Project Duration: 24 Months
Position Summary:

The Community Engagement Officer will support the Gilgit-Baltistan Local Area Development Programme by driving community participation and awareness in project activities that enhance ecosystem management, governance, and renewable energy access. This role will focus on mobilizing communities, gathering local feedback, and promoting participation in ecosystem restoration, conservation, and renewable energy initiatives. The Community Engagement Officer will work closely with the project team, local communities, and stakeholders to ensure that project interventions are culturally appropriate and community-driven, while aligning with organization’s engagement standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Community Mobilization and Awareness:

• Lead community mobilization campaigns to foster support for ecosystem management, conservation, and renewable energy initiatives.
• Conduct community awareness sessions focused on land restoration, water conservation, and sustainable practices.
• Organize cultural events and promote community-led activities to celebrate and enhance local engagement in project interventions.

Stakeholder Engagement and Needs Assessment:

• Conduct needs assessments to gather insights from community members and identify priorities.
• Facilitate focus group discussions with local stakeholders to inform ecosystem and renewable energy project components.
• Build relationships with community leaders, local organizations, and key stakeholders to strengthen project alignment with community goals.

Educational and Training Sessions:

• Coordinate and deliver water management training sessions and ecosystem protection education sessions.
• Support training in innovative agriculture practices, focusing on kitchen gardening, fruit processing, and climate resilient agriculture.
• Organize workshops on climate sensitive gender considerations and leadership training for women in climate governance.

Communication and Success Story Collection:

• Document success stories from community members and beneficiaries to highlight project impact.
• Work with the communications team to develop engaging narratives, testimonials, and content showcasing project outcomes and community involvement.
• Capture high quality photos and videos during project activities and events to enhance community awareness materials.

Coordination and Reporting:

• Collaborate with project teams and partners to ensure accurate documentation and timely reporting of community engagement activities.
• Prepare reports on community engagement progress, challenges, and achievements for submission to the project management team.
• Track feedback from community members and integrate their suggestions into project activities to ensure responsive and effective project implementation.

Feedback Mechanisms and Conflict Resolution:

• Establish feedback mechanisms within the community to ensure ongoing input and responsiveness to local concerns.
• Participate in conflict management training sessions and support local conflict resolution efforts to ensure smooth project operations.

Promotion of Renewable Energy and Sustainable Practices:

• Educate communities on the benefits of renewable energy and sustainable practices through dedicated sessions and hands-on demonstrations.
• Engage communities in the adoption of renewable energy solutions, including solar water pumps and pilot biomass projects.
• Support the installation and maintenance of renewable energy systems by mobilizing community members and providing on-site guidance.

Compliance and Cultural Sensitivity:

Ensure that all community engagement activities align with organization’s engagement standards and are sensitive to local cultural contexts.

Maintain consistency in messaging, tone, and approach across all community-facing materials and activities.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Community Development, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
• Experience: 2-3 years of experience in community mobilization, stakeholder engagement, or project implementation, preferably in an NGO or community-based setting.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
  • Strong interpersonal skills with experience in community engagement, facilitation, and conflict resolution.
  • Proficiency in local languages and familiarity with Gilgit-Baltistan's cultural context is highly preferred.
• Organizational Skills:
  • Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities with experience in coordinating large groups and events.
  • Ability to document and report on field activities accurately and consistently.
• Technical Knowledge:
  • Familiarity with sustainable development, renewable energy, and ecosystem management is an advantage.
  • Basic photography and storytelling skills for documenting project impact.
• Flexibility and Cultural Sensitivity:
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse communities and handle project activities in a culturally respectful and inclusive manner.