Join Us at Plan International Bangladesh: Make a Lasting Impact!
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances childrenโs rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And its girls who are most affected and mostly during crisis. Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children. For over 85 years, we have rallied other determined optimists to transform the lives of all children in more than 80 countries.
Over the 30 years journey in Bangladesh, we envision a 2030 where children and youth, particularly girls and young women, are recognized as leaders of change in gender norms and can make decisions about their lives.
Since 24 September 2017, Plan International has been responding to the Rohingya refugee influx in Coxโs Bazar with special focus on protecting girls and boys from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation; improving hygiene and sanitation; and restoring access to safe, quality, and inclusive education for refugee children and adolescents. Guided by our core values, we remain unwavering in our commitment to advancing childrenโs rights and equality for girls so that children, especially girls, and their communities can learn, lead, decide, and thrive.
For the past three decades, our work in Bangladesh has made a significant impact, and we are now looking for a Social Norms Expert.
The Role
The Social Norms Expert will provide strategic and technical leadership in designing, implementing and evaluating interventions aimed at transforming restrictive social and cultural norms that limit the participation of women, particularly young women, youth, and other marginalized groups. A key focus of the role is to enhance female labor force participation and promote social inclusion through strategic frameworks, community engagement, and support for inclusive childcare solutions. The expert will also ensure effective responses to SHEA and GBV risks, to create a safe and empowering environment for all participants. Working closely with the Team Leader and technical experts, the incumbent will help align project activities with Plan Internationalโs commitments to gender equality, youth empowerment, and protection-sensitive programming.
What weโre looking for
Professional Experience: Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in social development programs, among which at least 5 years focused on social norms, gender equality, youth empowerment, and community engagementโespecially with marginalized groups.
Technical Expertise in Social Norms and Community Engagement: Demonstrated ability to design and implement social norms strategies, behaviour change initiatives, and participatory approaches; skilled in facilitating trainings and developing awareness materials tailored to diverse communities.
Strong Contextual and Cultural Understanding: Deep knowledge of gender-related social norms, leadership dynamics, and cultural sensitivities, particularly in the Bangladeshi context; experienced in working with young women and marginalized communities in cross-cultural settings.
Monitoring, Research, and Analytical Skills: Skilled in monitoring and evaluation of gender-focused programs, with advanced qualitative research abilities, including community needs assessments and data analysis for reporting and learning.
Communication, Coordination, and ICT Proficiency: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficient in Microsoft Office and familiar with research tools and digital platforms; experienced in stakeholder coordination and knowledgeable in GESI frameworks, SHEA risk mitigation, and safeguarding standards.
Why Join Us?
Joining Plan International means engaging in impactful work that transforms lives and promotes equality. As part of our global network, you will have opportunities for international collaboration and continuous professional development. We value diversity and inclusivity, offering a supportive environment where every team member is empowered to thrive. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we know that to achieve lasting impact, we must invest in those who make it possible. We are guided by a values-based leadership framework rooted in feminist leadership principles.
If you are a committed and values-driven professional with a passion for making a difference, we invite you to join our journey and help shape a better future for children in Bangladesh.
Click here for Role Profile- Social Norms Expert
Location: Bangladesh Country Office, with 60% travel required
Duration: 1 year (with a high possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds)
Application Closing Date: 16 August 2025
Plan International Bangladesh is committed to ending gender inequality, and achieving a gender balanced workforce. Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that we stand for. Only short-listed candidates shall be contacted. Any prior communication or persuasion may lead to disqualification of the candidacy.
A range of pre-employment checks and anti-terrorism screening will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International's Global Policy of Safeguarding. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.
Please note that Plan International will never ask for any fees through mobile banking or send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates.
This position is being advertised as part of a proposal submission process and is open to all interested applicants, contingent upon the project being awarded by the donor. Selected profiles will be included in the proposal.
Plan follows an equal opportunity policy and actively encourages diversity welcoming applications from all especially women and people living with disability.
-Caution-
Recently there have been instances of fraudulent job advertisements/offers in favour of Plan International Bangladesh asking for fees through different mobile Banking options which has led to confusion among job seekers. Plan International would like to stipulate that these are fraudulent activities and Plan International does not ask for or ever accept any such fees during the recruitment process. Plan International advises you to be vigilant against such fraudulent activities.