Community Outreach Worker

The International Rescue Committee is initiating a short-term nutrition focused project funded by UNICEF. The initial duration of the project is 4 months with possible further extension. The project will contribute to improving the nutrition service delivery and outreach in seven districts of Punjab province.

The Community Outreach Worker will be required to coordinate and facilitate the project activities in the target union councils of the district related to the communities such as identification and formation of community-health committees/ peer support groups, mobilize and facilitate active participation of community members, participate in planning, monitoring and implementation of agreed activities, support community groups in identification, screening and referral of malnourished children and women, identifying and resolving any related issues at the community level. The person will work in a team and will report to the District Program Officer.

Major Responsibilities:

§ Contribute to design and implementation of outreach community focused activities and provide timely inputs to the project team.

§  Engage community members in various project-related activities, ensuring activities are implemented appropriately. This includes, but is not limited to, conducting initial meetings and formation of peer support groups and community health committees.

§  Facilitate the project team in village-based and door-to-door nutrition screening of children and pregnant and lactating women.

§  Facilitate gathering of peer support groups (Mother-to-Mother/Father-to-Father) and community committees for orientation sessions.

§  Conduct regular meetings with peer support groups and community committees in assigned areas.

§  Coordinate with peer groups and community committees to track and follow up referrals of women and children identified through screening.

§  Run awareness-raising campaigns in communities, including nutrition, health, and related topics.

§  Keep the community updated and involved with the project and its planned activities.

§  Consistently collect data on activities implemented and attendance, recording attendance of children, women, and girls, and submit weekly reports.

§  Flag protection issues that need to be addressed through awareness-raising activities, and support development of key messages and materials.

§  Develop and submit progress reports.

§  Ensure adherence to Code of Conduct and reporting procedures.

§  Perform any other project-related tasks assigned by supervisor.

a)      Education:

Minimum Bachelors, Master’s degree will be advantaged. An academic background related to nutrition; health will be valued.

b)      Work Experience:

Minimum 03-year work experience with an INGO or in offices. Prior experience or familiarity with community health, nutrition, or MNCH programs preferred.

• Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

§  Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with community members, including women, children, and local influencers.

§  Experience in community mobilization, awareness-raising, or facilitation of group sessions (peer groups, committees) in a rural or underserved setting.

§  Basic data collection and reporting skills, including accurate record-keeping and timely submission of activity/attendance data.

§  Sound understanding of local community dynamics, culture with sensitivity to protection and safeguarding concerns.