Community Engagement Specialist: UN-Habitat Kenya

Job Title: Community Engagement Specialist

Job Level: Senior

Location: Nairobi and Kisumu Counties, Kenya

Company: UN-Habitat Kenya Country Programme

Reference: CFP/01-2024/PINUA/UNH/KEN

Published Date: 31st January 2024

Submission Deadline: 14th February 2024; 5:00 pm East African Time

Email Address: unhabitat-ken@un.org

Introduction: UN-Habitat’s Kenya Country Programme, with funding from the EU, is launching a call for proposals (CFP) to seek partnership in the project Partnership Implementing the New Urban Agenda – PINUA. The project requires the services of a seasoned Community Engagement Specialist to develop a sensitization and community engagement plan, including stakeholder mapping for housing sustainability programs, and assess relevant stakeholders in selected sites in Nairobi and Kisumu counties.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in fostering close coordination and collaboration with the respective counties and the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, Slum Upgrading Department. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Processes of Community Engagement and Sensitization:

• Provide an outline of effective community engagement and sensitization processes to raise awareness of PINUA implementation.

2. Customized Community Sensitization and Engagement Guide:

• Create tailored community sensitization and engagement guides for selected sites in Nairobi and Kisumu counties, in collaboration with local stakeholders.

3. Analysis of Beneficiaries and Stakeholders:

• Analyze the demographic information of KISIP beneficiaries, identify vulnerable or marginalized groups, assess community power dynamics, and understand stakeholder interests and concerns.

4. Development of Community Feedback Framework:

• Establish a robust framework for collecting, analyzing, and responding to community feedback, ensuring transparency and accountability in project communication.

5. Preparation of Communities for Sensitization:

• Assist in preparing selected communities for sensitization and engagement activities outlined in the plan, facilitating replication and scaling-up across Kenya.

6. Stakeholder Mapping and Collaboration:

• Develop a comprehensive mapping of stakeholders invested in housing sustainability programs, fostering effective engagement, collaboration, and communication in each community.

Requirements:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Community Development, or related field.
• Proven experience in community engagement, stakeholder analysis, and project management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical abilities and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with urban development issues in Kenya is an advantage.

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant for Community Engagement Specialist:

1. Demonstrate Relevant Experience: Highlight your experience in community engagement, emphasizing successful projects and initiatives.
2. Showcase your ability to collaborate: Provide examples of times you successfully collaborated with diverse stakeholders to achieve project goals.
3. Highlight Communication Skills: Emphasize your effective communication skills, both verbal and written, essential for engaging communities and stakeholders.
4. Tailor Your Proposal: Customize your proposal to address the specific needs outlined in the CFP, demonstrating your understanding of the project requirements.
5. Provide Clear Methodologies: Clearly outline your methodologies for community engagement, stakeholder analysis, and feedback collection, demonstrating a structured approach to your work.
6. Show Commitment to Transparency: Stress the importance of transparency and accountability in project communication, showcasing your commitment to ensuring community voices are heard and valued.
7. Highlight Adaptability: Showcase your ability to adapt to diverse community contexts and navigate complex power dynamics effectively.
8. Emphasize Results: Provide concrete examples of past projects where your community engagement efforts led to tangible outcomes and positive impacts.
9. Collaborative Approach: Demonstrate your willingness to collaborate with local authorities, community leaders, and other stakeholders to achieve project objectives.
10. Stay Updated: Stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in community engagement and urban development, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
11. Express Enthusiasm: Show genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the PINUA project, highlighting your passion for sustainable urban development and community empowerment.

Sample Cover Letter for Community Engagement Specialist:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Community Engagement Specialist position at UN-Habitat’s Kenya Country Programme, as advertised. With a Bachelor’s degree in Community Development and five years of experience in community engagement and project management, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to the Partnership Implementing the New Urban Agenda – PINUA project.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering communities and fostering inclusive development processes. In my previous role at XYZ Organization, I led a team in implementing community engagement initiatives that resulted in increased participation and ownership of development projects among marginalized groups. I believe my experience in stakeholder analysis, community mobilization, and capacity building aligns well with the requirements of this role.

One of my key strengths is my ability to establish meaningful relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations. I am skilled in facilitating participatory processes that prioritize the voices of marginalized groups and ensure their needs are addressed in project planning and implementation.

In addition to my practical experience, I am proficient in project management tools and techniques, which enable me to effectively plan, execute, and monitor community engagement activities. I am also highly adaptable and thrive in dynamic environments where innovative solutions are needed to address complex challenges.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the PINUA project and support UN-Habitat’s mission of sustainable urban development. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your team.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What is the deadline for submitting proposals?

The submission deadline for proposals is 14th February 2024, at 5:00 pm East African Time. Proposals received after this deadline will not be considered.

2. Are there specific requirements for proposal language?

Yes, all proposals and accompanying documents must be in English.

3. Can I submit my proposal to a different email address?

No, proposals and accompanying documents must be sent to unhabitat-ken@un.org. Submissions to a different email address will not be considered.

4. Will proposals without the requested information be accepted?

No, proposals not providing the requested information will be disregarded.

5. Is there a preferred currency for pricing in the proposals?

Yes, all prices must be in USD.

6. How can I obtain further details and project background?

For further details and project background, please contact unhabitat-ken@un.org.

7. Is there an opportunity for collaboration with local governments?

Yes, close collaboration with county and national governments is encouraged in carrying out the assignment in the respective communities.

8. Can I submit proposals for multiple sites?

Yes, proposals for multiple sites are acceptable, provided they meet the requirements outlined in the CFP.

9. Will there be opportunities for capacity building and training?

Yes, the Implementing Partner will assist in preparing selected communities for sensitization and engagement activities, facilitating replication and scaling-up across Kenya.

10. Is there any application fee involved?

No, we do not charge any application fee (refundable or non-refundable) at any stage of the recruitment process.

Possible Community Engagement Specialist Interview Questions With Answers:

1. How do you plan to build rapport with diverse stakeholders, including community members and government officials?

• Answer: Building rapport with stakeholders requires active listening, empathy, and transparency. I plan to initiate dialogue with each stakeholder group to understand their perspectives, concerns, and expectations, fostering trust and collaboration.

2. Can you provide an example of a successful community engagement initiative you led in the past?

• Answer: Certainly. In my previous role, I spearheaded a community-driven project to improve access to clean water in a rural village. Through participatory planning and collaboration with local leaders, we implemented a sustainable water management system that significantly improved the quality of life for residents.

3. How do you handle conflicts or disagreements among stakeholders during community engagement processes?

• Answer: Conflict resolution is an integral part of community engagement. I believe in fostering open dialogue, facilitating mediation sessions, and seeking win-win solutions that address the underlying concerns of all parties involved.

4. How do you ensure the voices of marginalized groups are heard and valued in project decision-making processes?

• Answer: I prioritize inclusive and participatory approaches that actively involve marginalized groups in decision-making processes. This may include targeted outreach, capacity building, and the use of inclusive communication methods to ensure their perspectives are represented and respected.

5. What strategies do you employ to ensure sustainability and long-term impact in community development projects?

• Answer: Sustainability is a core principle in my approach to community development. I focus on building local capacity, fostering ownership, and integrating community feedback into project design and implementation to ensure initiatives are culturally appropriate, environmentally sound, and economically viable in the long run.

6. How do you adapt your community engagement strategies to different cultural contexts?

• Answer: Cultural sensitivity is paramount in community engagement. I invest time in understanding local customs, traditions, and social dynamics, and tailor my approach accordingly. Flexibility and respect for diversity are key principles in adapting strategies to different cultural contexts.

7. Can you share an example of a time when you had to overcome resistance to change during a community engagement process?

• Answer: Certainly. In a recent project, there was initial resistance from community members towards a proposed infrastructure development. By engaging in transparent communication, addressing concerns, and demonstrating the potential benefits, we were able to garner support and successfully implement the project.

8. How do you measure the effectiveness of community engagement activities?

• Answer: Effectiveness can be measured through various indicators, including participation rates, stakeholder feedback, and project outcomes. I employ qualitative and quantitative methods, such as surveys, focus groups, and participatory evaluations, to assess the impact of engagement activities and inform continuous improvement.

9. What role do you see technology playing in enhancing community engagement efforts?

• Answer: Technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing community engagement by facilitating communication, data collection, and knowledge sharing. I leverage digital platforms, mobile apps, and GIS mapping tools to increase accessibility, efficiency, and transparency in engagement processes.

10. How do you ensure the sustainability of community engagement initiatives beyond project completion?

• Answer: Sustainability requires long-term planning and capacity building. I focus on empowering local stakeholders to take ownership of initiatives, establishing mechanisms for ongoing dialogue and collaboration, and integrating engagement processes into existing community structures to ensure continuity and resilience.

We wish you the best in your application process. Our website is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not charge any application fee (refundable or non-refundable) at any stage of the recruitment process.