Location: Njombe Region, Tanzania

Hey there! If you’re on the lookout for a job in Tanzania, you’ve landed in the right place. Bongoremix is a top job site that showcases the latest openings from amazing employers. Right now, COCODA is searching for a Community Engagement Officer. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, keep reading!

What is COCODA?

COCODA (Community Conservation Development Activities) is a non-governmental organization that kicked off back in 2000. It was founded because many folks in Tanzania were worried about the growing number of orphans. This was mainly due to the rise in HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, which left lots of kids without parents. This situation really hurt the community’s social and economic growth.

So, COCODA set out to make a difference! Their mission is to help local communities understand more about HIV/AIDS, support orphans and vulnerable kids, provide job skills to young people, and set up small groups to boost the local economy.

What is the EpiC Project?

Here’s where things get even more interesting! The EpiC (Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control) project is a global initiative funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This project is all about achieving and maintaining control over the HIV epidemic.

In Tanzania, FHI360 is the main organization handling this funding. COCODA has teamed up with FHI360 to roll out the EpiC project in the Njombe and Mtwara regions. They’re focusing on 6 councils in Njombe and 9 councils in Mtwara to tackle important challenges and gaps in the response to HIV, especially for key and vulnerable populations (KVP) and young women and girls.

The Role of the Community Engagement Officer

COCODA is looking for someone motivated to fill the Community Engagement Officer position. You’ll be working with the EpiC Regional Technical team to implement an HIV prevention program aimed at those most at risk in the region, especially vulnerable populations like adolescent girls and young women.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Monitoring Activities: You’ll check that the Social and Behavioral Change (SBC) activities are carried out according to national standards and EpiC guidelines, ensuring beneficiaries receive quality services.
  • Supervising and Building Capacity: You’ll guide peer educators and mobilizers, helping them during outreach activities like mobile testing and community engagement.
  • Managing Strategies: Implement strategies like the Social Network Strategy (SNS), Enhanced Peer Outreach Approaches (EPOA), and Risk Network Referrals (RnR) to connect with more people in the community.

Sounds exciting, right? Let’s break down the job details!

Job Responsibilities

  • Team Management: Oversee a team of peer educators, mobilizers, and navigators to deliver comprehensive HIV services like HIV testing, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), TB services, and family planning.
  • Community Activities: Ensure effective implementation of community-based activities such as mobile testing, self-testing, and outreach services.
  • Condom and PrEP Access: Make sure that key and vulnerable populations can easily access condoms and PrEP services.
  • Training: Conduct training sessions for adolescent girls and young women and other at-risk groups about SBC strategies.
  • Community Support: Help peer educators during community events, including outreach services, education sessions, and client referrals.
  • Monitoring and Supervision: Keep an eye on community activities, ensuring that peer educators and navigators have all the tools they need.
  • Coordination: Work with the linkage and case management teams to provide a seamless continuum of care for clients.
  • Online Outreach: Expand your reach by implementing online outreach strategies.

Networking and Collaboration

Building strong relationships is key! As a Community Engagement Officer, you’ll:

  • Network: Maintain good connections with stakeholders like other organizations and local government agencies.
  • Link to Support Services: Help the target population connect with support services, including economic strengthening.
  • Collaborate: Work with other partners to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Reporting

You’ll be responsible for:

  • Planning: Prepare weekly and monthly route plans to reach your target population.
  • Documentation: Document experiences and share success stories.
  • Performance Monitoring: Track the progress of your team, providing weekly updates and monthly reports to your Program Manager.
  • Data Evaluation: Collaborate with the Data Manager to evaluate the project’s progress.

Qualifications Needed

To apply for this role, you’ll need:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in public health, social work, community development, sociology, or a related field.
  • 3 to 5 years of relevant experience working with key and vulnerable populations in the community.
  • Knowledge of health and development programs in Tanzania, especially those related to KVP and gender guidelines.
  • Experience working with NGOs, community-based organizations, and health facilities.
  • Strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
  • Good computer skills.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to take the leap, here’s how to apply:

  • Subject Line: Include the ‘Position Title’ in your email subject line.
  • Documents: Attach a cover letter, your updated CV, and certified copies of your academic certificates.
  • Deadline: Submit your application by 4:00 PM on August 25, 2024 via email to hr@cocoda.or.tz.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, so make your application stand out!

Final Words

COCODA is committed to providing equal opportunities for all qualified candidates. They also emphasize the importance of avoiding job scams. Remember, COCODA won’t charge any fees for job positions advertised.

If you’re excited about making a difference in your community and have a passion for helping others, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. So, get your application ready and be part of a fantastic team working toward a brighter future!