Community Outreach Assistant at COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale

Overall Responsibilities

• The Community Outreach Assistant will play a central role in enhancing community engagement and ensuring effective communication between the project and the affected populations.
• The role focuses on disseminating accurate and timely information, creating awareness through community structures, and strengthening community-based mechanisms to support informed decision-making and access to services.
• This includes mobilizing and coordinating with key community stakeholders such as peace clubs, local peace committees, rapid response teams, and local government officials to ensure the success of the BMZ project activities.

Key Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Conflict and Peace Building Officer, the Community Outreach Assistant will be responsible for;
Community Engagement and Information Dissemination:

• Lead community-level outreach activities to share critical information related to project interventions, including entitlements, service availability, and feedback mechanisms.
• Conduct regular sensitization sessions based on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to address community concerns and improve knowledge about the project.
• Facilitate pre- and post-distribution messaging campaigns, ensuring communities are well informed about distribution dates, locations, and eligibility criteria.
• Support in identifying and utilizing appropriate communication channels (e.g., community radio, mobile announcements, posters) tailored to the local context and languages.

Collaboration with Community Structures:

• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with local peace clubs, local peace committees, traditional and religious leaders, women and youth groups, and other key influencers to foster community trust and participation.
• Coordinate closely with Local Government Authorities (LGAs) to align outreach activities with local priorities and ensure support for interventions.
• Provide capacity-building sessions for peace clubs and local peace committees on community dialogue, conflict resolution, and information sharing.

Mentoring and Support to Community-Based Structures:

• Mentor and coach existing community structures (e.g., peer mother support groups, community volunteers) on effective communication strategies and how to guide beneficiaries through service pathways.
• Train and support Rapid Response Committees on community mobilization, early warning systems, and basic response protocols during emergencies or community disturbances.
• Encourage the active participation of community-based organizations and volunteer networks in outreach and awareness initiatives.

Referrals and Service Linkages:

• Facilitate the community-based referral process by identifying needs and linking individuals to appropriate service providers, including protection, health, education, and livelihood actors.
• Follow up on referred cases to ensure services were received and document feedback to improve the referral process.

Community Empowerment and Behavioural Change Communication:

• Promote positive behavior changes by designing culturally sensitive messages aimed at improving health, hygiene, and protection outcomes in the community.
• Encourage community members to actively participate in mass campaigns and outreach service delivery events.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Other Duties:

• Document outreach activities, attendance, and community feedback to inform program adjustments and learning.
• Contribute to periodic reporting, success stories, and case studies reflecting community impact.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Stay abreast of developments in conflict sensitive programming and humanitarian response.
• Perform other duties as necessary, commensurate with professional background and experience, as deemed by the supervisor.
• These Terms of Reference outline the key responsibilities and expectations for the Community Outreach Assistant under the WFP/BMZ-funded project.
• The role is pivotal in ensuring that WFP/COOPI delivers high-quality conflict resolution and peace-building assistance to support the resilience and recovery of displaced populations in Northeast Nigeria.
• Language Requirements: Spoken and written fluency in English.

Desired Experience

• Diploma or Degree in Sociology, Community Development, or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in community engagement or outreach.
• Fluency in local languages (Hausa/Kanuri) is essential.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.