Community Engagement Specialist

Company Description

CARE is a leading humanitarian organization dedicated to fighting poverty and social injustice with a special emphasis on women and girls. CARE began working in Zimbabwe in 1992 in response to severe regional drought and has since expanded programming to address longer-term development issues.

Position Summary

To provide specialized technical expertise and hands-on support that contributes to the effective delivery of quality services and the achievement of sustained outcomes. As the Specialist, he/she will provide technical guidance and support to Project Officers, ensuring the achievement of sustained project outcomes. This involves documenting processes and lessons learned to enable continuous improvement of approaches and achievement of results. I will collaborate closely with provincial and district-level stakeholders for alignment of strategies, coordinating activities, and fostering effective local-level implementation. Additionally, the role includes responsibilities for work planning, which encompasses developing schedules and monitoring progress to ensure timely and efficient delivery of the planned activities and outputs.

Job Description

Technical Guidance for Sustained Outcomes

• Review and develop detailed implementation plans, budgets, risk matrices, and procurement frameworks.
• Develop checklists and guides to standardize processes and ensure quality control.
• Train staff on the use and implementation of refined strategies, checklists, and guides.
• Create coaching and mentoring guides to enhance staff capacity.
• Design and coordinate remedial strategy programs to address specific LSPs needs.
• Conduct results-based monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of interventions.
• Analyse new technologies, methodologies, or practices and make informed decisions for adaptation.
• Communicate program strategies to Project Officers to ensure effective implementation across the program.
• Support development of survey tools and participate in the surveys

Work planning

• Lead project start-up processes and strategic direction.
• Collaborate with District Manager on district level planning.
• Participate in district quarterly review and planning meetings.
• Develop strategy for training of new LSPs.
• Represents Takunda in relevant technical forums

Documentation for Continuous Improvement

• Document lessons learned to inform ongoing improvements.
• Provide supportive monitoring to ensure adherence to best practices.
• Analyse data and produce comprehensive reports.
• Participate in pause-and-reflect sessions to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.
• Develop and review manuals as needed to address identified gaps.
• Compiles and submits quarterly reports

Provincial and District level collaboration

• Track impact of policy conversation the program has influenced on participants and determine further actions required.
• Engage government and private sector stakeholders for effective programing.
• Identify and nurture relationships with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Education: Degree in Agriculture, Nutrition, Food Sciences, Public Health, Natural Resources Managements, Business studies, WASH, Markets, Livelihoods, Youth Programing, Community Engagement, Social Sciences, Gender, Disaster Management, Knowledge Management, Development Studies, Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Behavior Change and related fields.

Additional Information

• Experience:
  • 3-4 years experience in community development
  • Demonstrated experience in facilitating learning and knowledge sharing processes, in establishing and managing dynamic feedback systems to capture ideas and mobilize communities. Ability to foster collaboration amongst diverse groups and communities is required.
  • In-depth understanding of gender, age, and other locally significant socio-cultural factors in the context of food and nutrition security and resilience programming.

Additional Information

Why Join Us?

At CARE Zimbabwe, you will be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable communities. We offer a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to contribute to impactful programs.