Community Education and Engagement Officer _at CareEpilepsy Ethiopia

Job Title: Community Education and Engagement Officer
Location: Addis Ababa (with occasional travel to regions)
Type: Full-time, 12-month contract (renewable)

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

CareEpilepsy Ethiopia is a dedicated organization in the country supporting people living with epilepsy and associated disorders. We aim to address the widespread neglect and stigma associated with epilepsy through advocacy, education, support services, and community engagement. Since 2015, we have worked alongside local communities, government agencies, and international partners to empower people with epilepsy and create a more inclusive society.

PURPOSE OF ROLE

The Community Education and Engagement Officer will plan and deliver CareEpilepsy Ethiopia’s outreach, education, and community support activities. The role includes providing community education on epilepsy and associated disorders, organizing awareness campaigns, and delivering support services so that people with epilepsy and their caregivers are better informed, supported, and empowered. The officer will build partnerships with health facilities, schools, employers, community organizations, and faith leaders while supporting outreach to displaced families, women, and young people. The officer will organize patient meetings, caregiver education, peer support groups, and livelihood activities, including CareCraft, and coordinate youth programs and volunteers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Outreach Planning and Community Mobilization

1. Prepare monthly outreach schedules and activity plans based on agreed priorities and available staff and partner capacity.
2. Map schools, workplaces, health facilities, and community groups; arrange accessible venues, materials, transportation, and participant mobilization.
3. Build partnership with government services, NGOs, faith leaders, and traditional community leaders.
4. Mobilize community groups and youth associations. Follow up on partner commitments and contribute to partnership plans.

Community Education and Awareness

1. Coordinate Safe at School and Safe at Work training, refresher sessions, and institutional follow-up.
2. Help families and schools address bullying, learning barriers, seizure-response arrangements, and school attendance.
3. Organize community workshops and sessions for women and youth. Arrange qualified speakers for clinical topics.
4. Collaborate with local health centers, NGOs, and government bodies to expand outreach and strengthen partnerships.

Public Awareness and Communications

1. Coordinate campaigns for National Epilepsy Week, International Epilepsy Day, and other approved awareness events.
2. Prepare and distribute accessible posters, flyers, and newsletters with communications colleagues. Obtain a clinical review of health information.
3. Arrange the translation and cultural adaptation of educational materials for the communities reached.
4. Run radio and social media activities, community education sessions, and storytelling initiatives. Obtain consent for personal stories, photographs, and recordings.

4.  Caregiver Support and Displaced Communities

1. Organize monthly patient meetings, caregiver education, and patient support networks using approved materials and facilitation guidance.
2. Coordinate outreach with displaced and host communities.
3. Promote self-management of epilepsy through education and empowerment.
4. Organize and participate in monthly patient support meetings.
5. Support participation in CareCraft and livelihood activities, linking participants with relevant colleagues, trainers, and partners.
6. Report protection concerns and urgent health risks promptly through designated channels. Follow safeguarding, child participation, and complaint procedures.

 Training and Volunteer Coordination

1. Recruit and coordinate volunteers. Arrange orientation, safeguarding training, and supervision for assigned activities.
2. Organize training for staff, clinicians, and health extension workers with qualified trainers. Review feedback and learning outcomes.
3. Coordinate accessible online learning through approved platforms. Route clinical questions and diagnostic teaching to qualified professionals.
4. Recruit, train, and manage volunteers (youth and professionals) to assist with programs.
5. Run the Youth Initiative program, including Summer Youth Programs and approved youth ambassador activities.

Monitoring Reporting and Administration

1. Maintain patient databases and attendance, training, and referral records. Separate unique participants from repeat contacts.
2. Provide weekly updates and monthly reports on activities, expenditures, feedback, and unresolved barriers.
3. Compile quarterly, semiannual, and annual program reports with colleagues. Use verified results and agreed reporting schedules.
4. Track learning and referral outcomes, recommend improvements, record meeting actions, and respond to routine program inquiries.
5. Carry out any other reasonable duties in support of CareEpilepsy Ethiopia’s projects, as requested by the project manager or management.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications and Experience:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in mental health, nursing, or a related field.
• At least two years of experience in community outreach health education, disability inclusion, or supporting underserved populations.
• Experience coordinating activities, building community partnerships, and following up on individual support needs.
• Ability to analyse program data, prepare clear reports, and manage several activities within agreed plans.

Skills and Competencies:

• Fluency in spoken and written Amharic and English, including the ability to type in both languages.
• Strong public-speaking and group-facilitation skills, with the ability to communicate with people from different backgrounds.
• Ability to use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email, Canva, and online engagement tools such as Zoom
• Strong organizational and teamwork skills, with the ability to work independently and respect confidentiality.

9. WORKING HOURS, PATTERNS AND ENVIRONMENT

• Work 40 hours weekly, normally Monday to Friday from 2:30 am – 11:30 pm, with occasional early-morning and weekend duties.
• Attend the patient support meeting on the last Sunday of each Ethiopian month.
• Work from the Addis Ababa office and travel to program sites and regions when required.