Senior Programme Officer - Communications

Grade: NOB

Vacancy no.: DC/Dhaka/NO/2023/06
Publication date: 19 Oct 2023
Application deadline (midnight local time): 5 November 2023

Job ID: 11252
Department: RO-Asia and the Pacific
Organization Unit: CO-Dhaka
Location: Chittagong
Contract type: Fixed Term

Contract duration: One year (with the possibility to renew)

Under article 4.2, paragraph (e) of the Staff Regulations, the filling of vacancies in technical cooperation projects does not fall under Annex I of the Staff Regulations and is made by direct selection by the Director-General.

In order to support the best informed process in the filling of the above-mentioned vacancy by direct selection, the ILO invites interested candidates to submit their application online by the above date.

The following are eligible to apply:

• ILO Internal candidates in accordance with paragraphs 31 and 32 of Annex I of the Staff Regulations.
• External candidates*

  *The recruitment process for National Officer positions is subject to specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria.

  The ILO values diversity among its staff and welcomes applications from qualified female candidates. We also encourage applicants with disabilities. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to ilojobs@ilo.org.

  Technical cooperation appointments are not expected to lead to a career in the ILO and they do not carry any expectation of renewal or conversion to any other type of appointment in the Organization. A one-year fixed-term contract will be given. Extensions of technical cooperation contracts are subject to various elements including the following: availability of funds, continuing need of the functions and satisfactory conduct and performance.

  *Conditions of employment for external candidates: In conformity with existing ILO practice, the appointment of an external candidate will normally be made at the first step of this grade.

  Introduction

  Since 2013, the ILO has closely collaborated with and supported the Government of Bangladesh in enacting major legal and administrative reforms to uphold labour rights and improve workplace safety. Notable reforms include amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act (BLA) in 2013 and 2018 the adoption of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Labour Act (ELA) in 2019, the formulation of the Bangladesh Labour Rules in 2015 and its amendment in 2022, as well as the formulation of the Bangladesh EPZ Labour Rules in 2022. While progress has been made, there is a need for effective institutional mechanisms to support the implementation of the new legislative framework.

  To maintain momentum and support Bangladesh's smooth graduation from LDC status, the CO Dhaka Office is working together with the Government of Bangladesh's and social partners under its Bangladesh Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for continued support to labour reform as per the ILO GB Road map of actions and Bangladesh National Action Plan (NAP) on the Labour Sector of Bangladesh (2021-2026).

  This work is organised under Labour Administration and Working Conditions (LAWC) cluster that is a composite of several individual development cooperation projects and is operated through seven technical work units: International Labour Standards, Labour Administration Reform, Labour Inspection, Occupational Safety and Health, and Industrial Safety, Social Dialogue as well as the Better Work Bangladesh unit. These units are coordinated under the overall leadership of a cluster program manager, with administrative, finance, general, and technical services provided by a Cluster Support unit.

  📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

  ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

  The breadth and depth of work required for this cluster of programmes will require a talented team that is able to grasp the complexities of the cluster approach, work cooperatively and deliver quality technical work as a team.

  Objective:

  The main purpose of this position is to support the LAWC programmes initiatives by disseminating information, raising awareness, and promoting the achievements and goals of the ILO and its programs in Bangladesh. Through effective communication strategies the incumbent contributes to enhancing collaboration, accountability and guidance while supporting the country’s journey toward achieving decent work in Bangladesh.

  Roles and Responsibilities:

  The incumbent will work collaboratively with the cluster units, project teams, and key stakeholders to develop and implement communication strategies aligned generally with the ILO’s objectives and specifically to the LAWC programme, managing high quality content for various channels, building media relationships, coordinating internal and external communication, managing digital communication and social media, supporting event management, monitoring and evaluating communication efforts, engaging stakeholders and managing partnerships.

  Reporting lines:

  Under the guidance of the Programme Manager of the Labour Administration and Working Condition Cluster (LAWC), and managerial and technical supervision of the Operations Manager the incumbent will contribute to the implementation of the project in the areas of his/her competence. The incumbent will also work closely with the Communications Officer, CO Dhaka and the Communications Manager, ILO Regional Officer Asia Pacific (ROAP) in Bangkok.
  

  Main duties and responsibilities:

  1. Develop and manage a comprehensive communication strategy, including associated budget and procurement plans for LAWC cluster projects.
  2. Draft and manage information materials and content such as press kits, press releases, fact sheets, talking points, feature articles and brochures for the media and other target audiences in English (and Bangla as needed) for various communication channels, including ILO’s corporate platforms, websites, social media platforms, newsletters, and other relevant mediums
  3. Develop and maintain a set of key messages on the areas of work and share information and input with the Country Office, other projects, and relevant stakeholders.
  4. Provide communication support to LAWC project teams in designing and producing publications, presentations, and visibility items.
  5. Build and maintain relationships with national and international media outlets journalists, and key stakeholders to facilitate positive media coverage and enhance the visibility and impact of the ILO's work in Bangladesh. This includes maintaining and expanding the media contact list, handling interview requests, and providing support to journalists reporting on the various project interventions and other ILO-related work in Bangladesh.
  6. Support the organization and coordination of events, workshops, and conferences related to the areas of work under the LAWC Cluster
  7. Provide communication support to LAWC cluster projects in organising bilingual awareness-raising activities and events, specifically catered to local stakeholders, as well as the public in Bangladesh.
  8. Regularly monitor media output related LAWC cluster projects’ activities and areas of interest.
  9. Produce audio-visual content (photos, video stories and footage), in close cooperation with the Regional Communication Officer and the Department of Communication (DCOMM) at ILO headquarters in Geneva.
  10. Identify synergies between the ILO labour administration and working conditions cluster and other programmes implemented at the CO-Dhaka office to better promote them and insert them into the wider ILO work in Bangladesh
  11. Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in communication and utilize innovative approaches and technologies to enhance the reach and effectiveness of communication efforts.
  12. Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of communication activities, including media coverage and social media engagement, and provide regular reports and recommendations for improving communication strategies and tactics.
  13. Provide guidance and support to colleagues and partners on effective communication practices, including messaging, branding, and media relations, to ensure consistent and impactful communication efforts.
  14. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the LAWC Programme Manager

      Required qualifications

      Education

      University degree in communication, journalism, public relations or related field

      Experience

      At least three years of professional experience at the national level in media, public information and writing for various mediums. Proven experience in event planning and coordination, including workshops, conferences, and public engagement activities. Demonstrated experience in content creation and management for various communication channels, such as websites, social media platforms, newsletters, and press releases.

      Languages

      Excellent command of English and Bangla

      Knowledge and Competencies:

      ⦁ Familiarity with the principles and practices of effective communication, including message development, audience targeting, and strategic communication planning
      ⦁ Knowledge of media relations and experience in building relationships with media outlets and journalists
      ⦁ Proficient in basic computer software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Reader) and ability to use other software packages required by the Office
      ⦁ Knowledge of office’s policies, administrative procedures, and practices.
      ⦁ Knowledge of financial rules and regulations.
      ⦁ Ability to conduct action-oriented research and write analytical technical report in English.
      ⦁ Ability to establish and maintain systems within project operations.
      ⦁ Ability to prepare result-based annual workplan and budget and implement in conformity with the ILO guidelines
      

      In addition to the ILO core competencies [Integrity and transparency; Sensitivity to diversity; Orientation to learning and knowledge sharing; Client orientation; Communication; Orientation to change; Ability to take responsibility for performance; Quality orientation; Collaboration], this position requires:

      ⦁ Ability to maintain good working relationships with all project stakeholders
      ⦁ Ability to understand and effectively work with Government, workers and employers’ organizations, non-government organizations and UN agencies.
      ⦁ Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to successfully manage area of responsibility
      ⦁ Ability to lead and work in a team and good interpersonal relations
      ⦁ Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines.
      ⦁ Ability to work in diversified environments.
      ⦁ Clear commitment to mainstream gender and disability into project activities.
      ⦁ Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
      ⦁ Ability to train and guide personnel.
      ⦁ Establishes high quality standards for own delivery.
      ⦁ Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
      ⦁ Ability to conduct policy discussion and high-level political processes.
      ⦁ Good knowledge about social, economic development, including labour and employment, trends in the country

      Recruitment process

      Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application form. To apply, please visit the ILO Jobs website. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.

      Fraud warning

      The ILO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process whether at the application, interview, processing or training stage. Messages originating from a non ILO e-mail account - @ilo.org - should be disregarded. In addition, the ILO does not require or need to know any information relating to the bank account details of applicants.