Job opening: Community Mobilization Officer at Save The Children
Save the Children is dedicated to investing in the well-being of children every single day, whether it be during times of crisis or for the future ahead. Our efforts extend not only in the United States but also globally, providing children with a healthy start, educational opportunities, and protection from harm. By positively impacting children’s lives now, we are shaping a brighter future for both them and ourselves. Join us in our mission by making a monthly contribution to support our cause. Save the Children is actively working to enhance health systems and promote maternal and child health in four states in the northern region.
There is still much progress to be made in Nigeria to fulfill the commitments made for Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5, aimed at reducing child mortality and enhancing maternal health by 2015. Here are some key facts about Nigeria: – The population exceeds 173 million people – On average, girls only attend school until the age of 9 – 123 out of 1000 children do not live to see their 5th birthday – Parents earn an average of just $4 per day Save the Children has been operating in Nigeria since 2001, focusing on enhancing health systems in the northern region to provide essential maternal, newborn, and child health services, including the promotion of routine immunization.
Job Type: Full Time
Qualification: BA/BSc/HND
Experience: 3 years
Location: Kaduna
Job Field: NGO/Non-Profit
The Community Mobilization Officer at Save The Children is responsible for providing technical assistance in the planning, execution, monitoring, and assessment of SBC/community mobilization strategies. They will also work on enhancing the capacity of SC partners and their frontline workers in SBC/community mobilization. The officer will assist in utilizing evidence-based practices and SC’s global SBC Framework and Process to guide the development of tools and materials for SBC interventions on PLANE Window 3. This role operates under the supervision of the SBC Coordinator and with the leadership of the SBC Manager. Additionally, the post holder will contribute to SC’s initiatives aimed at addressing demand-side barriers to education, especially for out-of-school children, including girls and children with disabilities.
Working closely with the SBC Coordinator, the Community Mobilization Officer will support SC’s endeavors in establishing fair partnerships with communities, local partners, and consortium partners related to the project’s SBC components. Specifically, this involves assisting consortium partners with whom SC has collaborative plans and a teaming agreement to integrate SBC/community mobilization interventions into the project, supporting the implementation of community-based interventions, and managing relationships with local partners.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Community Mobilization Officer at Save The Children
Under the guidance of a Community Mobilization Coordinator and in collaboration with the rest of the team, the individual in this role will be responsible for:
1. Providing daily supervision and support for the implementation, monitoring, and supervision of community mobilization activities in various implementation LGAs and communities. This will be done in partnership with project partners, government entities, and community stakeholders, with the aim of achieving the intended objectives, targets, and timelines.
2. Contributing to the execution of formative research, baseline assessments, and community mapping. This includes the development of evaluation protocols, tools, training materials, and data collection methods.
3. Assisting in the development of an evidence-based Social and Behavior Change (SBC) strategy, as well as approaches and activities that can influence shifts in community norms, attitudes, and behaviors. This is crucial for promoting learning within households and communities. Close coordination with the technical team is essential in this regard.
4. Participating in the creation of detailed implementation plans, work plans, and budgets for partners and SBC interventions supported by the organization.
5. Developing terms of reference and budgets for upcoming activities, and seeking approval for these plans.
6. Establishing and maintaining relationships with community leaders, community members, and various structures such as School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), core groups, and community focal persons.
7. Coordinating the recruitment of community volunteers and facilitators in consultation with community leaders and partners at the local government level.
8. Preparing periodic reports on SBC and community mobilization activities as required.
9. Collaborating with the finance department to ensure the timely processing and payment of volunteer stipends on a monthly basis.
1. Enhance Capacity:
Conduct visits to partners and facilitators in the field to supervise implementation, provide feedback on-site, offer supportive supervision for necessary improvements, and produce field visit reports with prompt and suitable follow-up on action items.
Take the lead in training community volunteers and other relevant partners within the community, and continuously strengthen their capacities through mentoring and supportive supervision. Encourage the formation of peer networks and learning opportunities, such as review meetings.
Partner Relations:
Under the guidance of the Community Mobilization Coordinator, SBC Manager, and Field Manager, establish and maintain relationships with SC’s communication partner, with whom the organization has a shared vision/agreement on the SBC and communication aspects for PLANE.
Ensure that all SBC activities supported by partners are well-planned and executed, and provide monthly progress reports.
Representation, Advocacy, and Organizational Learning:
Coordinate Save the Children’s and partners’ work with other organizations and government initiatives, and participate in Interagency Coordination forums to advocate for the specific needs of children. This may involve supporting coordination working groups at the community, LGA, and State levels.
Collaborate with the advocacy and education team to connect community-based and social accountability initiatives with policy influencing efforts.
Assist in communications and media tasks by gathering data and information, and sharing it with team leaders.
Work with the MEAL Team to conduct data quality assessments and help community volunteers accurately document and report community mobilization activities using appropriate tools.
Support the documentation and sharing of program results, including success stories and case studies, in close collaboration with SCI Nigeria’s Knowledge Management, Media, and Communications team.
Support in sharing the PLANE experience and learning at stakeholder meetings, workshops, donors, and other engagements as appropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS: Community Mobilization Officer at Save The Children
– A minimum of a BSc or its equivalent in Social or Behavioral Sciences, Public Health, Education, Nutrition, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related fields.
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS: Community Mobilization Officer at Save The Children
Essential
1. At least three years of experience in implementing SBC/Community mobilization related interventions, monitoring, supervision, and training.
2. Experience in planning and implementing participatory learning and community action approaches is an asset.
3. A master trainer and a skilled facilitator.
4. Demonstrable skills in report writing and presentation.
5. Ability to supervise and work collaboratively with community structures.
6. Excellent communication skills and a willingness to be respectful, kind, sensitive, and empathize with all beneficiaries and their carers.
7. Willingness and capacity to be flexible and accommodating when faced with difficult and frustrating working conditions.
8. Prepared to live and work in an uncertain security environment.
9. Ability to work independently as well as in cooperation with a multi-cultural team.
10. Ability to think creatively and strategically.
11. Proficient writing and verbal communication skills.
12. Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English and Local languages (Hausa).
13. Ability and willingness to frequently travel and stay in the field.
14. Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s aims, values, and principles.
15. Relevant computer software skills (including, at a minimum, the standard applications in MS Office).
Desirable
Ability to track and document success stories and case studies to demonstrate intervention impacts
