Community Engagement Assistant

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Nigeria continues to make strides in polio eradication, however, the resurgence of the circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Viruses type 2 (cVDPV2) is posing a challenge mainly due to high immunity gaps due to low demand for routine immunization. The national government along with development partners are currently implementing various strategies to address the challenges of immunity gaps, which include engagement of communities through their leaders to ensure all eligible children completed 5 immunization visits as per schedule.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• The incumbent is expected to support national authorities (National, State, or LGA level), partners and other appropriate stakeholders in the following specific tasks\:

• Supporting the planning, implementation, supervision and monitoring of NERICC Community Engagement framework

• Support in the planning of all operational and programmatic activities for community engagement at the national and sub-national levels

• Support in conducting baseline and end line assessments to determine project outcomes and impact including change in behaviour, health-seeking behaviours of communities regarding immunisation including qualitative methods.

• Using the results of the baseline assessment, support in developing strategic communication plan to target the populations in the project states.

• Support the communication and social mobilization aspect of Routine Immunization intensification and community engagement implementation in project states

• Support the development and implementation of project Visibility strategies

• Support in developing Guidelines, SOPs and Training materials for personnel on community engagement, interpersonal communication skills

• Support the process of identification and community engagement focal persons at state and LGA levels as well their capacity building activities for the selected focal persons

• Support the compilation of monthly CE data (line list, reconciliation, defaulter etc.) and other project deliverables from the implementing states and generation of monthly feedback

• Facilitate the conduct of monthly review meetings with the stakeholders in the 2 states to ensure adequate feedback about program performance. 

• Provide regular supportive supervision targeting at de-bottlenecking to the implementing states

• Support the coordination of WHO community engagement support in 6 Routine Immunization MoU states.

• supporting states to conduct periodic routine immunization intensification for targeted LGAs or communities based on analysis of prevailing immunity gaps and limitations of coverage of current interventions such as Optimized Integrated Routine Immunization Sessions (OIRIS)

• Conduct high level advocacy to traditional leaders to ensure maximum support to community engagement processes at all levels and provide feedback on the traditional institution on their performance

• Support the identification of best practices and support the process of reward and sanctions of traditional leaders by the emirates

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: Secondary, technical or commercial school certificates in health communication, mass communication, and social sciences. 

Desirable\: University degree in health communication, mass communication or social sciences.

Experience

Essential\:  At least 10 years’ experience commensurate with the duties of the posts and its grade in an international, public or private organization of repute

• At least 10 years’ experience commensurate with the duties of the posts and its grade in an international, public or private organization of repute
• Minimum of five years’ successful experience leading and supporting community health interventions.
• Implementing community engagement in immunization / MNCH in northern states within Nigeria

Desirable\: Previous related work experience in the UN or other International Development Agencies. 

Use of language skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English

Desirable\: Working knowledge of Hausa Language

Skills

Specific skills required\: 

• Demonstrated proficiency using intermediate level software applications, including PowerPoint, MS word, spreadsheet and databases
• Demonstrated leadership skills - Ability to lead teams to achieve specified outcomes.
• Experience in coordinating project management meetings with state stakeholders, implementing partners and other NGOs, and beneficiary partners.
• Ability to engage community gatekeepers and key opinion leaders on health matters in Northern states
• Ability to lead and coordinate state wide demand generation activities
• Ability to establish and maintain good relations with people at various levels and of different background

Competencies\:

                     Producing results

                          Fostering integration and teamwork

                          Ensuring the effective use of resources

                          Communicating in a credible and efficient way

                          Moving forward in a changing environment

                          Communicating in a credible and effective way

                          Fostering integration and team work