Community Engagement Officer

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is an international development organization that stands out for its rigorous, evidence-based approach. Established with a mission to improve the lives of individuals and communities, FHI 360 employs approximately 4,400 people across 60 offices worldwide. The organization focuses on various sectors including health, nutrition, education, economic development, civil society, environment, and research. FHI 360's commitment to partnership at all levels and its multidisciplinary expertise enable it to create a sustainable impact on the lives of millions of people. The organization is dedicated to improving the daily lives of individuals and families in the communities it serves, making it a key player in global development efforts.

Job Overview:
The Community Engagement Officer will work under the supervision of the Crisis Response Coordinator, primarily focusing on initiating community engagement activities and social mobilization related to the Ebola response project. This project, funded by the U.S. Department of State, aims to significantly enhance social behavior change activities to help reduce and ultimately stop the spread of the Ebola virus in the northern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The officer will be responsible for planning and supporting meetings with community leaders to facilitate dialogue related to Ebola, ensuring community acceptance and participation in dignified and safe burial practices. The role requires close collaboration with the Dignified and Safe Burial Officer to coordinate community leaders' involvement in these critical activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Community Engagement Officer will serve as the focal point for FHI 360's Ebola response activities within the community. Key responsibilities include working closely with the Dignified and Safe Burial (DSB) staff to achieve program objectives and ensure community acceptance of DSB activities and the overall Ebola response. The officer will schedule and support community engagement meetings with local leaders, plan and facilitate focus group discussions, and establish partnerships with local leaders, resident groups, civil society, and government agencies. It is essential to ensure timely information collection for all community engagement and social mobilization activities, manage community feedback, and address rumors or complaints through appropriate forums and dialogues. The officer will also attend external meetings as designated, organize RCCE training for civil society and civil protection teams, ensure data quality through accurate entry, cleaning, and regular checks, and assist in preparing weekly and monthly work plans. Additionally, the officer will support Community Engagement Assistants in implementing field activities and compile bi-weekly reports submitted by these assistants, while coordinating with the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Access Officer and performing any other assigned tasks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in social sciences or a related field. Fluency in Lingala and French (both spoken and written) is required, along with knowledge of local languages spoken in the intervention area. Proficiency in English is desirable. A minimum of four years of national professional experience in emergency and humanitarian response is required, along with knowledge of the Ebola virus disease epidemic context. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work under pressure and prioritize tasks effectively. Experience working with a UN agency (such as WHO, UNICEF, or OCHA) or an international NGO is preferred but not mandatory. A good understanding of international and national minimum standards for services in humanitarian emergencies, gender integration, monitoring and evaluation, and project cycle management is essential. Candidates should possess strong reporting skills, excellent analytical abilities, and the capacity to work in a multicultural environment. Strong organizational skills for meetings and community feedback collection are also necessary, along with a good understanding of the geography of the Equateur region and a keen sense of diplomacy.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in social sciences or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding community dynamics, social mobilization, and the complexities of humanitarian response, particularly in the context of health emergencies such as the Ebola outbreak.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least four years of professional experience in emergency and humanitarian response. This experience should ideally include direct involvement in community engagement and mobilization efforts, particularly in health-related projects. Familiarity with the Ebola virus disease context and previous work with international organizations will be advantageous, although not strictly required.

Languages:
Fluency in Lingala and French is mandatory for this position, as these are the primary languages spoken in the intervention area. Knowledge of local dialects is also beneficial. Proficiency in English is considered a plus, as it may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and enhance the officer's ability to engage with diverse audiences.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national local hire role, with an expected salary range of USD 22,000 - 33,000 annually, which includes basic salary and allowances. The final offer will take into account various factors such as relevant experience, education, internal equity, market pay, and budget considerations. For internal candidates, salary placement will adhere to FHI 360's promotional increase guidelines. The job posting outlines the main duties but does not limit the specific tasks that may be assigned. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding against abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs. All employment offers are subject to screening checks, including reference and criminal record checks. FHI 360 encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with criminal histories, in accordance with applicable laws.