Community Development Worker (3 Positions)

Internal/External

Re – Advertisement

IR/INT/EXT/VN/004.25

Position: Community Development Worker

Duty station: Somali Regional State, Jigjiga

Reports to: Livelihood Officer

Salary: As per the organization’s scale

Required: Three (3)

Duration: One year with high possibility of extension

Introduction

Islamic Relief is an international relief and development charity founded in 1984 with its headquarters in Birmingham, UK. As well as responding to disasters and emergencies, Islamic Relief promotes sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities – regardless of race, religion or gender. The office officially started operation in Ethiopia in 2004. Islamic Relief Ethiopia (IRE) is operational in the Somali Regional State with a base office in Jigjiga, Hargelle, Elkere, Bare, GG and Dekasuftu, Afar Regional State; Ewa, Awra and Gulina; Oromia regional State, West Harergeye, Chiro and Meayso Woredas, Borena zone, Yabello, Dubluk, Dire and Elewaye woredas and an additional operational office in Addis Ababa. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.islamic-relief.org/work-with-us.

Job Summary:

We are seeking skilled and motivated Community Development Workers to join our team and contribute to the successful implementation of the WEE Project. The successful candidates will play a key role in organizing women into Self-Help Groups (SHGs), tracking their day-to-day activities, and ensuring the successful achievement of project objectives. Under the supervision of the Livelihood Officer, the Community Development Workers will actively engage with local communities, track progress, provide real-time technical support, and ensure the project aligns with IRE’s mission and donor requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Community Development

• Support the planning and execution of community development activities in line with project objectives and the broader social performance strategy.
• Organize women into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and ensure their effective participation in group activities.
• Track day-to-day activities of women and SHG groups, providing regular updates on their progress and achievements.
• Record the performance and progress of SHG groups and prepare periodic progress reports (weekly, monthly).
• Provide real-time technical support to women in SHGs, assisting them with business management, financial literacy, and other relevant skills.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with local communities, government entities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to support community development activities.
• Facilitate regular meetings with community groups to address concerns, share updates, and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Assist in implementing grievance mechanisms, ensuring timely resolution of any issues raised by the target beneficiaries
• Maintain records of all stakeholder engagement activities, including minutes, pictures, and videos for documentation purposes.

Social Risk Management

• Monitor social dynamics within the community and identify any risks associated with project activities.
• Collaborate with the project team to mitigate any social risks or tensions arising from the project implementation.
• Ensure that all community development activities comply with social performance standards and regulations.

Compliance and Reporting

• Prepare and submit regular reports (weekly & monthly) on community relations, stakeholder engagement, and social performance metrics as required by the organization and donors.
• Ensure that community development initiatives align with local, national, and international standards and regulations.
• Assist in auditing community development activities and recommending improvements where necessary.

Capacity Building and Training

• Provide on job training for local community members on community development topics, including business development, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
• Support initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, inclusion, and local workforce development within the community.

Grievance Handling & Conflict Resolution

• Manage the grievance mechanism, ensuring that all grievances are properly logged, addressed, and resolved in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist in mediating and resolving conflicts between the community and the project team, ensuring that all parties reach a mutually beneficial outcome.

Collaboration and Coordination

• Work closely with local government structure on activities that are linked with women empowerment to align social performance goals with operational objectives.

Personal Specification

Formal Education/Qualification and Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in management, Economics, Social Work, Sociology, or related fields.
• A minimum of three years of experience in community development work or similar roles, preferably with NGOs.

Skills and Competences

• Strong knowledge of the local context, culture, and language in Jijiga Town and the Somali Regional State is Mandatory.
• Proven experience in working with women’s groups and supporting community-driven development initiatives.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and English report writing skill.

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunity

Islamic Relief and Islamic Relief staff considers the welfare and protection of children, young people and people at risk to be paramount to the organization. And must adhere the principle of ‘do no harm and leave no one behind.’ It is critical we do not expose communities or staff we work with to the risk of harm through our interventions. Islamic Relief have a number of related policies which also describe standards in behavior expected from the organization, its staff and representatives towards each other and those we serve. Islamic Relief is committed to responding swiftly, appropriately and constructively to any and all information children, young people and people at risk have disclosed.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. We participate in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and child abuse during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment before signing the contract agreement.

Islamic Relief believes everyone has the right to be safe, respected and valued regardless of who they are or their circumstances, and an equal employment opportunity to all candidates and qualified applicants, we do not discriminate on the base of age, sex, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability status and diversity.

Islamic Relief has a zero tolerance towards all forms of violence, sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

IRE highly encourage female applicants to apply for this position. Our organization is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity in the workplace. IRE believe in creating an inclusive working environment where all individuals, regardless of their gender, have equal opportunities for professional growth and development.

IRE value the contributions and unique perspectives that women and persons with disability bring to our organization and are committed to providing a supportive, working environment. IRE believe that by promoting gender equality, we can enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of our programs.

If you are a qualified female candidate with a passion to join our team, we encourage you to submit your application. IRE look forward to considering your candidacy and working together to make a difference in the lives of those in need.