Senior Communications Officer - NOB (DC)

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).

Established in 2014, Better Work Bangladesh has been an essential facilitator of growth and expansion of the Ready-Made Garment industry ─ one of the economy’s largest export-oriented drivers. In its third phase (2022 – 2027), the programme focus on expansion of its factory engagement through partnership with industry actors and contribute to strengthening the labour market institution through data and information sharing to the national stakeholders.

 
Background: The communication position will be shared between the Country Office and Better Work Bangladesh, at the NOB level, with a focus on communication and crisis management with brands and buyers.

Objective:

To enhance the communication strategies of Better Work Bangladesh and ILO Dhaka, ensuring effective dissemination of information, raising awareness and promoting the achievement and goals of the ILO and its programme in Bangladesh. The incumbent will contribute to the robust crisis management, and strong media engagement,

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 Better Work Bangladesh 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.

The incumbent will also work collaboratively with other communication officers,  the enterprise advisers, management team, business relations team and relevant experts, ILO cluster units and key  stakeholders including private sectors to implement communication strategies aligned generally with the Better Work Bangladesh’s standard operating procedures engaging stakeholders and  managing partnerships.

Reporting_lines:  
Under the guidance of the Country Programme Manager Better Work Bangladesh and supervised by the Deputy Programme Manager, the incumbent will contribute to the implementation of the BWB communication strategy. The incumbent will also support CO Office Dhaka, hence also work closely with the Communications Manager, ILO Regional Officer Asia Pacific (ROAP) in Bangkok  
 

Description of Duties

1.    Provide substantial professional services for the development and delivery of quality, timely and widely accessible communication and information products and services using a range of multimedia and communication platforms. Assist the supervisor in the day-today management of communication workplans and activities based on identified needs and priorities. Oversee the work of and provide guidance to communication and information management staff and to consultants. Supervise staff as applicable.
2.    Develop and manage a comprehensive communication strategy, including associated budget and procurement plans for BWB and CO Dhaka. Draft national communication plans in accordance with the strategic priorities established by the Regional Office and headquarters
3.    Keep up to date with and share information on world of work themes. Identify communication and information management needs and priorities and propose and develop activities for the Office in line with these priorities. Provide technical advice to staff and managers, recommending communication approaches and products to position the ILO, optimize messaging and branding and to advocate effectively on a full range of ILO activities.
4.    Commission, research, write, edit and/or translate from/to the local language audience specific communication and information products, including news releases, comment pieces, feature stories, fact sheets, brochures, talking points and speeches that communicate persuasive, evidence-based and solution-oriented messages, including ILO and Better Work corporate platforms, websites, social media platforms, newsletters, and other relevant mediums. This includes to organize press conferences, media interviews and other public information events to raise awareness of the ILO’s activities and results. Provide media briefings as required. Give presentations and respond to a range of inquiries. 

5.    Develop, implement and monitor Better Work Bangladesh crisis communication based on the existing SOPs. Coordinate as required with internal teams (e.g., enterprise advisers, business relations team, Bangladesh management team and global BW team) and external stakeholders such as buyer partner, expert organizations and enterprises to propose a unified response to crises in a timely manner.
6.    Conduct post-crisis evaluations to identify lessons learned and improve future responses and archive the learning. Provide training and support to staff on crisis communication protocols and procedures.
7.    Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices and emerging trends in crisis communication.
8.    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 CO Dhaka and Better 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.  
9.    Support the organization and coordination of events, workshops, and conferences related to the areas of work under the Better Work and ILO CO Dhaka, this includes communication support to BWB and ILO CO Dhaka in organising bilingual awareness-raising activities and events, specifically catered to local stakeholders, as well as the public in Bangladesh.
10.    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.
11.    Identify synergies between the BWB and other programmes implemented at the CO-Dhaka office to better promote them and insert them into the wider ILO work in Bangladesh 
12.    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. 
13.    Perform other duties as may be assigned by the BWB Deputy 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, international organization and writing for various mediums. Proven experience in handling communication crisis, 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 & 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, and ability to establish and maintain systems within project operations
⦁    Knowledge of office's policies, administrative procedures, financial rules and regulations 
⦁    Ability to prepare result-based annual workplan, budget, procurement of communication services 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 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 a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non- discriminatory behaviour and attitudes 
⦁    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