Livelihood Community Mobilizer

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International is a prominent nonprofit organization that operates in 15 countries, focusing on alleviating poverty, ensuring well-being, and promoting dignity. Established to respond to fragile settings, the organization specializes in addressing natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and chronic poverty. Relief International employs a dual approach that combines humanitarian assistance with development strategies, providing immediate services while also laying the groundwork for sustainable long-term impact. Their unique methodology, referred to as the RI Way, emphasizes local participation, integration of services, strategic partnerships, and the enhancement of civic skills. This approach empowers communities to identify, design, and implement solutions that are most effective for their specific contexts. The organization is structured under the RI Alliance, which includes four corporate members: RI-US, RI-UK, MRCA/RI-France, and RI-Europe. Together, they operate under a unified management structure, with additional country offices registered as affiliates in 15 other countries. Starting from October 2024 and concluding in February 2026, Relief International will implement the livelihood development component of the Project for Promoting Digital Birth Registration in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This initiative is supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aiming to enhance economic opportunities for 25 Sama Badjau communities across Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-tawi provinces, in close collaboration with local government units.

Job Overview:
The Livelihood Community Mobilizer plays a crucial role as the frontline and community-based personnel for the project. This position is primarily responsible for coordinating and representing the project within the target communities and the local government units (LGUs) where the Sama Badjau communities reside. The Community Livelihood Development Officer acts as a technical resource provider, focusing on the livelihood development of the Sama Badjau people. The role involves establishing community project acceptance, conducting baseline assessments, and facilitating community learning sessions aimed at empowerment and engagement with local authorities. The mobilizer will also be responsible for addressing issues of ethno-linguistic discrimination and facilitating climate-adaptive livelihood planning. This position requires a proactive approach to community engagement, ensuring that the welfare and well-being of project volunteers and beneficiaries are prioritized throughout the project lifecycle.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Livelihood Community Mobilizer will undertake a variety of frontline functions, including establishing community project acceptance and monitoring emerging risks. Key responsibilities include conducting baseline assessments, community social investigations, profiling, and screening project beneficiaries. The mobilizer will facilitate community learning sessions focused on empowerment, engagement with local government units, and addressing ethno-linguistic discrimination. Additionally, they will lead participatory community economic development planning and identify, screen, and develop potential community livelihood projects in accordance with the guidelines for the development and implementation of Quality Improvement Plans (QIP) and Common Service Facilities. The mobilizer will also conduct mentoring sessions, assess QIP implementation, and troubleshoot issues as they arise. Furthermore, they will facilitate broader community acceptance of the economic rights of the Sama Badjau, fostering healthy market linkages and support. Regular monitoring and gathering of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) data will be essential, as well as ensuring the protection of the welfare and well-being of project volunteers and beneficiaries.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries, Marine Sciences, Anthropology, Community Development, Business Management, or a related field, or have equivalent experience. Additionally, applicants should have a minimum of five years of community development experience, preferably working with Sama Badjau communities. A minimum of three years of experience in community livelihood mobilization, particularly in aquamarine livelihood development and market linkage, is also required. The ideal candidate should be based or residing in either Tawi-tawi or Basilan and must be able to converse in the Sama Badjau language. Furthermore, candidates must meet the safeguarding and protection principles established by Relief International.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Fisheries, Marine Sciences, Anthropology, Community Development, Business Management, or equivalent experience. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of community development and livelihood mobilization, particularly in the context of the Sama Badjau communities.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically five years in community development, with a strong preference for experience working with Sama Badjau communities. Additionally, candidates should have at least three years of experience in community livelihood mobilization, with a focus on aquamarine livelihood development and market linkage. This level of experience is crucial for effectively engaging with the communities and implementing the project successfully.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is proficiency in the Sama Badjau language, which is essential for effective communication and engagement with the target communities. While not explicitly stated, proficiency in Filipino and English may also be beneficial for broader communication within the organization and with other stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporary, with a duration of three months. It is important to note that the position is no longer open for applications. The role is likely to be full-time, and candidates should be aware that the organization may recruit both nationally and internationally, depending on the specific needs of the project. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description.