Community Engagement Assistant at ZOA International

Job Title: Community Engagement Assistant

ZOA’s Programme in Nigeria

• ZOA has been working in Borno State in Nigeria since 2016, especially in 10 LGAs in Borno State and 3 LGAs in Yobe State.
• We reach out to the internally displaced persons and vulnerable host communities with emergency humanitarian & early recovery assistance to meet their needs. ZOA Nigeria focuses on Food Security & Livelihoods, WaSH, Education.
• Position is opened for National Candidates.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning and facilitation of Community-Based Participatory Planning (CBPP) processes, including village-level inception meetings, co-facilitation teams, and reviews of community asset maps and priorities.
• Mobilize and engage diverse community members — including IDPs, host communities, women, youth, persons with disabilities, and repentant individuals — to actively participate in project activities.
• Assist in the formation and revitalization of community structures (e.g., Local Peace Committees, Water Management Committees, Natural Resource Management Committees, Farmer Groups, and VSLAs).
• Facilitate sensitization and awareness sessions on project objectives, selection criteria, entitlements, work norms, and community responsibilities, using inclusive and culturally appropriate communication methods.
• Support the coordination and documentation of community-led planning sessions, participatory monitoring meetings, and local reflection exercises, including in asset governance and sustainability planning.
• Promote inclusive participation during activities by mobilizing households, tracking participation, and reinforcing work norms and protection standards in coordination with field teams.
• Collaborate with protection, MEAL, and gender teams to strengthen accountability mechanisms and ensure community understanding of feedback systems, protection pathways, and PSEA referral processes.
• Assist in organizing community-level events including peacebuilding forums, edutainment activities and cultural exchange initiatives to reinforce social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
• Contribute to safety audits, community consultations, and awareness campaigns related to safeguarding, GBV, inclusion, and environmental conservation.
• Participate in data collection, beneficiary verification, and community feedback gathering to support program adaptation and inclusive service delivery.
• Document and report on community feedback, key meetings, and success stories in collaboration with MEAL and program staff.

Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Community Development, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in community mobilization, engagement, or participatory development, preferably in humanitarian or recovery contexts.
• Proven ability to facilitate inclusive and participatory meetings, especially involving women, youth, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable households.
• Familiarity with Community-Based Participatory Planning (CBPP) and local governance mechanisms.
• Experience working with community structures and supporting accountability systems (feedback and complaints, safeguarding, PSEA, etc.).
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills, with sensitivity to power dynamics and cultural norms.
• Basic skills in reporting, documentation, and data collection.
• Fluency in English and the local language (e.g., Kanuri, Hausa).
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, protection, and gender equality.

Skills:

• Flexible and adaptability;
• Interpersonal and cross-cultural sensitive;
• Able to work under pressure and with strict deadlines;

Behaviour & Attitude:

• Able to work in a sometimes fluid and insecure environment.

Special Conditions:

• Frequent travel to in-field locations within the programme area, and to other ZOA programme locations, and stay with the project implementation team for further guidance and support.

Salary And Other Terms of Employment

• Attractive and Negotiable.

Application Instructions:

The application deadline is 26th June, 2025. Therefore, Qualified and interested candidates can: “CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION”. It is important to visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply successfully for this vacancy.

Website:
Official Job Website: https://www.zoa-international.com/careers

Note

• If you have questions about this vacancy, you can contact Musa Yaro, Office Manager, via email: [email protected]
• ZOA operates with an equal opportunities policy and is committed to diversity in the workplace.
• Qualified women and men, and cultural backgrounds, and candidates with disabilities are welcome to apply.
• CV’s of no more than 4-5 pages in length are appreciated.
• ZOA is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourage applications from qualified female candidates and persons with disabilities.
• Please provide at least 3 references related to your previous employment listed in the application. References of previous positions held should not be older than five years.
• Please note that ZOA carries out background and reference checks (including COTER) for all candidates as part of the recruitment process. As ZOA participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a written questionnaire: the “Statement of Conduct”, which will be sent to past employers regarding Misconduct (such as sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment).