Company Profile

School for Life (SfL) is a results driven national non-governmental organization committed to promoting access to relevant quality education. SfL supports civil society playing a strong role in pushing for equitable access to quality education, thus contributing to SDG 4 and SDG 5. School for Life engages in evidence-based advocacy and collaborates closely with civil society education actors and education authorities at district, regional and national level. School for Life strives to be a center of excellence that inspires breakthroughs in education.

As a pioneer of the Complementary Basic Education Program, SfL functions as a lead organization in delivering, demonstrating, and advocating for mother tongue based complementary basic education in underserved areas of Ghana and provides complementary educational services to out-of-school children.

Job Description

School for Life is seeking candidates for the role of a School Community Engagement Officer the SAGES project in the Northern and North-East Regions.

School for Life within the framework of a consortium led by CARE International in Ghana is implementing the USAID funded Strengthening Accountability in Ghana’s Education System (SAGES) project in selected districts of the Northern and North-East Regions. The SAGES will contribute to improve primary education service delivery through institutionalizing accountability in the Ghanaian primary education system. The activity will support efforts led by the Government of Ghana (GOG), the Ministry of Education (MOE) and its agencies/affiliates, to strengthen the enabling environment for education accountability and increase the performance of the education system.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organization and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Role Summary
The School Community Engagement Officer is responsible for supporting the implementation of a robust school community engagement strategy, with a particular focus on building relationships with Heads of Public basic schools, local community leaders, partners, and education service providers. He or she will work closely with the School Community Engagement Coordinator to assist in the overall coordination of project activities to ensure adherence to project plans and achievement of project objectives in the designated district.   

This position will be based in a target district in Northern and North East Region (Nanton, Karaga, Gushegu, Yendi Sagnarigu, East Mamprusi and Mamprugu Moagduri)

Key Responsibilities for this role:

• Participate in community entry and stakeholder mobilization processes.
• Support the School Community Engagement Coordinator to cultivate and promote positive relationships with members of the school community including GES staff, PTAs, Teachers, opinion leaders and other stakeholders to facilitate the execution of the project plan in select districts. 
• Facilitate engagement sessions with School heads, teachers and community leaders.  
• Work collaboratively with the Monitoring and Evaluation officer to monitor and conduct data collection activities in the school communities.
• Team-up with the School Community Engagement Coordinator in organizing workshops, courses and other field activities.
• Conduct site visits of schools and district offices as requested and as needed.
• Coordinate events with members of the school community as needed.
• Support the School Community Engagement Coordinator to conduct various surveys involving GES Officials, teachers, parents, students, and other stakeholders in the education sector in specific districts.
• Sensitize stakeholders within the communities on project objectives of SAGES and expected outcomes and obtain buy-in of stakeholders for key project activities/events. 
• Scheduling and facilitating community events and meetings, including town halls, public forums, and workshops.
• Coordinating activities with local government agencies, businesses, schools, and other school community organizations
• Participate in the implementation of the communications and marketing plans for each event in the assigned location.
• Monitor community engagement activities, contribute to reports, and participate in project evaluations. 

Required Skills or Experience

Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent experience in communications, public relations or event management

Knowledge

• Knowledge of school community groups and strong ambition to connect with groups
• Understanding of the basic education delivery in Ghana

Experience

• Minimum of two years proven results with the management of small and large events
• Marketing and/or media relations experience is an asset

Key Competencies/Personal Attributes:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency in the use of all Microsoft Office applications
• Public speaking skills and comfortable working with groups, (small and large)
• Strong interpersonal skills in establishing successful working relationships both internally and externally.
• Proven ability to establish effective working relationships with all levels stakeholders
• Strong organizational (time management), analytical, and problem solving skills
• Ability to multi-task, manage and meet tight deadlines
• Must be able to work well independently and as a member of a team.
• Knowledge and understanding of the local setting and cultural dynamics of the project operational areas.
• Must be willing to reside and work in the designated districts.
• Must understand at least one of the dominant local languages of the operational districts.