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Advocacy & Communication Specialist

Coxs Bazar

  • Organization: IRC - International Rescue Committee
  • Location: Coxs Bazar
  • Grade: Mid level - Mid level
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Legal - Broad
    • Political Affairs
    • Communication and Public Information
  • Closing Date:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
Purpose of the Role
IRC Bangladesh seeks an experienced, dynamic individual for the role of Advocacy and communication specialist responsible for managing the communication needs and support advocacy work of IRC Bangladesh program. This position will be through working closely with programming and MEAL team to gather facts on the ground, success stories, audio-visuals and photographs, and assisting with the production of press releases, supporting media coverage and liaising with partners to identify clients impact stories. The Communications and Advocacy Specialist will also gather and channel information about the IRCs response activities at the field level in the form of SITREPs, factsheets, infographics case studies and other regular reports for dissemination to staff, partners and donors.
Highlights of Key Responsibilities
Communication strategy and annual plan of action are in place 
  • Develop a communication strategy following IRC’s vision, mission, SAP country strategy, global communication strategy and advocacy strategy.
  • Develop an annual action plan for communication in consultation with the Head of Advocacy and Communication and regional communication colleague.
  • Managing the communication budget.
  • Proactively come up with innovative communication ideas which can contribute to all donors’ proposals.
Built collaborative relationships with diverse partners from local to national level 
  • Strong collaboration with different departments & regional colleagues - Communication and communication-related sector/network/forums.
  • IRC-Bangladesh is recognized as a lead INGO among the communication community in creating innovative communication campaigns, contents and materials.
  • Take joint initiative which can demonstrate IRC’s position and positive branding at different levels.
  • Maintain a professional relationship with mainstreaming media (newspapers, TV, Radio) to promote IRC’s programs and mitigate all potential risks from local to global level.
  • In consultation with the Head of Advocacy and Communication, the Senior Management team organizes periodical media visits to promote IRC’s response, advocacy priorities and partnerships, resulting in high-quality, premier coverage.
  • Provide daily updates on the emergency response to ensure we have up-to-date information to pitch to journalists and updated talking points for interviews.
  • In support of the IRC Bangladesh and Country Director, Deputy Director Program (DDP) and working closely with the Head of Advocacy and Communication, draft press releases, background information and Q&As about IRC programs and issues of concern.
Capacity of staff on collecting & writing stories, taking quality photos and video footage 
  • Number of workshops/orientations/training conducted on story writing/telling, photography, branding, media risk mitigation, and spokesperson.
  • Providing capacity building to the staff and following up on work plans and quality of advocacy and communication products.
  • Ensure the team can develop high-quality Advocacy and Communication products, including the drafting, editing and production of visuals.
  • Help to develop a program-oriented communication plan during donor proposal writing.
  • With the help of the Grants team ensure all the donor visibility compliance is maintained as per guidelines and agreement.
Providing quality and on-time support to all sectors by producing high-quality communication contents including BCC and IEC 
  • Work closely with the program and MEAL teams to collect, capture and document project activities and the needs of Rohingya refugees and host communities in the form of human stories, case studies and creative contents. Represent the information in an attractive and engaging format that can be shared with the public, media, project stakeholders, partners, and donors.
  • Liaise closely with the grants team to support meeting HQ information requests and donor visibility requirements.
  • Through regular coordination with Program and MEAL teams, as well as collecting the latest available information from the UN and other sources, produce SITREPs (dynamic frequency) and daily updates during the height of any emergency.
  • Visit field sites regularly to document clients needs and success stories.
  • Ensure that all materials adhere to the branding and marking requirements.
Professional & Personal Development 
  • Demonstrating an understanding of and commitment to IRC’s Core Values, vision, and mission in the approach to work and relationships.
  • Work and Life Balance.
  • Current career plan that is consistent with IRC’s strategic goal.
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience 
  • At least 6 years of experience in communication, Media and Journalism, Art and graphics design and advocacy
  • At least 3 years of experience in managerial position
  • Cross-cultural experience
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 
  • Understand Humanitarian crisis, integrated and transformational development
  • Government policies related to key advocacy issues
  • Proven management and leadership ability
  • Effective Communication skills (verbal, written, and listening)
  • Strong analytical and writing skills both in English and Bengali
  • Proven experience in digital communication
  • Demonstrated collaboration & team building skills
  • Understand advocacy theory, process, and practice
  • Proven experience to work on graphics design, photography, videography, PowerPoint, Microsoft word and excel
  • Proven ability to write and produce publications like annual reports and storybooks
  • Competent in the use of Microsoft Office computer programs including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Work environment: 50% travel is expected.
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
Specific Educational Qualification:
  • Post Graduation degree in Mass Communication/Media/Journalism/English or any relevant field.
Professional degree / Certification:
  • N/A

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.
We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.