Community Mobilizer – Reconciliation And Peacebuilding at Cooperazione Internazionale (COOPI)

COMMUNITY MOBILIZER – RECONCILIATION AND PEACEBUILDING

The Opportunity: Activating Trust and Ensuring Access at the Grassroots

Effective humanitarian and development interventions rely fundamentally on genuine community ownership and clear, transparent communication. This Community Mobilizer role is the critical frontline link, responsible for activating local structures and ensuring that project services and vital information reach every eligible member of the affected population in Buni Yadi. By fostering trust, mediating community dialogue, and strengthening local peace committees, this position plays an essential, non-negotiable role in stabilizing communities and ensuring the success of reintegration and peacebuilding outcomes.

Job Summary

Cooperazione Internazionale (COOPI) is seeking a highly skilled and locally respected Community Mobilizer to enhance community engagement and communication for the UNDP project in Buni Yadi, Yobe State. The role involves leading outreach activities, disseminating accurate information on entitlements and services, and building the capacity of local peace clubs, VSLAs, and community leaders to support the reintegration of former associates and promote peaceful coexistence.

What Skills Are Needed: Core Community Engagement and Communication Competencies

Competency Description
Local Knowledge & Residency Mandatory residency in Buni Yadi and deep understanding of local social, political, and cultural dynamics for effective community acceptance and access.
Communication & Training Strong ability to facilitate group discussions, conduct awareness sessions, and utilize culturally appropriate communication channels (e.g., local radio, town criers).
Local Language Fluency Essential fluency in local languages (Hausa/Kanuri) to ensure direct and accurate message dissemination and feedback collection.
Stakeholder Coordination Proven experience establishing and maintaining strong relationships with local government authorities, traditional/religious leaders, and various community-based organizations (CBOs).
Referral Pathway Management Skill in identifying vulnerable individuals and efficiently linking them to appropriate external service providers (protection, health, livelihoods).

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

The Community Mobilizer reports to the Project Coordinator and Livelihood Officer, focusing on effective communication, mobilization, and local capacity building.

1. Community Engagement and Information Transparency

  • Outreach Leadership: Lead community-level outreach and sensitization activities, serving as the primary liaison to disseminate accurate and timely project information regarding service entitlements, eligibility criteria, and distribution schedules.
  • Feedback and FAQs: Conduct regular sensitization sessions focused on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and community concerns to foster transparency, address rumors, and improve local knowledge of the program.
  • Channels Selection: Identify and utilize appropriate and culturally sensitive communication channels (e.g., peace club meetings, posters, community radio) tailored to the local context and languages.

2. Local Structure Coordination and Capacity Building

  • Stakeholder Relations: Establish and maintain robust working relationships with key community leaders, women’s/youth groups, former associates’ IGA groups, and local government officials (LGAs) to foster trust and facilitate intervention acceptance.
  • Local Capacity Strengthening: Mentor and coach existing community structures (e.g., Rapid Response Committees, peace clubs) on effective communication strategies, conflict resolution, and the identification of early warning signs.
  • Active Participation: Ensure the active participation of all target beneficiaries and volunteer networks in outreach activities and service delivery events, promoting inclusive decision-making.

3. Referral, Service Linkage, and Accountability

  • Service Pathways: Facilitate the community-based referral process by accurately identifying individuals with specific needs (e.g., protection, health) and linking them to appropriate internal and external service providers.
  • Follow-up and Documentation: Follow up on all referred cases to confirm service reception and document feedback to continuously improve the efficacy of the referral system.
  • Ethical Conduct: Ensure all community mobilization activities treat beneficiaries with dignity and strictly adhere to COOPI’s Code of Conduct and policies on gender equality and conflict sensitivity.

4. Monitoring, Reporting, and Behavioral Change

  • Data Contribution: Document all outreach activities, attendance records, and comprehensive community feedback to inform program adjustments and support the M&E team’s learning processes.
  • BCC Promotion: Design and promote positive, culturally sensitive Behavior Change Communication (BCC) messages aimed at improving key public health and protection outcomes in the community.

Professional Qualifications and Experience

Education

  • Diploma or Degree in Sociology, Community Development, Social Work, or a related field.

Experience

  • Minimum of two (2) years of proven experience in community engagement, outreach, or mobilization for a humanitarian or development organization.
  • Practical experience working with community-based structures, local authorities, and vulnerable populations, including former associates.

Skills & Attributes

  • MANDATORY: Resident of Buni Yadi, Yobe State.
  • MANDATORY: Fluency in local languages (Hausa/Kanuri) is essential for effective communication.
  • Strong team work, interpersonal, and basic reporting skills.
  • Willingness to travel frequently within rural communities under sometimes challenging field conditions.

Benefits of Applying

COOPI offers a stimulating environment focused on humanitarian impact and principled action:

  • Competitive Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the essential community-level responsibilities and required local knowledge in Buni Yadi.
  • Mission-Critical Role: Direct involvement in the daily operational success of a major UNDP-funded peacebuilding and reintegration program.
  • Local Empowerment: Opportunity to directly strengthen local governance and peace mechanisms through mentoring and capacity building.
  • Integrated Teamwork: Work closely with specialized teams (Livelihood, Protection) to deliver a holistic intervention package.

About the Organization (Cooperazione Internazionale – COOPI)

Cooperazione Internazionale (COOPI) is a leading humanitarian non-governmental organization founded in Italy, dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities globally to enhance their resilience. Our mission focuses on integrated programming, specializing in climate-smart agricultural productivity, disaster emergency response, protection, and peacebuilding initiatives. We are committed to empowering communities not just through aid, but through sustainable practices, innovative solutions, and localized capacity building efforts. COOPI prides itself on strict adherence to humanitarian principles and fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.

Application Details

Detail Information
Location Buni Yadi, Yobe State, Nigeria (Mandatory Residency)
Employment Type Full-Time Contract
Salary Expectation Competitive
Application Closing Date 24th December, 2025

Method of Application

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their application, including a detailed CV and a cover letter emphasizing their ties to and knowledge of the Buni Yadi community, via the designated online application link.

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Tips for Applicants

  1. Affirm Residency: Clearly state that you are a resident of Buni Yadi in your CV or cover letter, and mention the local languages you are fluent in.
  2. Detail Community Links: Provide concrete examples of local structures (e.g., youth group, VSLAs, religious leaders) you have successfully mobilized or collaborated with in previous roles.
  3. Show Communication Skill: Describe a challenge you faced in communicating sensitive information (e.g., selection criteria) to a community and how you overcame it using culturally appropriate methods to maintain transparency and trust.