Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Officer at Action Health Incorporated (AHI)

Project Summary

• The project seeks to improve access to quality, life-saving services and strengthen community resilience through a multi-pronged approach that integrates preventive and curative healthcare, nutritional support, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response in Project LGAs

Job Summary

• The Risk Communication and Community Engagement Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing effective communication strategies to promote project objectives, foster community ownership, and build trust and collaboration with local stakeholders. This role requires a strong understanding of risk communication principles, community engagement methodologies, and the socio-cultural context of the target communities. The officer will work closely with project staff, community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure that project activities are culturally sensitive, contextually appropriate, and responsive to community needs.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Program Manager and Community Liaison Officer in planning and implementing community mapping exercises to inform finalization of the project RCCE strategy.
• Develop IEC and other materials for use in community-level RCCE activities.
• Assist Program Manager in designing and conducting training of Community Mobilizers on community-level RCCE strategies.
• Plan community-level RCCE activities conducted by the RCCE Team
• Assist with set-up and lead field-level implementation of monitoring systems for tracking field-level RCCE activities carried out by the RCCE Team
• Lead mobilization of key community stakeholders including protection committee, youths, women, men and host communities to participate in community awareness events/meetings
• Liaise with community leaders and other sectors and agencies working locally in order to ensure coordination of field-level RCCE activities
• Ensure that Community Mobilizers adhere to AHI protection and safeguarding policies, security policies, and other risk mitigation policies while engaged in RCCE activities.
• Organize data collected from Community Mobilisers and prepare regular activity reports and submit as requested by Program Manager
• Lead/support NFI distributions as requested.
• Advise management about issues affecting project implementation, or key local issues affecting future project developments.
• Ensure that all project activities are implemented in a manner that is sensitive to gender and protects the safety and dignity of GBV survivors. Actively promote GBV prevention messages and refer survivors to appropriate support services.

Required Languages:
English and Hausa required; Fulani, Kanuri and/or other local languages are a plus.

Qualifications
Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communication, public health, social sciences, or a related field. A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Minimum of three years of experience in risk communication, community engagement, or health promotion in a developing country context.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing effective communication strategies.
• Strong understanding of community engagement methodologies and participatory approaches.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and facilitation skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Experience in working on projects related to healthcare, nutrition, or GBV prevention is highly desirable.

Skills / Abilities:

• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners, community members and government partners.
• General knowledge of local and state government practices.
• Well-developed knowledge of local community cultures, leaders, customs and practices through prior involvement in the community. 
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented.
• Versatile in use of MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).