Community Liaison & Safeguarding Officer

Purpose

West African coastal regions are grappling with significant climate change impacts. Rising sea levels and intensifying storms are eroding vital coastal ecosystems like beaches, dunes, and coral reefs, compromising coastal defenses. Moreover, altered rainfall patterns are leading to more frequent and severe droughts and floods, disrupting agriculture, fisheries, and water resources. These climate-related changes are also significantly impacting coastal infrastructure, housing, and agricultural land, increasing their vulnerability.

To address these challenges, a collaborative effort between UN-Habitat, the University of Twente, HFHI, and the Abidjan Convention has developed a project proposal approved by the Adaptation Fund in August 2023. This project aims to enhance the resilience of small and medium-sized coastal settlements in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire through:

• Spatial Planning: Developing and implementing integrated coastal zone management plans.
• Concrete Interventions: Implementing early warning systems, developing green and blue infrastructure (e.g., mangrove reforestation, coastal protection measures), and promoting climate-resilient agriculture and livelihoods.
• Coordination & Governance: Strengthening local governance structures and fostering community participation in decision-making processes.

HFHI will lead the implementation of various climate adaptation activities at the field level, focusing on early warning systems, awareness raising, green and blue infrastructure development, mangrove reforestation, climate-resilient agriculture, and other livelihood opportunities.

HFHI is seeking a Community Liaison & Safeguarding Officer responsible for promoting and implementing community engagement, social safeguards, and inclusive development practices.

Duties

Community Development:

• Coordinate community consultations to ensure local knowledge and concerns inform project planning and implementation.
• Supervise and guide the Community Mobiliser, supporting planning, coordination, and performance monitoring.
• Organize awareness sessions and training programs to promote meaningful community engagement and participation.
• Build partnerships with communities and local stakeholders to support collaborative project delivery.
• Ensure social safeguards are applied to protect vulnerable groups throughout project implementation.
• Promote inclusive participation and local ownership using approaches that address exclusion and power imbalances.
• Support feedback and community monitoring mechanisms, working with MEAL to ensure accountability at field level.

Safeguarding Responsibilities:

• Lead implementation of Habitat’s Safeguarding Policy, ensuring contextual alignment with regional guidance.
• Develop and monitor the Safeguarding Plan, and support partners in integrating safeguarding across operations.
• Act as the main safeguarding focal point, offering a trusted channel for raising and managing concerns.
• Deliver safeguarding training for staff, partners, mobilisers, and volunteers, ensuring clear understanding and compliance.
• Design and share safeguarding materials adapted to local communities, including children and at-risk adults.
• Establish complaint and feedback mechanisms with MEAL, ensuring confidentiality and cultural relevance.
• Contribute to program design, advising on safer programming, risk analysis, and mitigation strategies.
• Conduct safeguarding risk assessments and guide staff and partners in applying mitigation measures.
• Coordinate with internal teams and focal points to promote duty-of-care practices across all project activities.
• Participate in safeguarding networks and forums, representing HFHI and supporting shared learning.
• Work with the Regional Safeguarding Advisor on case management, referrals, and investigations as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in community development, social work, or a related field and minimum seven (7) years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in English and French.

Experience

• Proven experience in community engagement, social safeguards, and community development in the context of development projects.
• 5 years previous experience of development/humanitarian work, or related work.
• 3-5 years of safeguarding experience or experience in a similar field such as protection, child protection.
• Experienced trainer, facilitator and mediator.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of Safeguarding principles, inclusive development, and community participation
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Pro-active and strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in delivering training programs and capacity building activities.
• Ability to work effectively in diverse and multicultural environments.
• Ability to adapt to changing project needs and drive continuous improvement.

Preferred Requirements (in addition to minimum):

• Working in coastal communities in West Africa (Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana preferred).
• With international development projects.
• Working with local communities and engaging in participatory development approaches.
• Familiarity with community-based climate adaptation and resilience initiatives.

How to apply

Send a cover letter and a resume at: hfhcirecrutement@habitatci.org

For more detailed information about this, call us at (225) 27 22 41 97 75.