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.

Program Brief

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 positively impacting the lives of millions of people worldwide for a better future.
 
Since 2017, IRC has supported Rohingya Refugees and Bangladeshi nationalities communities in Cox's Bazar, Khulna, Barisal, and Chittagong with integrated services. The organization also addresses climate change impacts by building resilience and promoting economic recovery, education, and protection.

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.

Workstation: IRC Cox's Bazar Office.

Reports to: Head of Advocacy & Communication

Contract Length: One year (with high possibilities of extension)

Highlights of Key Responsibilities

Communication & Media strategy and annual plan of action are in place (25%)

  •  Develop a communication & media 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 add value to all donors’ proposals

Built collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders from local to national level (25%)

  • Build and Maintain Strategic Stakeholder Relationships by cultivating strong, collaborative partnerships with diverse stakeholders at local, national, and sectoral levels to enhance IRC’s advocacy and communication impact.
  • Lead Media Engagement and Strengthen IRC’s Public Profile by maintaining proactive, professional relationships with mainstream and online media (newspapers, TV, radio, digital platforms) to promote IRC’s programs, ensure accurate representation, and mitigate reputational risks.
  • Drive Coordinated Media Outreach and Visibility Efforts by working closely with the Head of Advocacy & Communication and Senior Management to organize periodic media visits and implement proactive outreach that showcases IRC’s response, advocacy priorities, and partnerships, resulting in high-quality coverage.
  • Position IRC as a Communication Leader by collaborating across departments and with regional communications colleagues to design and deliver innovative communication campaigns, content, and materials that reinforce IRC Bangladesh’s leadership within the communication community.
  • Produce High-Quality Communication Materials by supporting country leadership with the development of press releases, backgrounders, Q&As, and daily emergency response updates to ensure timely, accurate information for media engagement and external communication.

Capacity of staff on collecting & writing stories, taking quality photos and video footage (10%)

  • 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 (30%)

  • 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 (10%)

  • 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.

Others: 

  • Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC [team/office]
  • Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.

Experience 

  •  At least 7 years of experience in both the humanitarian and development sectors  
  •  At least 3 years of experience in a managerial position
  • Cross-cultural experience

   
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

  • Understand Humanitarian crisis, holistic 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 in 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 reports and storybooks - Essential 
  • Competent in the use of Microsoft Office computer programs including Word, Excel and PowerPoint - Preferred

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:

  • Master’s in communications/journalism / English or any relevant field.

Professional degree / Certification:

  • Post Graduate Degree in Mass Communication/Journalism will be given preference. 

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. In accordance with these values the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding (including PSEAH, Adult Safeguarding and Child Safeguarding), Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti Retaliation.
 

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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