Community Engagement Development Officer

The Community Engagement Development Officer at Human Development Foundation plays a vital role in fostering strong relationships between the organization and diverse community groups. This position demands a proactive approach to community outreach and mobilization, ensuring that projects align closely with the needs and expectations of local populations. The officer leads efforts in planning, coordinating, and executing events and initiatives that drive community empowerment and active participation. Managing a team of three members, the role requires effective leadership, project management skills, and the ability to inspire collaboration to achieve impactful outcomes. This role also involves comprehensive monitoring, reporting, and documentation to track project progress and community sentiment. Frequent travel to various field locations is necessary to engage directly with communities, understand their challenges firsthand, and adapt strategies accordingly. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication abilities, flexibility in meeting project demands, and a commitment to safeguarding and professional conduct standards. By nurturing partnerships and using social listening techniques, the officer enhances the foundation’s capability to promote sustainable community development and capacity building.
Responsibilities

1. Job Purpose

• The Community Engagement & Development Officer will facilitate community mobilization, strengthen relationships with local stakeholders, and promote community participation in project activities. The position will focus on engaging women, families, community groups, and other stakeholders to support sustainable development initiatives and ensure effective implementation of project objectives.

  2. Key Responsibilities

• Community Mobilization & Engagement
  - Mobilize community members, particularly women and marginalized groups, to participate in project activities.
  - Conduct community meetings, awareness sessions, focus group discussions, and household visits as required.
  - Build and maintain positive relationships with community members, local leaders, teachers, health workers, and other relevant stakeholders.
  - Identify community needs, challenges, and opportunities and share findings with the project team.
• Community Development & Capacity Building
  - Facilitate community-based initiatives to encourage local participation and ownership.
  - Support the formation and strengthening of community groups, women's groups, and other local forums where required.
  - Organize training sessions, awareness campaigns, and capacity-building activities.
  - Encourage inclusive participation and promote gender equality and social inclusion.
• Project Implementation & Coordination
  - Support the implementation of project activities in accordance with approved work plans and organizational procedures.
  - Coordinate with local stakeholders and relevant departments to facilitate project delivery.
  - Identify barriers to community participation and recommend practical solutions to the Project Manager.
  - Support referrals to relevant services where appropriate and in accordance with established safeguarding procedures.
• Monitoring, Reporting & Documentation
  - Maintain accurate records of community meetings, attendance, field visits, and awareness sessions.
  - Prepare regular activity reports and document community feedback, challenges, and achievements.
  - Collect field-level data and support monitoring and evaluation activities.
  - Ensure timely submission of reports and documentation to the supervisor.

• Safeguarding & Professional Conduct
  - Uphold HDF's code of conduct, safeguarding policies, confidentiality requirements, and applicable organizational procedures.
  - Ensure respectful, safe, and non-discriminatory engagement with all community members.
  - Report safeguarding concerns through designated organizational channels.
  - Perform other relevant duties assigned by the supervisor in line with the position's objectives.

  3. Required Qualifications & Experience

• - Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Sociology, Social Work, Development Studies, Public Health, or a related discipline.
  - At least 2–3 years of relevant experience in community mobilization, community development, or NGO/INGO project implementation.
  - Experience working with women, families, vulnerable communities, or grassroots organizations will be an advantage.
  - Strong communication, interpersonal, facilitation, and community coordination skills.
  - Proficiency in local languages and basic computer skills, including MS Word and Excel.
  - Willingness to travel frequently to field locations and work directly with communities.

  4. Key Competencies

• - Community mobilization and stakeholder engagement
  - Communication and relationship building
  - Planning, coordination, and problem-solving
  - Report writing and documentation
  - Teamwork and collaboration
  - Cultural sensitivity, empathy, and inclusiveness
  - Integrity, accountability, and safeguarding awareness

  5. Performance Indicators

• Performance will be assessed against agreed targets, including:
• - Successful implementation of community engagement activities.
  - Participation and inclusion of women and other target groups.
  - Quality of stakeholder relationships and community feedback.
  - Timely submission and accuracy of field reports.
  - Achievement of assigned project targets and work-plan milestones.
  - Compliance with organizational policies and safeguarding standards.