Community Engagement Assistant

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 lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions, FHI 360 employs approximately 4,400 staff across 60 offices worldwide. The organization operates in 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 make a sustainable impact on individuals, families, communities, and countries. The organization aims to improve the daily lives of millions of people through its various programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Community Engagement Assistant will work under the supervision of the Community Engagement Officer (EC) and is responsible for providing assistance in community engagement activities and social mobilization. This role involves planning and supporting meetings with community leaders for dialogues related to Ebola. The assistant will coordinate directly with community leaders and work closely with the EC Officer, the Dignified and Safe Burials Officer (EDS), and the logistics-manager" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">logistics manager to ensure community leaders are engaged in EDS activities. The position is crucial in the context of the Ebola project, which aims to significantly enhance social behavior change activities to help reduce and ultimately stop the spread of Ebola virus diseases in the northern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Community Engagement Assistant will have a variety of responsibilities including: working closely with EDS teams to achieve program objectives and targets, ensuring acceptance of EDS activities and general Ebola intervention activities; scheduling and supporting meetings between the EC Officer and community leaders; planning and facilitating focus group discussions with the EC Officer; ensuring timely collection of information related to the EC Officer's activities; attending external meetings when designated to represent FHI 360; ensuring data quality through accurate entry, cleaning, and regular checks, and utilizing data for action on-site; assisting in the preparation of weekly and monthly work plans; and performing any other assigned tasks. The assistant will report to the EC Officer bi-weekly, ensuring accurate data collection in accordance with the project's Monitoring and Evaluation protocol.

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, while knowledge of English is desirable. A minimum of 2 years of national professional experience in emergency and humanitarian intervention is required. Experience working with a UN agency (such as WHO, UNICEF, OCHA) or an international non-governmental organization is preferred but not mandatory. Candidates should have a good understanding of international and national minimum standards related to services in humanitarian emergency situations, as well as knowledge of gender integration, monitoring and evaluation, and project cycle management.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of social dynamics, community engagement, and humanitarian principles that are critical for the role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 2 years of professional experience in the field of emergency response and humanitarian intervention. This experience should ideally include work in challenging environments and with vulnerable populations, demonstrating the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and work under pressure. Experience with international organizations, particularly in roles related to community engagement or public health, will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in Lingala and French is mandatory for this position, as these are the primary languages used in the region. Proficiency in English is considered a plus, as it may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and enhance the candidate's ability to engage in broader discussions related to the project.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local hire and is expected to be full-time. The expected hiring salary range for this role is between USD 16,500 and 22,000 annually, which includes gross salary (basic and allowances). FHI 360 considers various factors when determining the offer amount, including relevant years of experience and education, internal equity, market pay, and budget constraints. The organization is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring that no discrimination occurs based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. FHI 360 also emphasizes safeguarding and requires all personnel to adhere to its code of conduct, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment.