Community Relations Officer

Background

Centre for Education and Development (CED), Somalia is a non-governmental humanitarian and development organization working in Somalia. CED responds to emergency and development needs in Somalia and assists Somali communities towards self-reliance. CED works with poor local communities through sustainable community development programs to overcome ignorance, hunger, injustice and inequality.

Interventions initiated are focusing on women and youth empowerment and development livelihood & food security, education, Human Rights and Civic Education, emergency aid, water and sanitation, Income Generation Activities peace building and reconciliation and environmental protection. CED also implements programs on early recovery as well as sustainable development initiatives.

CED is seeking a dynamic, innovative and self-motivated professional to fill the position of Community Relations Officer.

Job Title : Community Relations Officer

Location: Mogadishu, Somalia with frequent travel to the project sites in Somalia.

Reports to : Project Manager

Job Summary

A community Relations Officer ensures that project activities are communicated with the communities, timely and appropriately and that feedback from the community is embedded in all project plans so that there is clear understanding on the role that the Human Rights and Civic Education project is playing in the community. The main emphasis is to let the local leaders, local administrations and communities have full understanding that the project is working within the constitution and only aims at strengthening the understanding and implementation of the constitutions in as far as the protection of human rights is concerned. The community relations officer will help dispel the myth that may arise on the objective of the project by communicating clearly and honestly to the communities on what the project plans to achieve. This will foster a good relation between CED and the communities and between the communities and the government. The CROs will thus be the interface between the community and CED in the implementation of the Human Rights and Civic Education project. He/she must have a thorough understanding of what each project activity plans to achieve so that is also communicated appropriately to the communities.

The community Relations Officer will be responsible for the analyses of the problems faced by the community, the design, development and implementation of effective project interventions and the management of resources under the project.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Planning:
   • Jointly with other project staff to prepare a detailed implementation plan
   • Work with the communities to determine needed support in implementation of activities and plan on how the support will be provided
   • Community satisfaction surveys to assess how well the project is being received by communities
2. Implementation
   • Work with Project Manager in planning and organizing sensitization and mobilization events
   • Determine the community perception of the project activities and provide feedback to the project staff so that this can be changed
   • Assist in developing appropriate training curricula, supporting resources and participates in conducting the training sessions.
   • Document community complaints and reservations related to the project and bring it to the attention of the project manager so that an acceptable response can be provided
   • Explain the project implementation logic and relevance to the communities at all stages of project implementation
   • Participate in planning implementation of public events like radio talk shows, debates, football matches to ensure that aspects that will improve community relations are included in the implemented activities
   • Maintain regular communication will the leadership of CBDRIs and local administrations to ensure that issues that may adversely impact on the good relations are nipped in the bud
   • Monitor and report on any actions external to the project but which need attention due to their potential to affect relations
   • Study the socio-political dynamics and inform the project team on ways to manage any changes
   • Ensures adequate documentation and filing of project activities and materials including list of beneficiaries, correspondences, success stories, photos, minutes of meetings, related internal and external correspondences, workshops, training's and planning sessions.
   • Prepare success stories or input for any other written materials for external communication on the project.
   • Encourage innovations and ensure that lessons learned are documented and shared and encourage application of such learning where appropriate.
   • Coordinate with the Communication and Media relations Officer, MEAL officer, Human Rights Protection Officer and Human Rights Monitoring and Reporting Officer so that activities of the project achieve the highest level of impact and promote positive community relations
   • Prepare daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly updates and narrative reports on all project activities in the different regions
   • Support the PM in preparing quality concept notes & proposals
   • Any other task assigned by the supervisor may be undertaken in furtherance of the project goals and objectives

Qualifications and Experience

1. A degree in community development or other relevant field in project management, and understanding of community empowerment is generally required
2. A minimum of three (3) years in project development working with grassroots communities
3. Experience in the management of Human Rights and Civic Education Projects
4. Experience in result based management
5. Substantial experience and knowledge of Projects planning/implementation and NGO's programs.
6. Strong SMS Office and ability to use PowerPoint and other technology in training.

Expected qualities

1. Innovative, team player and committed to communications that contribute to improved relations between the community, government and CED
2. Confidentially on sensitive and private issues shared by the community
3. Consultative and good listener
4. Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
5. Demonstrated professionalism and positive attitude

Contract Duration: one year, with possibility of extension.

HOW TO APPLY:

If you meet one of a.m the criteria herein please submit your application and detailed CV. Each applicant package will include the following:
 Cover letter explaining why consider yourself qualified for this position with the applicants current contact information
 CV including work experience and education
 Copies of Certificates
 Your contact number, present salary and contact details for three professional referees with their complete contact information (including current or most recent supervisor)

All applications should be sent to (email: recruitment.ced@gmail.com)Att: Human Resource Department with the subject of the e-mail marked “Community Relations Officer” By January 31, 2016.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted and invited for interviews.
CED is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.