WPE Community Mobilization Assistant

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 50 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, IRC offers life-saving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in more than 40 countries and in 22 U.S. cities, IRC restores safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted by conflict or disaster. IRC leads the way from harm to home.

CONTEXTUAL BACKGROUND

The IRC has been present in Nigeria since 2012 when the organization responded to flooding in Kogi state. In February 2014 the IRC moved into Adamawa State in NE Nigeria to provide humanitarian interventions through a multi-sectoral, integrated approach for conflict affected populations. IRC Nigeria now operates a country office in Abuja and field offices in Mubi and Yola of Adamawa State, Maiduguri and Monguno of Borno state, Damatru of Yobe State and Katsina, and Zamfara States. Currently, IRC Nigeria implements programs primary health care, nutrition, environmental health, women’s protection and empowerment, protection, child protection, education, food security & livelihoods

Job Overview/Summary

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious human rights and public health issue affecting women and girls around the world. It impacts all aspects of women and girl’s physical, emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It has harmful consequences for the individuals who experience it, their families, and communities. The community mobilization assistant will be based in Gusau, Zamfara state and with support from the WPE Community Engagement Officer, he\she will work in coordination with the prevention and response teams to design strategies using EMAP and SASA Together! modules to prevent gender-based violence as well as takes lead in engaging community leaders, community based structures and partners through trainings and awareness raising sessions that are geared towards GBV prevention and response. This position will have 90% travel in intervention sites including Anka LGA and coordinate with other IRC sectors including the M&E, actors to conduct assessments (baseline and end line) and share reports that will be used to inform program design and quality. 10% of the time will focus on activities planning, strategies design and development and quality report.

Major Responsibilities

• Raise awareness and promote changes in attitudes and behaviors regarding gender, gender equality and GBV.
• Promote active community participation in prevention and response to GBV.
• Develop and implement prevention strategies by ensuring the formation of community groups for response and prevention activities.
• Work with the WPE Response team to facilitate Trainings and sensitizations to community groups, local partners, and CBOs on GBV issues.
• Promote the involvement of men and youth in GBV activities.
• Utilize participatory methodology to assess community needs in relation to GBV.
• Utilize participatory methodology and adult education techniques to assist communities in developing community-driven prevention and response plans.
• Mobilize community to form ‘action groups’ for awareness raising and encourage greater self-reliance among women in the communities.
• In collaboration with case worker ensure that women are engaged in psychosocial activities at the women’s centers.
• In collaboration with WPE Case Worker and Women action groups, Youth Groups, identify training needs of community members and carryout trainings in a consistent and appropriate manner.
• Liaise with community leaders, government agencies, IRC sectors, Partners to organize training and capacity building activities.
• Promote women’s active participation in the leadership and decision-making of the community.
• Work with community Engagement Officer and community-based workers to design key sensitization messages using the SASA Together! community sensitization guide.
• Trained and Monitor EMAP sessions in areas of implementation in Zamfara State.
• Compile and summarize weekly statistics to M&E Officer for monitoring purpose.
• Submit weekly narrative reports to Community Engagement Officer in a timely manner.
• Communicate all obstacles/Problems to Community Engagement Officer or WPE Program Manager for further action.
  
  

Coordination & Representation

• Meet with community-based workers and , Case workers, on a weekly basis to coordinate activities and work schedules.
• Communicate with the Community Engagement Officer on program progress, constraints, and identified needs.
• Assist Community Engagement Officer in designing a GBV Training Strategy and IEC materials.
• Liaise closely with other IRC sectors for additional training to benefit IRC staff and community members in consultation with the Community Engagement officer
• In collaboration with protection M&E, plan and implement surveys and needs assessments as required.
• liaise with community leaders, government agencies, IRC program sectors and other appropriate agencies to ensure that the program is meeting their needs.
• In coordination with WPE Community Engagement officer and prevention team, assess training needs of sub-sector working groups members and plan appropriate training.
• working closely with community leaders, government agencies, IRC program sectors, women’s groups, and other agencies in their operational area.
• Ensure quality GBV awareness raising sessions and training in the operational site.
  
  

Key Working Relationships

Position Reports to: WPE Community Engagement Officer

Indirect/Technical Reporting: WPE Manager

Position directly Supervises: NIL

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• University degree in Social Work, Political Science, or a related field
• At least 2yrs previous experience with community mobilization using participatory methodology
  
  

Languages

• Fluency in English, Hausa, and other languages desirable.
• Knowledge of the local language and context will be an added value.
• Position is open to only locals based in the implementation locations.
  
  

Computer/Other Tech Requirements

• Full professional competency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Add position-specific (e.g. accounting software, statistical software, etc.).
  
  

Ability to Travel: 50% of time if applicable

Standards of Professional Conduct The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

Working Environment

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.