Community Engagement Assistant at ZOA International

ZOA, as an international NGO, supporting vulnerable people affected by violence, conflicts, or
natural disasters by helping them to realize dignified and resilient lives. Together, we can come to
their aid in emergencies and remain faithful to communities as they recover – providing new
opportunities for them to help themselves again. The work of ZOA is coordinated from the
Netherlands. We are active in multiple countries in Africa, South America, the Middle East Region,
and Asia. We work with approximately 900 employees worldwide and with (local) partners.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Community Engagement Assistant

Location: Bama, Borno
Employment Type: Contract
Cntract Duration:  Fix Term – One Year ( Renewable position based on the need)
Workhours: Full-time

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 Closing Date
26th June, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• If you have questions about this vacancy, you can contact Musa Yaro, Office Manager, via email: recruitment.nigeria@zoa.ngo
• 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).