Specific experience in promoting solar energy products or other renewable technologies at the community level.
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation tools and techniques.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications (MS Word, Excel)

Core Competencies

• Cultural sensitivity and strong respect for local customs.
• Patience and excellent problem-solving skills in a community setting.
• Highly motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Trustworthiness and integrity.
• Commitment to gender equality and social inclusion.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Physical Environment
• Office-based with regular field visits to remote locations
• Occasional work in challenging environments with limited infrastructure
• May require work outside normal business hours for system maintenance
• Health and Safety
• Adherence to organizational security protocols
• Compliance with health and safety procedures in field locations
• Basic first aid training may be required