Field and Community Engagement Officer at Better Hope Foundation (BHF)

Better Hope Foundation (BHF) is a community-driven non-profit organization dedicated to both emergency response and long-term development. We believe that true change happens when people are empowered with the right support, whether in times of crisis or in building a stronger future. Our work focuses on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), health, education, livelihood support, and humanitarian response. In emergencies, we step in quickly—providing life-saving aid, clean water, and essential support to vulnerable communities. But we don’t stop there. We also work on sustainable solutions that help people rebuild and improve their lives, from creating safe water systems to equipping young people with skills for self-reliance.

Better Hope Foundation was founded in 2016 by a group of passionate individuals committed to poverty alleviation and community development. What began as a local initiative in Borno State initially focused on equipping 50 women with livelihood skills soon grew into a broader movement for sustainable change. Recognizing the need for a wider impact, Better Hope Foundation expanded its scope to include youth empowerment, education, and community-driven development. To strengthen its reach and effectiveness, the organization, which was first registered at the state level in 2016, later obtained national registration, allowing it to scale its programs across multiple regions.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Field and Community Engagement Officer

Location: Damaturu, Yobe
Employment Type: Contract
Project Duration: 25th March 2025 - 25th April 2025
Reports To: Project Manager

Job Purpose

• The Field and Community Engagement Officer will act as the primary liaison between the project team, stakeholders and target communities.
• This role focuses on mobilizing participants, fostering trust, and ensuring inclusive participation in training sessions. 
• The officer will address cultural barriers, coordinate with local leaders, and ensure the project aligns with community needs.

Key Responsibilities
Community Mobilization:

• Conduct outreach to livestock farmers in selected LGAs, ensuring awareness of training schedules and benefits.
• Collaborate with local leaders (e.g., village heads, women’s groups) to build trust and encourage participation.

Inclusivity:

• Actively recruit women, youth, and marginalized groups to ensure equitable access to training.
• Address cultural or social barriers (e.g., gender norms, literacy gaps) through tailored communication strategies.

Training Support:

• Assist in organizing and facilitating training sessions, ensuring alignment with community needs.
• Ensure participant comply with time, process and procedures through out the training session.
• Gather participant feedback during/after sessions to identify challenges and improve program delivery.

Conflict Resolution:

• Mediate disputes or misunderstandings between community members and project staff.
• Report community concerns to the Project Manager and propose solutions.

Documentation:

• Maintain records of community interactions, attendance, and feedback.
• Support the M&E Specialist in tracking participation demographics (e.g., gender, age).

Advocacy:

• Promote the adoption of occupational health and safety practices post-training through follow-up visits.
• Highlight success stories to inspire broader community buy-in.

Qualifications
Education:

• Degree in Social Sciences, Community Development, Agriculture, or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years in community engagement, preferably in rural or agricultural projects.
• Proven ability to work with diverse groups (women, youth, traditional leaders).

Skills:

• Fluency in Hausa and/or Kanuri (essential).
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Familiarity with Yobe State’s cultural and socio-economic context.
• Technical: Proficiency in basic data collection tools (e.g., mobile surveys).

Preferred Attributes:

• Experience in livestock farming or occupational health projects.
• Ability to ride a motorcycle for travel to remote communities (if applicable).
• Knowledge of participatory approaches (e.g., focus group discussions).

Application Closing Date
21st March, 2025.