Bangladesh Red Crescent Society
National Headquarters
684-686, Red Crescent Sarak, Bara Moghbazar, Dhaka-1217

Vacancy Announcement

The Red Cross - Red Crescent movement is the largest volunteer organization in the world. Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) is a national society of the movement, constituted on 31 March 1973 by the President's Order No. 26 of 1973 with retrospective effect from 16 December 1971. This is the biggest humanitarian organization in Bangladesh. As an auxiliary to the government, the Society provides humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people over the last 50 years and has undertaken a wide range of activities in humanitarian response, disaster management, climate change adaptation, livelihood, health, capacity building, and in promoting Red Cross/Red Crescent ideals and principles.

Currently, the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society is looking for a suitable Bangladeshi national for the following position of Nature Pulse Programme in Barguna district funded by the British Red Cross:

Job TitleTechnical Officer DRR & NBS.

Department: Disaster & Climate Risk Management.

No. of position: 01 (One).

Job Nature: Contractual.

Salary Range: Up to BDT. 70,000/monthly (Consolidated).

Reportable to: Assistant Program Manager-project implementation and liaison.

Duration of contract: Up to 31st December 2025 (with the possibility of extension
based on availability of project funding).

Duty station: Barguna.

Starting Date: As soon as possible/01 February 2025.

Organizational context


The Bangladesh Red Cross Society was constituted on 31 March 1973. The Society was recognized by ICRC on 20 September 1973 and admitted to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on 2 November 1973. The name and emblem were changed from Red Cross to Red Crescent on 4th April 1988 vide Act 25 of 1988. BDRCS National Headquarters at Red Crescent Sarak, Boro Moghbazar, Dhaka is the Secretariat of the Society. The Secretary-General, appointed by the Managing Board, heads the Secretariat. The BDRCS has 68 Units. A Unit is constituted in each district and in the Metropolitan cities of Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi & Khulna. Its vision is to “become a leading humanitarian organization by mobilizing the power of humanity”. The mission statement is ‘The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, a volunteer-based humanitarian organization, endeavors to prevent and reduce human sufferings and save lives of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups by providing effective and efficient services through mobilizing resources in emergencies and normal times’.

Project summary

The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), in partnership with the British Red Cross (BRC), is launching the "Nature Pulse" program to enhance the resilience and well-being of coastal communities in the Sundarbans. This program will use Nature-based Solutions (NBS) to protect the region’s vital mangrove ecosystems, which act as a "green shield" against climate impacts like cyclones, flooding, and coastal erosion. Through community consultations and engagement, practical activities will be introduced to help restore mangroves while providing alternative livelihoods for locals, reducing their dependency on natural resources. The project aims to improve living conditions and protect the environment and ecosystem, while also building the skills and capacity of community members, local government, and volunteers. Partnerships with national and international organizations will further support mangrove restoration and monitoring. The program will also raise awareness about Climate Justice, helping communities understand their rights and advocate for long-term, sustainable change.

 Job purpose

The Technical Officer DRR & NBS will provide essential technical support for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) & Nature-based Solution (NBS) activities for the Nature Pulse Program in the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest area in Barguna district. The key function of this position is to utilize the post holder’s skills and experience to implement DRR & NBS-related activities for communities who rely on the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest for their livelihoods. The BDRCS with the support of the British Red Cross (BRC) is committed to improving the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities and contributing to becoming more resilient. The Technical Officer of DRR & NBS will ensure the successful implementation of DRR and NBS-related activities in target communities, ensuring community members' appropriate engagement and participation, while linking with local authorities and other relevant stakeholders. This position will be part of the BDRCS Bangladesh team, and we are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated, mature individual with sound practical judgment.

 

Job duties and responsibilities of the Technical Officer DRR & Livelihoods:

  • Responsible for implementing and providing technical guidance to DRR and NBS activities in coordination with the project team, BDRCS Barguna Unit, Red Crescent Youth (RCY), target community communities to ensure sustainable, climate-resilient practices are integrated into community-based actions
  • Lead the planning, scheduling, and conducting a comprehensive Enhance Vulnerability Capacity Assessment (EVCA) on DRR and NBS and prioritizing interventions for climate resilience
  • In coordination with the Project manager, develop the Plan of Action for DRR and NBS incorporating Climate Change Adaptation, and Disability inclusion.
  • Oversee NBS activities such as mangrove restoration, ecosystem rehabilitation, and sustainable livelihood development to support Sundarbans communities’ climate resilience.
  • Conduct community consultations to gather insights on local challenges related to DRR, NBS and ecosystem management, incorporating findings into project planning.
  • Act as a liaison between the project team and stakeholders (community organizations, government agencies, NGOs) to promote coordinated DRR and NBS efforts.
  • Develop tools, guidance, and frameworks to help communities to understand and apply nature-based climate adaptation practices.
  • Develop and distribute materials, messages, and reports to raise awareness on DRR and NBS.
  • Assist in preparing concept notes, and policy recommendations to expand DRR and NBS initiatives, with emphasis on eco-DRR and ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA).
  • Contribute to refining internal DRR and NBS standards to align with best practices and address the specific needs of the Sundarbans region.
  • Liaison with team members to meet the project deadlines and work plan.
  • Ensure quality program implementation through regular monitoring and technical inputs to the respective BDRCS unit officials and branch volunteers.
  • Conduct capacity-building activities like training, workshops, and awareness campaigns for communities, local government, and partner organizations to improve disaster preparedness and ecosystem resilience
  • Support skill development of beneficiary households, through identifying training needs, planning, organization, and facilitation of training, and/or identification of external training providers.
  • Ensure the participation of local authorities/ structures, community members, and beneficiaries on the DRR and NBS Pillar for effective implementation and better coordination.
  • Work with relevant government stakeholders for defined project activities and sensitize them to ensure a linkage between different project stakeholders.
  • Plans, schedules, and tracks project timelines and milestones in conjunction with agreed-upon deliverables.
  • Coordinate with the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) team to track project progress, and assess impact.
  • documenting best practices, challenges, and lessons learned.
  • Co-responsible for the implementation of project activities at Narayanganj slums in line with the defined action and work plan and very close coordination with the BDRCS Unit.
  • Carry out any assigned task that needs to be accomplished within the due time as instructed by Line Manager or competent authority.

 

Duties applicable to all staff

1. Actively work towards the achievement of the BDRCS goals
2. Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles
3. Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager

Position Requirements

Education   Required Preferred
Graduation in Disaster management, Geography and Environment, Environmental Science & Management, Botany, Development Studies, Social Science or any relevant field. X  
Experience   Required  Preferred
At least 5 years of working experience in Disaster Management, Disaster Risk Reduction, NBS, or climate change adaptation X  
Proven experience developing, managing, or implementing Livelihood & DRR activities in urban slums   X
Experience in working in a national/international development organization X  
Experience working with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movements   X
Experience implementing innovative climate change adaptation activities in urban slums   X
Experience implementing livelihood activities   X
Knowledge and Skills Required  Preferred
Excellent computer skills (MS Office package, Word, Excel). X  
Understanding of DRR and NBS Projects Management Cycle in Bangladesh X  
Excellent knowledge of Climate Change Adaptation strategies X  
Excellent communication and negotiation skills (oral and written) X  
Excellent analytical, team working, and communication skills X  
Able to prioritize work, multi-task, and meet deadlines X  
Willing to travel and operate in a demanding working environment X  
Ability to work in demanding situations and sometimes under pressure and meet deadlines   X
Languages Required  Preferred
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Bangla X  

Application Instructions:

  • Departmental clearance will be required for internal candidates.

If you think you are competent enough for the position, please apply online before 5:00 pm, January 15, 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified for an interview.

BDRCS is an equal opportunity employer