Community Mobilizer

Position Summary:

The coastal regions in West Africa are facing various challenges associated with climate change, including coastal erosion and alterations in rainfall patterns. Rising sea levels and more frequent storms are causing destruction of important ecosystems such as beaches, dunes and coral reefs, which protect the coasts from flooding and erosion. The changes in rainfall patterns are causing more frequent and intense droughts and floods, affecting agriculture, fisheries, and water supply. The challenges are also damaging infrastructure, housing, and agricultural land.

In partnership, UN-Habitat, University of Twente, HFHI and Abidjan Convention designed a project with three different but complementary components: spatial planning, concrete interventions, and coordination and governance. The project goal is to improve adaptation of small to medium coastal settlements of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire by reducing climate change impact and establishing resilient economies and communities. The project proposal was approved by the Adaptation Fund in August 2023.

HFHI will be in charge of the implementation of various climate adaptation activities at the field level, with a focus on early warning systems, awareness raising, green and blue infrastructure development, mangroves reforestation, climate-resilient agriculture and other livelihoods opportunities

HFHI is seeking a Community Mobilizer responsible for building strong relationships with local communities, facilitating engagement, and mobilizing community members to actively participate in the project.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategies to mobilize community members for project activities.
• Facilitate participatory planning sessions with community members to identify their needs, concerns, and priorities.
• Conduct awareness campaigns to inform and educate the community about the project, its objectives, and the benefits.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with community leaders, members, and other stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and understanding of project goals.
• Establish and manage effective feedback mechanisms within the community, ensuring concerns and suggestions from community members are appropriately addressed.
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in community development, social work, or a related field and minimum five (5) years of relevant experience in leadership roles such as Community Mobilizer

• Fluency in English and French

  Years of Related Experience:

• Proven experience in community engagement, social safeguards, and community development in the context of development projects.

• Proven experience in participatory approaches and community-driven development

• Experienced knowledge of Adaptation Fund policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.

• Experience working in the Cote ‘d’Ivoire and Ghana will be an added advantage.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of social safeguard principles, inclusive development, and community participation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working effectively with diverse community stakeholders.
• Proficiency in delivering training programs and capacity building activities.
• Commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of community members throughout project implementation.
• Knowledge of climate change adaptation issues, particularly in coastal areas.