Job Description

Since 2014, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in close partnership with the governments, United Nations (UN), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), has been addressing a range of migration-related issues, including disaster risk management in Malawi in line with its strategic objective of “Driving Solutions to Displacement”. IOM Malawi also supports the Government of Malawi to strengthen systems and capacity for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience with a focus on minimizing the risk of climate-induced displacement and improving the management of displacement at all levels.
The successful candidate will work under the Regional Responses to Climate Displacements in Sub-Saharan Africa (RE2CLID) project which aims to enhance the resilience and self-reliance of Displacement-Affected Communities (DACs) in Malawi who face the risks of disasters, the adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation. This initiative targets the highly vulnerable displacement affected communities in the Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean region, countries including Malawi, Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles (i.e. Cluster 2). 
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Malawi and direct supervision of the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Officer and, in collaboration with relevant units at IOM Malawi, the successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for supporting the development, implementation, and management of strategies to connect IOM with the community it serves. The Senior Community Engagement Associate-DRR will be a critical link between IOM and the community. This will involve building relationships, facilitating communication, and organizing events to promote IOM’s goals and initiatives on disaster risk reduction, human mobility and climate change adaptation. 
 

Responsibilities

1.    Community Outreach and Relationship Building:
•    Supporting the Identification and engagement of community members, groups, and leaders in the project target districts. 
•    Facilitating the building and maintenance of strong working relationships with key stakeholders at district and community levels. 
•    Organizing and facilitating community meetings, workshops, and events. 
2.    Communication and Information Dissemination:
•    Supporting the development and distribution of communication materials to keep the community informed about IOM's activities and initiatives in close collaboration with IOM’s Communications Officer. 
•    Identifying tools and methods for ensuring clear and effective communication with diverse audiences.
3.    Needs Assessment and Program Development:
•    Supporting the development of tools and methods for community needs assessment and bottom-up programme development.
•    Supporting community needs assessment and identifying opportunities for collaboration and partnerships. 
•    Developing and implementing community engagement plans and initiatives. 
4.    Advocacy and Representation:
•    Representing IOM to the community and advocating for community needs. 
•    Facilitating community participation in decision-making processes. 
•    Working with community members to identify and address barriers to participation in disaster risk reduction processes and project activities in particular. 
5.    Event Planning and Management:
•    Planning and coordinating community events, workshops, and outreach activities. 
•    Ensuring events are inclusive and accessible to all community members considering the needs of vulnerable groups including the elderly, people with disabilities, etc. 
•    Managing event logistics and resources. 
6.    Reporting and Evaluation:
•    Supporting monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of community engagement activities in liaison with IOM’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer. 
•    Preparing reports on community engagement progress and impact. 
•    Using data and feedback to improve community engagement strategies.

 

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in social science, Community Development, Sociology, Development Communication, Gender and Development Studies, or related fields from an accredited academic institution with a minimum of 5 years professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in disaster risk reduction and management, climate change adaptation and/or community development.

• Experience in community development work preferably in an international non-governmental organization. 

• Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups; and,

• Experience in working with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organizations in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.

• Experience in participatory methods will be an added advantage.

Skills and attributes

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent community outreach, engagement, and relationship building skills.

• Excellent organizational and event planning skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Knowledge of community development principles and practices.

• Ability to work with diverse populations and cultural groups displaced populations and host communities.

• Proficiency in using communication technologies and social media

Specific Skills

• Community mobilization: Ability to use participatory approaches to mobilize communities and their resources for project implementation. 

• Negotiation skills: Ability to negotiate and lobby with communities to secure their meaningful participation in project activities.

• Report Writing and Analysis: Strong analytical and report-writing skills are essential, including impact evaluation of capacity building initiatives.

• Adaptability and Flexibility: Ability to adapt to a dynamic environment and work under pressure. 

Required Skills

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