Safeguarding and Community Engagement Manager 78 views0 applications

Position Summary:

The coastal regions in West Africa are facing various challenges associated with climate change, including coastal erosion and alterations in rainfall patterns. Rising sea levels and more frequent storms are causing destruction of important ecosystems such as beaches, dunes and coral reefs, which protect the coasts from flooding and erosion. The changes in rainfall patterns are causing more frequent and intense droughts and floods, affecting agriculture, fisheries, and water supply. The challenges are also damaging infrastructure, housing, and agricultural land.

In partnership, UN-Habitat, University of Twente, HFHI and Abidjan Convention designed a project with three different but complementary components: spatial planning, concrete interventions, and coordination and governance. The project goal is to improve adaptation of small to medium coastal settlements of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire by reducing climate change impact and establishing resilient economies and communities. The project proposal was approved by the Adaptation Fund in August 2023.

HFHI will be in charge of the implementation of various climate adaptation activities at the field level, with a focus on early warning systems, awareness raising, green and blue infrastructure development, mangroves reforestation, climate-resilient agriculture and other livelihoods opportunities.

HFHI is seeking a Safeguarding and Community Engagement Manager responsible for promoting and implementing community engagement, social safeguards, and inclusive development practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities.

Safeguarding (70% weighting)

• Coordinate the contextualization of Child and Adult Safeguarding Policy and related procedures, in alignment with regional and global guidelines.
• Champion safeguarding policies and provide accessible guidance and support to managers and staff to ensure safeguarding measures are integrated into all aspects of program operations.
• Represent Habitat on safeguarding matters externally in development settings; and participate internally in safeguarding networks such as Community of Practice (COP) with Safeguarding Focal Points.
• Establish a Safeguarding plan for the Adaptation fund program and monitor its implementation, including supporting partners to mainstream safeguarding standards in their operations
• Manage and deliver safeguarding training for staff, local volunteers and partners, tracking progress to ensure compliance with Habitat’s safeguarding standards
• Develop and implement Safeguarding awareness raising materials and community engagement strategies for community members, including at-risk adults and children.
• Participate in program design meetings to promote Safer programing guidelines including risk management strategies.
• Facilitate connections between program leadership and Area Office Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) including Human Resources, Safety and Security, Volunteer Engagement etc to champion our duty of care commitment for the people we serve, partner and work with
• Develop and provide guidance on safeguarding risk analysis and management, supporting teams to identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with MEAL team to establish safeguarding complaint mechanisms and raise awareness within communities
• Act as a reporting avenue for safeguarding related issues, concerns or experiences and foster an environment where all potential safeguarding misconducts are reported as per Habitat’s Safeguarding Policy.
• Collaborate with Safeguarding Regional Advisor for guidance and support regarding cases and case referrals with respect to safeguarding investigations, coordinating case management, and support fact-gathering as needed.

Community Development (30% Weighting)

• Provide leadership, supervision and guidance to the community mobiliser, ensuring they meet performance expectations
• Coordinate and lead awareness-raising activities and training programs, with a focus on safeguarding and sustainable community consultation practices.
• Organize consultations with communities, government agencies, and relevant stakeholders to gather input, address concerns, and incorporate local knowledge into project planning and implementation.
• Foster collaboration and engagement with local communities to ensure their active participation in project activities.
• Implement social safeguards to protect the rights and well-being of community members throughout project implementation, including vulnerable groups.
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in community development, social work, or a related field and minimum ten (10) years of relevant experience in leadership roles such as SCE Manager
• Fluency in English and French

Years of Related Experience:

• Proven experience in community engagement, social safeguards, and community development in the context of development projects.
• Experienced knowledge of Adaptation Fund policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
• Experience working in the Cote D’Ivoire and Ghana will be an added advantage.
• 5 years previous experience of development/humanitarian work, or related work
• 3-5 years of safeguarding experience or experience in a similar field such as protection, child protection, SGBV – preferably in an international non-profit organization
• Experienced trainer, facilitator and mediator
• Experience dealing with sensitive matters – highly confidential and discrete – and ability to build/maintain trust
• Must have excellent problem – solving, and decision-making skills
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills
• Desired – 1-3+ years of safeguarding investigation experience.
• Preferred – experience adhering to safeguarding compliance requirements from donor.

  Knowledge, Skills & Abilities.

  • Strong knowledge of Safeguarding principles, inclusive development, and community participation.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working effectively with diverse community stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in delivering training programs and capacity building activities.
  • Commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of community members throughout project implementation.
  • Knowledge of climate change adaptation issues, particularly in coastal areas.