Technical Officer – Community Engagement

ORGANIZATION Summary

4Ward Development West Africa (4WardWA), formerly known as Access Development is a well-established Safe Water Enterprise (SWE) with business subsidiaries in Ghana and Uganda that provide safe water services at a District-Wide Scale. With over a decade experience in providing safe water to more than 600,000 people through 2,000 water points across Africa by 2006, our goal is to exceed the expectations of rural and peri-urban customers by consistently delivering high-quality water. We pioneered the implementation of an innovative water system with our Numa model together with owners, Water4 (a Non-profit organization). 4Ward WA, a subsidiary of Water4 is a wholly owned for-profit Subsidiaries of Water4, Inc.

The 4WardWA suite of water solutions is designed to provide safe water tailored to consumer demand, including: hand-pumps with professional management, public retail points, and private water connections for households, schools, clinics, and businesses.

4WardWA has current operations in the Wassa East district, Western region, Ghana, where we have provided the entire district with access to safe water and adjourning communities in the Komenda, Edna-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipal. This is in partnership with Water4, The Dutch Government (RVO), Hilton Foundation, Wassa East District Assembly, and many other partners. 4WardWA is scaling up its operations in Upper West and Savanna Regions in 2022 in partnership Water4, Helmsley Trust Foundation and Global Communities, with more partners to come as part of our strategy to provide three districts in these regions with safe water services.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the General Manager, the Technical Officer-Community Engagement will be responsible for building positive relationships with organizations, government agencies and the communities we serve, promoting water sales and awareness, and facilitating communication between 4WardWA and the public. As the first point of contact between the company and the public, the role would involve coming up with, organizing, and executing community engagement strategies, projects, and events. Additionally, s/he would host regular meetings to develop partnerships and build rapport internally and externally.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Community Outreach and Education:

    • Develop and implement community outreach programs to educate the public about water conservation, sustainability, and the importance of responsible water use.

    • Organize workshops, seminars, and events to raise awareness and provide information about 4WardWA’s initiatives.

  2. Stakeholder Engagement:

    • Build and maintain positive relationships with community leaders, local organizations, and government agencies to foster collaboration and support for Numa water services.

    • Act as a liaison between the company and community stakeholders, addressing concerns, and facilitating productive dialogue.

  3. Public Relations:

    • Develop and implement public relations strategies to enhance the company's image and reputation within the communities we serve.

    • Respond to inquiries from the public and media, providing accurate and timely information about our Numa water services and initiatives.

  4. Customer Engagement:

    • Conduct customer satisfaction surveys and gather feedback to improve our services and address customer concerns.

    • Collaborate with customer service teams to ensure efficient resolution of customer issues and inquiries.

  5. Sustainability Initiatives:

    • Promote sustainable water management practices and assist in the development of water-saving programs and incentives for customers.

    • Monitor and report on the progress of sustainability initiatives, tracking water usage and conservation efforts.

  6. Community Partnerships:

    • Identify and establish partnerships with local organizations and community groups to support water-related projects and initiatives.

    • Seek grant opportunities and funding sources for community engagement and water conservation programs.

  7. Data Analysis and Reporting:

    • Collect and analyze data related to community engagement activities and water usage trends.

    • Prepare reports and presentations for company management, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders

qualification

Education***

  • Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, environmental science, or a related field

Experience

  • At least 3 years proven experience in community engagement, public relations, or a similar role.

REPORTING

Technical Officer – Community Engagement will report to and work closely with the General Manager, North East Operations. 

WORKING CONDITION

Work Environment: Field Office Environment; Must live in and around Tamale or must be willing to relocate

Travel Requirements May be required to travel up to 90% of the normal schedule to operational/services communities. Should be able to ride a motorbike.

PREFERRED SKILLS

  • Experience working in the water services or environmental sector.

  • Familiarity with local regulations and policies related to water management.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with diverse audiences.

  • Knowledge of water conservation principles and environmental sustainability.

  • Excellent organizational and project management skills.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and communication tools including social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to address community concerns effectively.

  • A passion for community development and sustainability.

GENERAL COMPETENCIES

The following competencies are expected of all 4Ward Development employees:

Job knowledge: Demonstrates knowledge of purposes, objectives, practices and procedures required to perform the job.

Productivity: Produces a volume of work consistent with the normal requirements of the job.

Quality of work: Work is accurate, thorough and timely according to agreed standards and expectations agreed.

Communication: Expresses information verbally and in writing in a clear and coherent manner.

Reliability: Can be depended upon to perform assigned tasks in a timely manner and degree of supervision required.

Initiative: Exhibits drive to complete tasks and takes charge in the absence of detailed instructions.

Delegation: Delegating and following up regularly to ensure that delegated duties and responsibilities are carried out.

Teamwork: Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers and works to share responsibilities towards common targets.

Leadership: Motivates and builds morale, eliciting cooperation from subordinates and achieving results through a team effort.

Constructive Feedback: Accepts improvement-oriented ideas and offers the same to colleagues or those under their supervision

LOCATION

This position is Located in Tamale, Northern, Ghana.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS JOB 

Please send cover letter, resume, references and salary requirements to: hello@4ward.co by the close of business on 16th February, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Please include the job location Tamale in your e-mail subject.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • Equivalent education, training and/or certification may be substituted for experience and education shown above Equivalent education, training and/or certification may be substituted for experience and education shown above