Upazila Coordinator

Brief description of JAAGO Foundation Trust

JAAGO Foundation Trust is dedicated to combating illiteracy and malnutrition among underprivileged children in Bangladesh, focusing on creating a society free from exploitation and discrimination, aiming to improve social conditions through education and youth empowerment.

JAAGO Foundation Trust collaborates with various local and international organizations to enhance its impact. It adheres to values of mutual respect, justice, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that all activities align with its mission to improve the lives of disadvantaged communities.

Committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct, JAAGO Foundation Trust has robust policies to address issues like fraud, corruption, and sexual exploitation. Through its diverse programs and initiatives, JAAGO Foundation Trust continues to make significant strides in empowering underprivileged children and fostering sustainable development in Bangladesh.

Position Summary

An experienced and community-oriented professional with a strong background in local engagement and a deep understanding of the Jamalganj and Tahirpur regions. The Upazila Coordinator will coordinate the implementation of project activities at the upazila level, working closely with local stakeholders, community leaders, and project teams. This role requires excellent interpersonal skills, familiarity with the socio-cultural landscape of the region, and a commitment to promoting child rights and protection.

Job Responsibilities

A. Community Engagement and Mobilization:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, local government officials, religious leaders, and key stakeholders in Jamalganj and Tahirpur.
• Mobilize community members to participate in project activities, including advocacy campaigns, community dialogues, and training sessions.
• Coordinate with local youth groups, women’s associations, and other community-based organizations to foster community-driven support for child marriage prevention.

B. Project Activity Coordination:

• Implement and oversee project activities in Jamalganj and Tahirpur, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines.
• Coordinate the logistics and delivery of community events, workshops, and capacity-building sessions, ensuring high levels of community participation.
• Monitor progress of activities on the ground and address any challenges or obstacles in real-time to ensure seamless execution.

C. Training and Capacity Building:

• Organize and facilitate training sessions for local partners, youth groups, and community stakeholders on child rights, advocacy, and economic empowerment.
• Provide guidance and support to local volunteers and youth leaders, encouraging active participation in project activities.
• Collaborate with the Project Manager and MEL team to assess training needs and evaluate training effectiveness.

D. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Conduct regular field visits to monitor the implementation of project activities and collect data on progress and outcomes.
• Report on activity achievements, community feedback, and challenges encountered in the field, providing actionable insights to the Project Manager.
• Support the MEL team in data collection and documentation for impact assessment, including maintaining accurate records of activities and attendance.

E. Advocacy and Local Partnership Building:

• Advocate for project goals with local authorities, emphasizing the importance of child rights and protection.
• Identify potential local partners and build partnerships that support project objectives, particularly in areas related to education, health, and economic development.
• Work with local businesses and institutions to create economic opportunities for girls and young women as part of the project’s child marriage prevention strategy.

F. Risk Management and Compliance:

• Identify and mitigate any risks to project implementation, including cultural resistance, logistical challenges, or community conflicts.
• Ensure compliance with JAAGO and donor guidelines in all activities, maintaining transparency and accountability in upazila-level operations

Education

• BA Pass or Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Community Development, or a related field.

Experience

• 3-5 years of experience in community engagement, project coordination, or related roles, with a focus on child rights or social development.
• Proven experience working in the Jamalganj and Tahirpur areas, with an understanding of local socio-economic dynamics.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to managing project challenges.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in both English and Bengali, with knowledge of local dialects being an advantage.
• Familiarity with the child protection sector and a commitment to promoting child rights.

Skills and other competencies

• Community Relations: Ability to establish trust and build effective relationships with diverse community members and local authorities.
• Coordination Skills: Skilled in organizing and overseeing multiple project activities at the upazila level, ensuring efficient resource utilization.
• Problem Solving: Proactive in identifying and resolving issues that may impact project implementation in the field.
• Advocacy: Effective at conveying project goals to local stakeholders and securing community support for child rights initiatives.
• Adaptability: Flexible in managing shifting project priorities and responsive to local needs and feedback.