Community Engagement Officer at Health Initiatives for Safety and Stability in Africa

Health Initiatives for Safety and Stability in Africa (HIFASS) is a non-profit organization registered in 2007 in Nigeria with a core objective of expanding quality health care and treatment in Africa. Our vision is enhancing healthier and safer communities, while our mission is to collaborate with partners to promote comprehensive and sustainable interventions for public health, support military medicine and health diplomacy for peace, stability and development of communities. Over the years HIFASS has provided manpower and associated support to HJF Medical Research International, Ltd Gte in support of Research Protocols and Nigerian Military HIV program across 33 Military Formations.

The Mpox Sero-prevalence protocol (EID 042) is a community-based cross-sectional study that will be implemented in rural and semi-urban communities in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Ikorodu Local Government Area (L.G.A) in Lagos State. The overarching goal of this study is to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of Mpox infection among adult human populations in the two locations in Nigeria.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Community Engagement Officer

Location: Lagos Mainland, Lagos
Employment Type: Contract
Required Licenses, Certification, or Registration: N/A
Work Hours: full-time 40 hours / week
Open to: All interested Applicants

Basic Function

• The incumbent will develop, implement, and coordinate day-to-day activities designed to create community awareness, sensitization, interest, and participation in clinical research as well as support other technical/administrative functions.

Essential Job Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities

• Create linkages with the networks to reach populations.
• Develops community-based outreach initiatives, monitors the recruitment of volunteers within the PHC, and oversees efforts geared towards improving client retention.
• Coordinates advertising and recruitment strategies with the research team.
• Identifies opportunities for investigators to speak to potential collaborators, or potential participant populations and facilitate such events.
• Participates in the development of informational, educational, and communication (IEC) materials and literature.
• Provides community education at different levels to potential study volunteers.
• Provides mitigation communication for clinical research purposes.
• Interfaces with clinical research staff and study volunteers/participants and provides information when needed. This includes but is not limited to assessing participants’ understanding of the study including the nature of visits and samples to be collected.
• Supports written informed consent process for the study.
• Manages the tracking of study participants as appropriate.
• Facilitates and coordinates the community advisory board.
• Develops, and implements innovative and effective techniques to engage communities for clinical research.
• Develops, and regularly reviews/updates community engagement policies, strategies, road maps, procedures, and tools to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of community engagement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Specification

Minimum Education / Training Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science (e.g. Sociology, Social Works, etc.), Humanities, or related field.

Prior Work Experience:

• A minimum of three (3) years’ work experience in community-based activities, including health education/sensitization, social services, and health outreach in support of clinical research and/or public health programs.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of social constructs and cultural values that motivate voluntariness in research.
• Ability to think creatively and implement innovative techniques in community engagement.
• Ability to use computer and office software applications (e.g. Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MS Access, Outlook, and Adobe PDF).
• Knowledge of relevant strategies and best practices in community building, outreach, community relations, convening, and meeting facilitation.
• Excellent English language written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle difficult situations with a positive mindset and focus on the overall goal of engagement.
• Ability to interact with the public, healthcare providers, community gatekeepers/stakeholders/organizations, and social service agencies.

Other specifications:

• Candidates must be resident or ready to relocate to Lagos State.

Salary
N180,0000 – N190,000 gross per month.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Cover Letter and CV to: “The Human Resources Manager (HIFASS)” via: careers@hifass-hfi.org using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.

Note

• You must attach additional certificates that support or address the requirements listed for the position in one PDF format, Resume and CV together in one Word format.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Application Deadline 28th June, 2023.