Liason Officer at Medecins Sans Frontieres

Main Purpose of the position

• The Liaison Officer will serve as a vital link between the project and local communities in Sokoto state-Nigeria.
• This role requires a proactive, culturally-sensitive individual who can facilitate communication, assist in context analysis, and promote community engagement while ensuring equality and inclusivity.
• The Liaison Officer will also support the Project Coordinator Support and cover duties in absence.

MSF Specific and Contextual Accountabilities

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with community members to foster trust and collaboration.
• Organize and facilitate community meetings, workshops, and focus group discussions to gather input and provide information about MSF activities.
• Assist in bridging language barriers by providing accurate translations of project-related materials and communications for stakeholders.
• Ensure that key messages and project information are delivered in culturally sensitive and accessible ways.
• Collaborate with the Project Coordinator in conducting thorough context and community analyses to identify needs, dynamics, and potential risks that may impact project implementation.
• Stay informed about local security situations and social dynamics to provide timely insights for project adjustments.
• Step in for the Project Coordinator Support during absence.
• Participate in planning, implementing, and monitoring project-related activities.
• Participate in community assessments, evaluations, and surveys as needed to gather data and insights that inform project strategies and Analyze feedback from assessments and share with the project coordinator.
• Participate media reviews and assist in the development of content that effectively highlights community engagement efforts and project successes.
• Collaborate with Humanitarian affairs to create and document case studies and success stories that showcase the impact of the project in the community.
• Shares the voices of the beneficiaries and community members to the project coordinator so as to promote equity.
• Engagement of diverse community members and to ensure their active participation in project activities.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the socio-cultural differences within the communities, ensuring respectful and effective interaction.
• Adapt responses and strategies based on cultural contexts and community feedback.

Requirements & Qualifications
To apply for this role applicants MUST meet the following criteria:
Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Community Development, History or a related field.

Experience:

• Essential previous experience of at least one year in related relevant positions or community engagement, in MSF or other NGOs.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and local languages (Hausa and Fulfulde) is essential.

Knowledge:

• Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)

Competencies:

• Flexibility, Stress Management, Commitment to MSF Principles, Teamwork and Result Oriented.