Swisscontact is the business-oriented independent foundation for international development cooperation. Represented in 36 countries with over 1,100 employees, it promotes - since 1959 - economic, social and environmental development.

Swisscontact invites applications from qualified candidates for the following position:

Communication Officer

Location
:
Dhaka with possible visits to field locations
Project
:
Uttoron – Skills for better life
Reports to
:
Team Leader, Uttoron – Skills for better life
Duration : Till 31-Jul-2019 with possibility of extension
Commencement : Immediate

About the Project

Uttoron - Skills for a better life, a three-year skills development project, commenced its journey in August 2016 with an aim to enhance employment opportunities for 1,400 community members in Sylhet, Moulavibazar and Habiganj districts. The project is funded by Chevron under “Workforce Development” component of its Bangladesh Partnership Initiative (BPI) and is being implemented by Swisscontact. The project is designed to enhance the employability of the population, especially youth, in the targeted districts through building awareness and providing job-oriented trainings. For the training component, Uttoron has a unique partnership with the Skills for Employment Investment Program (SEIP) of Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Bangladesh (GoB), which is implemented by Ministry of Finance, Government of Bangladesh. By applying innovative approaches, the project has been successful in achieving remarkable results.

Objectives of the Assignment

The Communication officer will play a crucial role in communicating project results and achievements with the stakeholders. S/he will be responsible for revieweing and updating the communication guideline as necessary and will ensure compliance with the guideline. S/he will also maintain working relationship with the global communication team(s) as necessary.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

    • Lead in  communication activities and ensure compliance with Communication Strategy and Communication guidelines in every aspects of the project interventions;
    • Design innovative communication materials to pursue target audience in effective and efficient manner;
    • Ensure that the communication materials are distributed and broadcasted following the project and donor approved communication plan;
    • Develop case studies and various communication tools following the project mandates prepare and publish press release, web releases as required by the projects regularly;
    • Support the project manager in project implementation through strategic use of communication tools and techniques;
    • Develop and maintain liaison with various stakeholders including relevant government agencies and international development partners
    • Organize and coordinate events e.g. meeting, seminar, workshop, awareness campaigns and day celebration etc.) as the key focal person;
    • Assist the team leader in writing reports, concept notes and proposals on a regular basis;
    • Ensure mainstreaming of gender related issues into intervention strategies as the gender focal person.

Required Skills and Experience

The individual must demonstrate that s/he has the following knowledge and can perform the essential functions, with or without regular supervision, using a combination of knowledge, skills and experience:

  • Passionate and committed about developing a career in development and communication
  • Holds Bachelor’s degree in Social Science; Development Studies; Economics, Business or any other relevant discipline
  • Excellent writing skills in English and advanced communication skills in both English and Bangla
  • Expert at graphic designing (i.e.Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator)
  • Able to apply innovation into work and produce unique and effective communication materials
  • Excellent at preparing innovative powerpoint presentations and confident in delivering them in front of large audience
  • Computer literacy in Windows Office programs
  • A Team player who is eager to work in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment
  • Professional work experience in communication will be advantageous
  • Experience of working with INGOs or international donor agencies will be preferred
  • Knowledge of the TVET and skills development sector in Bangladesh will be preferred
  • Fresh graduates with proven writing and graphic designing skills are encouraged to apply

Working Conditions and Environment

As per Swisscontact Manual.

Detailed Terms of Reference (ToR)

The detailed ToR is available here: https://www.swisscontact.org/en/country/south-asia/work-with-us/jobs.html

Application Procedure:

Please download the application form from the above link and submit the filled-in application along with a cover letter (elaborating your competencies that you think make you a suitable candidate for the position and expected salary) to bd.recruitment@swisscontact.org

Please mention Name of the Position applied for in the “subject” line of your email. Applications must be submitted on or before 7th October 2018

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.

Swisscontact is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage female professionals to apply.