Community Mobilizer

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action, helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004, working to drive bold and transformative ideas, collaborating closely with government, the private sector, and civil society actors to build a more resilient country, ensuring that programs are responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders. With the launch of Mercy Corps' Global Strategy, Pathway to Possibility, the country office is poised to operationalize its three-year strategy with a vision to enhance the resilience of climate- and conflict-affected communities through market systems development for improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water to thrive in the face of crises.

In Ethiopia, our strategy focuses on four outcome areas:

1. Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods, income, and assets;
2. Pastoralists, farmers, and households have access to sustainably produced, safe, nutritious food;
3. Social cohesion and inclusive governance processes are built in crisis-affected communities; and
4. People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use.

Currently, we operate in six regional states – Afar, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Amhara, and South Ethiopia. Working with a diverse base of donors that includes the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), European Union, GAC, Hilton Foundation, United Nations (UN), JOA, Sweden, EKN, and other foundations, Mercy Corps Ethiopia empowers people to recover from crisis, build better lives, and transform their communities for good.

General Position Summary: Community Mobilizer

Under the guidance of the Health and Nutrition Specialist, the Community Mobilizer will be responsible for conducting community sensitization and mobilization to raise awareness and encourage active participation in CMAM (Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition) and IYCF (Infant and Young Child Feeding) programs. The Community Mobilizer will work closely with community leaders, health workers, local authorities, and Mother-to-Mother support groups to promote optimal infant and young child feeding practices and improve community knowledge of available health and nutrition services. They will facilitate community meetings, focus group discussions, and education sessions, as well as assist in identifying, registering, and verifying project beneficiaries in line with program criteria. Additionally, the Community Mobilizer will assist the MHNT in organizing nutrition education and cooking demonstrations to promote positive behavior change within the target communities.

Position Title: Community Mobilizer Location: Erebti Woreda, Zone 2, Afar region. Position Status: Full-time Salary Level: Based on the organization scale Current Team Member: Existing Safeguarding Risk Level: High

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Project Implementation:

• Conduct community sensitization and mobilization activities to raise awareness about CMAM and IYCF programs.
• Work closely with community leaders, health workers, and local authorities to ensure community engagement and support for the nutrition project.
• Facilitate the formation and strengthening of Mother-to-Mother support groups to promote optimal infant and young child feeding practices.
• Organize and participate in community meetings, focus group discussions, and other activities to engage and educate community members about nutrition and health services.
• Support the identification and registration of project beneficiaries, ensuring they meet the selection criteria.
• Assist in the organization and delivery of nutrition education sessions, cooking demonstrations, and health promotion campaigns.
• Work with the project team to ensure the smooth operation of OTP (Outpatient Therapeutic Program) and SFP (Supplementary Feeding Program) distribution points.
• Ensure accurate recording and reporting of beneficiary data and program activities.

Collaboration and Coordination:

• Foster strong relationships with community volunteers, health workers, and local authorities to enhance program effectiveness.
• Collaborate with other project team members to ensure the integration of nutrition activities with other health and livelihood interventions.
• Participate in regular team meetings and provide updates on community mobilization activities.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Collect and report data on community mobilization activities, including attendance at meetings, participation in support groups, and feedback from community members.
• Assist in monitoring and evaluating the impact of the project on community health and nutrition outcomes.
• Provide regular reports to the project manager on community engagement and mobilization efforts.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Diploma/BSc in a health-related field, social sciences, or community development.
• More than 3 years of experience working with NGOs, particularly in community mobilization and health promotion.
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse ethnic groups in remote areas.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate community members.
• Proficiency in English and the local languages is mandatory.

Success Factors:

• Willingness to travel frequently to villages and reside in rural areas.
• Flexibility and adaptability in challenging working conditions.
• Strong belief in teamwork and gender equality.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Mercy Corps.