Jamaica: Community Mobilization Officer

Organization: Habitat for Humanity International
Country: Jamaica
Closing date: 10 Oct 2014

Location:Portmore, Project Braced JAMAICA

Position:Community Mobilization Officer

Objective Oversee and plan all mobilization and coalition building activities, including the coordination of outreach activities for risk and hazard assessments and community awareness training

OVERALL PURPOSE:

The BRACED project introduces a neighborhood-based approach to urban disaster risk reduction through a collaborative partnership with local actors Over a 33 month period, the project will work within Gregory Park, Newlands, and Naggo Head neighborhoods to develop community redevelopment plans, supported by a suite of DRR-oriented shelter improvements, community projects, and awareness programming targeting the residents of urban settlements facing high levels of risk exposure. Overall purpose of the position is to coordinate, monitor and supervise the community based promotion and mobilization activities related to the BRACED Project in Portmore, Jamaica.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Execute the mobilization, implementation and oversight of the community outreach component of the project
• Responsible for the selection and training of community workers, trainees and volunteers in close consultation with the Project Coordinator
• Provide technical support and supervision to the community workers, trainees and volunteers
• Responsible for community sensitization and mobilization regarding health, hygiene, sanitation and their role in urban development / shelter initiatives in close consultation with the Project Coordinator
• Adhere to and maintain timely and quality (results based) monthly reporting system.
• Establishing and maintenance of the community data base

MAIN ACTIVITIES:

Community preparation / liaison

• Further develop the community development plan into a guideline / handbook that serves throughout the project period.
• Identify target communities and mobilize community groups, establish new contacts with communities
• Establish relationship of respect and trust with communities in close liaison with local authorities, churches and other power structures in the communities
• Promote the project within the three communities (especially integrating community leaders, decision makers but not omitting those without means to raise their voice), explain objectives and analyze community sensitivity levels.
• Coordinate and liaise with existing societies and community based organizations in project area to build on available resource and prevent clashes of interest.
• Promote gender equality, democratic decision-making and is all-inclusive
• Provide technical assistance to and advise community groups on project identification and implementation strategies

Training

• Assist the Project Coordinator in developing a training plan for staff (Community Mobilizers), volunteers and community members in PASSA, Community Engagement, Local Advocacy Strategy, Basic Knowledge on Urban Redevelopment, and other pertinent training as identified in a training needs assessment.
• Organize, implement and assist in training events and refresher training to stakeholders

Supervising

• Supervise and support the activities of the Community Mobilizers and Community Volunteers
• Ensure that staff adheres to the ethics and principles, with respect to community engagement and transparency
• Keep records of supervision and actions taken from own activities and activities of the Community Mobilizers and Community Volunteers
• Support the establishment of a proper functioning complaint system to, in a transparent and professional manner, channel community concerns and complaints for action to be taken by the project’s senior management.

Management

• Write weekly and monthly reports on community mobilization activities, documenting progress against indicator achievement
• Relationship building, negotiation and problem solving with authorities, communities and Community Mobilizers / Community Volunteers

Other Responsibilities

• Be involved in future planning
• Assist in carrying out assessments/surveys (baseline house hold surveys. Hazard mapping exercise, etc)
• Participate in regular staff meetings and to discussion project progress and suggest alternatives for the solution of identified obstacles

SKILLS:

Essential

• Social Work / Community Development Diploma or Degree.
• 5 years’ work experience in community mobilization techniques.
• Working skills with Word, Excel, and use of e-mail.
• Self-motivated, desires to serve the community, especially marginalized and vulnerable families.
• Willing to be trained, able to learn from mistakes and capable of listening to criticism.
• Enjoys working with an international team.
• Flexible and willing to work in difficult and busy environment.
• Sound knowledge of team management and supervision
• Able to lead a team of community mobilizers and community volunteers at different locations.

Desirable

• 3 year experience with NGO, Community promotion/Community based interventions.
• Use of outlook.
• Previous experience working with international teams.
• Experience in community promotion programs.
• Experience in team leadership and management.

How to apply:

Application Deadline: Friday October 10th, 2014

Application Process: Submit CV, motivation letter and other supporting documents recruitment.projectbraced@gmail.com