Hygiene Promotion Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development programs that address various issues such as emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to serving individuals without regard to race, religion, or nationality, and it welcomes staff from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values. CRS emphasizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, reflecting its commitment to ethical practices in all its operations.

Job Overview:
The Hygiene Promotion Officer will be a vital member of the Hygiene Promotion and Community Mobilisation Team, focusing on delivering essential support to internally displaced persons (IDP) host communities and returnees in Plateau State, Nigeria. This role involves leading hygiene promotion messaging and fostering behavior change within the community. The officer will collaborate with partners and locally recruited Community Mobilisers to implement hygiene promotion sessions, conduct household visits, and organize community activities aimed at reducing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)-related health risks. Additionally, the role will integrate protection and gender mainstreaming into the WASH and shelter programs, addressing the vulnerabilities of the targeted populations, which may include individuals experiencing trauma. The position is based in Jos, Plateau State, and requires a proactive approach to community engagement and mobilization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Hygiene Promotion Officer will be responsible for planning and implementing needs assessments and baseline studies to inform hygiene promotion activities. Key responsibilities include conducting hygiene promotion sessions and household visits, organizing field activities that mitigate WASH-related health risks, and training and supervising Community Mobilizers. The officer will also mentor Latrine Maintenance Teams and Water Management Committees, ensuring effective operation and maintenance of sanitation and water infrastructure. Additional duties involve leading cleaning campaigns, setting up monitoring systems for community latrines and waste collection points, and conducting public hygiene promotion sessions, particularly targeting children. The officer will liaise with community leaders and other sectors to coordinate efforts and prepare regular activity reports for the Emergency Coordinator. Furthermore, the officer will document success stories and best practices for internal and external sharing.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a good knowledge and experience of working with local partners, particularly in hygiene promotion and community mobilization related to water and sanitation activities. Familiarity with the culture of the affected population is essential, along with the ability to communicate effectively on hygiene matters. A demonstrated commitment to gender-responsive programming is required, as well as strong quantitative skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting. Excellent organizational, analytical, oral, and written communication skills are necessary, along with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Experience in training and capacity building through technical assistance and mentoring is also important, as is a commitment to key development frameworks like the Integral Human Development Framework.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a first degree in a relevant field such as public health, hygiene promotion, community development, education, or community water supply and sanitation is required for this position. This educational background will provide the foundational knowledge necessary for effectively addressing the health and hygiene needs of the communities served.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of practical experience in community development, health, WASH, or similar programs. Experience in a Gender, Protection, or Community Mobilizer role, preferably with an international NGO, is highly desirable. This experience will ensure that the candidate is well-equipped to handle the complexities of the role and effectively engage with the community.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with Hausa being a good to have language. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance the officer's ability to engage with diverse community members and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Jos, Plateau State, and requires the candidate to be willing and able to travel up to 50% of the time. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages are based on the country of employment. The organization emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on improving the lives of the poor globally. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and commitment to safeguarding program participants and community members from exploitation and abuse.