Senior Officer – Advocacy & Communication

Program Brief

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the world’s leading agencies working in post-conflict and development contexts, supporting communities in over 40 fragile, failed, and developing states. In this capacity, we work to restore safety, dignity, and hope to millions who are uprooted, struggling to endure, and wishing to advance on a path of development.

The IRC has been present in Bangladesh since 2017 and obtained registration with the NGOAB in March 2018. Since the IRC obtained registration in March 2018, it has moved quickly to expand its integrated emergency health and protection response through both direct and partner-based programming focused on primary healthcare, women’s protection and empowerment, sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence and child protection. Recently IRC has also introduced two new programs: Protection Rule of Law (PROL) and Education. IRC will continue working in both the camps and host community; while meeting the significant needs in both refugee and host populations, as already existing vulnerabilities are compounded with cyclical monsoon and cyclone seasons that impose additional threats to the lives and protection of those refugees as well as vulnerable host populations. IRC will grow over time its geographic coverage within Cox bazar and to other parts of the country, thus expand its’ networks and partnerships around emergency preparedness and response work, reach beyond the Rohingya refugees, also targeting the vulnerable host groups in Cox Bazar and other parts of Bangladesh.

Purpose of the Role

IRC Bangladesh is looking for an experienced, dynamic candidate to fill the position of Senior Advocacy and Communication Officer responsible for supporting the communication needs of the country program in Bangladesh. This will be accomplished by collaborating closely with the Program and MEAL teams to gather communication content such as success/human stories, photographs, and audio-visual production, as well as assisting with developing press releases for sharing with national and international media.

Highlights of core responsibility

Information sharing and global communications (40%)

• Provide frequent updates on the latest program information and context through the distribution of factsheets and information to the country team and the Global Crisis & Response Communications team.
• Proactively develop story ideas for pitching to the IRC’s digital platforms and international media.
• Deliver training on informed consent protocols, IRC global branding, and story spotting to program teams.
• Work closely with the program and MEAL teams to collect, capture, and document data and information on IRC programs, including the impact of climate change on the needs of Rohingya communities and Bangladeshi nationals. This information will be presented in the form of case studies, human stories, Videos, and other content. Collate this information into reports, newsletters, and products that highlight the role of climate change in shaping the challenges faced by these communities, and share it with internal and external audiences, including donors and the media.
• Work with program teams to produce regular situation reports and daily updates during emergencies.
• Support the development of IRC Bangladesh’s communications strategy in line with program goals and organizational priorities.

Content creation and development (30%)

• Collect case studies, photos, and video content from IRC Bangladesh programs for use across the IRC’s internal and external channels, including donor engagement, social media, and the website.
• Manage IRC Bangladesh’s social media page and ensure regular, engaging, and informative content is shared that highlights the organization’s work, impact, and advocacy efforts.
• Ensure all materials are on brand and in line with IRC global communications guidelines and donor visibility requirements
• Proactively develop innovative communication ideas that can contribute to achieving the project’s goal and highlight the project’s impact.
• Support to produce advocacy and communication statements/briefs/messages/letters.

Media relations (15%)

• Develop and maintain a network of local & national media contacts from a range of outlets and regularly pitch stories, data, and program insights.
• Proactively stay up to date with the news cycle in Bangladesh, maintaining awareness of breaking stories and commentary relating to issues relating to the IRC’s programs.
• Support media visits from local and international media, staff media interviews and provide ad hoc support as required.

Relationship building (15%)

• Represent IRC Bangladesh to a range of internal teams, including programs teams, advocacy teams, and global communications teams.,
• Represent IRC as a leading agency in Bangladesh in sector-relevant national networks and forums by participating in events and building strong working relationships with peer colleagues and organizations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience:

• At least 3 years’ experience in communication, graphics design, and advocacy for the development and humanitarian actors.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in communication and journalism/ Development studies/English.

Work environment:

• 50% travel is expected.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Understand Humanitarian crisis, multidisciplinary and transformational development. (Essential)
• Government policies related to key advocacy issues. (Preferred)
• Proven management and leadership ability. (Preferred)
• Effective Communication skills (verbal, written and listening). (Essential)
• Strong analytical and writing skills both in English and Bengali. (Essential)
• Proven experience on digital communication.(Essential)
• Demonstrated collaboration & team building skills. (Essential)
• Understand advocacy theory, process, and practice. (Essential)
• Proven experience to work on graphics design, photography, videography, PowerPoint, Microsoft word and excel. (Essential)
• Proven ability to write and produce publications like annual report, story books. (Essential)
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office computer programs including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. (Preferred)

Core Capabilities

Achieving Capabilities:

• Achieving quality results and service.
• Practicing accountability and integrity.
• Communicating information effectively.

Self-Managing Capabilities:

• Learning for growth and development.
• Maintaining work/life balance and effectiveness.

Thinking Capabilities:

• Thinking clearly, deeply and broadly.
• Understanding the Humanitarian Industry.
• Understanding IRC Bangladesh’s mission and operations.
• Practicing innovation and creativity.

Relational Capabilities:

• Building collaborative relationships.
• Practicing gender and cultural diversity.
• Influencing individuals and groups.