CARE Bangladesh-Communications and PR Coordinator

CARE Bangladesh Position Title, Location & Contract Duration Communications  and PR Coordinator (1 position) for Advocacy and Communications Unit Location: Based at Dhaka, CARE Bangladesh Headquarters The duration of the proposed contract will be five years. I.          Job Summary: The Communications and PR Coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive Communications strategy to promote CARE Bangladesh programming and organizational principles. This position will work to enhance the public image of CARE in Bangladesh, help market the work of the organization as well as work to improve the communications function inside the organization. In consultation with the senior management team (SMT) s/he develops and broadcasts CARE’s positions in ways that are likely to affect public opinion and other stakeholders.  In order to accomplish the above, s/he forms and maintains a thorough understanding of CARE’s history, values, culture, policies, long-term programming strategies, comparative advantage, and core business.  Alongside, s/he provides guidance and support to staff and put in place a mechanism for implementing the Communications strategy & policy for CARE Bangladesh. In coordination with the Communications  & Media Manager (reporting to him/her), s/he provides coordination of CARE Bangladesh communication plan and media work; manages communications materials for use by CARE staff; oversees the CARE Bangladesh website and social media interaction; and provides leadership for CARE BD’s global presence. In coordination with the Internal Communications Officer, (reporting to him/her), He/she is responsible for delivering CARE BD’s internal communications strategy across the business and will proactively support internal brand; employee communications regarding various internal policies; drive internal information flow and deliver new communication methods for maximizing employee engagement. The Coordinator has a strong understanding of CARE’s work, policies, branding principles and approaches, and uses this as the basis of CARE’s media and external communications work. Reporting to the Country Director, the Communications Coordinator develops and maintains strong internal relationships across programs & projects and with external networks, including the media, humanitarian community, and other strategic partners. This position is based at the CBHQ at Dhaka, with approximately 20-25% percent travel required. II.        Responsibilities and Tasks: Responsibility #1: Expands and builds CARE BD communications policy and ensure standardized initiatives across the organization % of time Establishes & maintains minimum standards and provides guidance (as per CI Brand Standards, CARE BD Communication Policy and CI Communications Handbook) to project staff and program support in developing project-specific communication strategy, external communications materials and information; including responding to specific requests for information from donors, media and CI members Helping project staff develop communication plan by researching donor expectations; project objectives; beneficiaries and working areas; and identifying potential areas in which to invest, based upon IEC needs and media habits     Oversees the CO website and ensure consistency of CARE BD’s global online presence (websites, social media, etc.) in coordination with CI standards and communications Contributes to planning invitational roundtable meetings and public conferences, including preparing agendas, contacting and screening potential speakers, and delivering presentations Maintains a database and network of relevant and high profile development practitioners with whom information is frequently exchanged and CARE BD collaborates in different initiatives in order to promote the profile of CARE BD among appropriate development agencies and relevant networks      Act a focal person for CI’s communication and advocacy campaigns  35% Responsibility #2: Helps  to establish and maintain internal communication process as per CI guidelines to promote cross communication within CARE BD to ensure messages are being delivered in a consistent, timely manner 20% Develops knowledge and understanding of internal communication tools, techniques and how these can best be used within CO Keeps staffs up to date with CI & CO programming changes and CARE 2020 along with change champions Oversees targeted dissemination of information related CARE’s programming and policies in conjunction with Program Support teams Supervise composing; translating; editing various documents required for internal communications; satisfying requirements of ministries of Government of Bangladesh, esp. in coordination with Grants & Contracts Coordination Unit for NGO Affairs Bureau Responsibility #3: Leads, develops and implements, targeted and creative media plans for CARE campaigns, products and programming goal 15% Identifies media and speaking opportunities to maximize coverage of CARE and its work, in-line with its long-term strategy Researches, prepares, distributes and follows up media releases, human interest stories; op-eds and letters. Prepares key messages, talking points and Q&A documents for CARE spokespeople Act as a  national focal point for CARE International’s global communication and advocacy campaigns Prepares & issues tailored media materials for events and special anniversaries in conjunction with senior  country office staff Responsibility #4: Provides support to Country Office Crisis Management and Emergency Response Teams to support public awareness raising for CARE BD’s work during humanitarian emergencies and other crises in line with CARE’s program and advocacy objectives. 10% Support Country Office & CI members, during humanitarian emergencies and crisis situations, to establish and maintain high quality and timely media functions and activities. Work with emergency response team staff to produce and disseminate press releases and other communications materials to support advocacy/awareness efforts regarding humanitarian issues Provides media and external communications support to the SMT and other spokespersons during emergencies and crisis  (may increase in case of mega emergency or number of emergencies) Responsibility # 5: Management of Communications Unit and Capacity Building 10% Directly supervises the Internal Communications Officer and Communication & Media Manager, including performance management and development. Provides orientation and builds capacity of CARE staff to strengthen communication at project level Identifies and maintain “communication staff” group and ensure/encourage information sharing amongst staff Develop plans & budgets for Country Office Communication Plan and execute them timely Prepares yearly/multi-year budget in line with the activity plans and monitors the expenditures on a regular basis. Responsibility # 6: Logs, responds to and refers general inquiries for information about CARE BD from both internal constituencies and from outside of CARE in line with CARE’s (forthcoming) information disclosure and complaints policies Estimated 5% Responsibility # 7: Undertakes any other duties as required by the Country Director and Assistant Country Directors, including backstopping for them as spokesperson when necessary, such as during crises and other major events Estimated 5% III.       Reporting: The Communications and PR Coordinator is supervised by the Country Director and works closely with CARE Bangladesh Program Directors & Coordinators and will work closely with Program Evaluation, Analysis, and Research & Learning Team. IV.       Working Condition: This position is based in Dhaka and will require frequent field visits to the field/regional offices as and when required. V.         Key qualifications Masters degree (or a combination of a Bachelors degree and relevant experience) in journalism, communications, public relations or a related field from a reputed university At least 5-7 years’ experience in communications with INGO-NGO Experience in and demonstrated understanding of the field of international development Experience travelling, working or living in a developing country, with experience during an emergency or crisis will be added advantage Fluent in written and spoken Bangla & English Ability to act as a CARE spokesperson Proven ability to produce corporate communications materials Additional technical skills are desirable, including knowledge of emerging media technologies and social media (Twitter, YouTube etc.); with proficiency in design and visual media. VI.       Core Competencies:   Excellent written and spoken communications skills Flexible and adaptable Able to self-manage, work under pressure and meet deadlines Proactive and able to see the big picture Dynamic, creative and innovative Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills, and able to manage relationships across units Able to plan, organize and deliver results Committed to CARE’s vision and mission Candidates need to be highly motivated and committed to CARE Bangladesh’s vision, mission, and long term development work to significantly improve the lives of the most vulnerable and marginalized. Candidates must be capable of displaying great learning agility, support and encouragement of knowledge sharing across projects, to the ultimate benefit of all of CARE’s mission wide initiatives.  This is an interesting time in the development of CARE as an organization which is shifting towards a program approach where it has developed longer-term impact visions to have MORE sustainable changes in the lives of the extreme poor and marginalized. CARE is looking for a Communications and PR Coordinator who will play a key role in the leadership of the Advocacy and Communication Unit whilst at the same time building a learning culture that promotes knowledge sharing across CARE and excellence.  Compensation Monthly gross salary is Taka 133,000 plus other admissible benefits as are per policy. Salary is negotiable for highly deserving candidates. Interested candidates meeting the above requirements should apply online through http://carebangladesh.org/why_join.php on or before January 17, 2015.  Note: * Women are particularly encouraged to apply * Any persuasion will disqualify the candidates * Internal and external applicants shall be treated equally in the entire selection process.