Key Responsibilities for the Community Development Specialist include:
 
*Develop and implement an humanitarian accountability framework, standards and processes relative to open and transparent beneficiary selection criteria and processes; community feedback mechanisms; and communication with the community about the organization and projects.
* Lead the participatory development, implementation and monitoring of the community engagement and mobilization strategy across locations. Plan, support, monitor and guide the work of Community Engagement staff in the communities to enable to timely achievement of goals and objectives for each project.
* Build, train and mentor inclusive community teams and participate in facilitating ongoing community meetings and discussions.
* Teach and model community development and engagement standards, principles, practices and approaches to other staff, and build organizational and community capacity (either informally or formally).
*Organize a community-based technical working group or committee that will enable the community/partner beneficiaries to provide input into:  project plans, making sure the most vulnerable and those in need are reached, the design and implementation of shelters and core homes, sweat equity participation, and participation in livelihood and construction programs.
* Promote the development of local community capacity to respond to their own
self-identified needs, concerns and aspirations for a more sustainable approach over the long-term. 
* Conduct community assessments as required and collaborate with the Program Department and the Design, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) unit on the planning, design, implementation and monitoring of new projects and initiatives.
* Facilitate participatory project planning and design processes with the community.
* Conduct community assets and needs mapping as requested, and build on community strengths, assets, links, relationships and capacity to plan for and carry out projects and community activities.
* Build productive and positive relationships and partnerships with community stakeholders, community-based staff, CBOs/NGOs to fill identified gaps in holistic and sustainable responses. 
* Conduct community outreach to increase participation in Habitat’s education and training modules for the community (i.e. disaster risk reduction, preparedness, safe housing, and shelter and latrine maintenance, among others). 
* Drawing upon knowledge, evidence and experience-based best practices, ensure equitable and gender competent approaches in our interventions, as well as for other vulnerable populations.
* Coordinate community-based Participatory Action Research and self-measurement for ongoing accountability and learning, in collaboration and with support from the DPME team.
* Document experience, learning and change in communities as a result of community engagement and development processes and activities as well as project interventions, and disseminate learning. 
* Monitor budget information for specific projects as requested.
* Ensure the quality and timely completion of community-level records and reports.
* Guide the development and communication of project exit strategies
* Interact with HFH global disaster response team.

* Bachelor’s degree in Social Work/Community Development or International Development with a Master’s degree preferred.
* Minimum 3-5 years experience developing and managing participatory processes in international development and experience in large-scale community engagement programs.
* Successful experience with community-based development in a conflict and/or humanitarian response context.
* Strong skills in assessment, coordination, planning, team development, implementation, measurement and documentation for accountability, and mentoring others (i.e. community members, staff/local team members). Familiar with humanitarian accountability frameworks, standards and processes.
* Demonstrated ability to lead and facilitate community activities and make public presentations.
* Ability to effectively lead, train, mentor, and supervise teams.
* Self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as in an integrated team environment.
* Strong interpersonal and relational skills and a positive attitude.
* Strong problem solving skills and the ability to multi-task.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills.
* Detail oriented with strong organizational skills.
* Written and verbal fluency in English required; French and Haitian Creoloe highly preferred, or the willingness and ability to learn required.
* Working knowledge of Microsoft software, internet and basic office equipment.
* Ability and desire to learn new computer applications and databases (i.e. ArcView GIS.)

Please submit your cover letter and resume as ONE DOCUMENT into our applicant tracking system.

HFHI is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ and assign the best qualified personnel for all our positions in a manner that does not unlawfully discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, gender, marital status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, veteran/reserve national guard status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.