Job Opportunities at Save The Slum Initiative

POSITION SUMMARY

The Field Assistant will provide critical support to the project team in the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of all field-level activities. The role is essential for ensuring the smooth execution of project work plans directly within the communities and for maintaining a strong link between the project and the beneficiaries.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Field Implementation Support:

• Provide direct support to the Community Officer and Technical Manager during all community mobilization, sensitization, and training sessions.
• Assist in the distribution of project materials (e.g., hygiene kits, information/education/communication (IEC) materials, minor toolkits for technicians).
• Support the monitoring of construction and installation sites for solar systems and WASH infrastructure under the guidance of the Technical Manager.
• Help set up venues and logistics for community meetings and training workshops.
• Conduct basic community messaging on project goals, beneficiary selection criteria, and maintenance responsibilities.

Data Collection and Reporting:

• Assist in conducting baseline, endline, and post-distribution monitoring surveys using digital data collection tools (e.g., Kobo Collect, ODK) where applicable.
• Collect basic quantitative and qualitative data from the field, such as attendance lists at meetings, photos of activities, and community feedback.
• Support the regular monitoring of project sites to track the functionality of solar lights, water points, and sanitation facilities.
• Submit daily and weekly activity reports to the supervisor.

Community Liaison and Engagement:

• Act as a daily point of contact for community members, listening to their feedback and concerns and channeling them to the Community Officer.
• Assist in facilitating meetings of the Community Project Management Committees (CPMCs) and WASHCOMs.
• Support hygiene promotion activities by demonstrating good practices (e.g., handwashing, water treatment) to households.

Logistics and Administrative Support:

• Support the coordination of project vehicles/motorcycles for field movements.
• Assist in the verification of beneficiaries and the compilation of beneficiary lists.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned by the supervisor to ensure the success of the project.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A National Diploma, SSCE/GCE, or equivalent. Additional certification in a relevant field (e.g., community development, engineering) is an advantage.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a similar field-based support role with an NGO, community-based organization, or government extension program.
• Resident of Akwa Ibom State, preferably from or familiar with the specific Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the project.
• Ability to speak the local language (Ibibio, Annang, or Oron) fluently is mandatory.
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills. Ability to read and write in English is required.
• Physical fitness and willingness to undertake extensive field work, often in remote rural areas and in various weather conditions.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Honest, reliable, and trustworthy.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in WASH or Energy-related projects.
• Experience in using a smartphone for basic data collection (e.g., taking photos, filling simple forms).
• Valid motorcycle riding license (Class A) and proven ability to ride is a strong advantage.

Personal Competencies

• High level of integrity and commitment to community service.
• Team player with a positive and pro-active attitude.
• Ability to follow instructions and learn on the job.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for local traditions.
• Patience and good problem-solving skills in the field.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Physical Environment
• Field -based 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

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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