Date: 09/03/2025

Caritas Bangladesh (CB) is a national and non-profit development organization operating in Bangladesh since 1967. It has its Central Office in Dhaka and eight Regional Offices (Barishal, Chattogram, Dhaka, Dinajpur, Khulna, Mymensingh, Rajshahi and Sylhet Region). CB is implementing 89 on-going projects covering 53 districts focusing on eight main priorities i.e i) Social Welfare and Service of Love for Vulnerable Communities, ii) Ecological Conversation, Climate Justice and Sustainable Food System, iii) Humanitarian Response and Disaster Management, iv) Education, Skill Development and Employment Creation, v) Health Care, Nutrition and Education, vi) Development of Indigenous Peoples, vii) Integral Human Development, and viii) Institutional development and sustainability.

Caritas Bangladesh (CB) has been implementing the “Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in High-Risk Areas of Khulna and Satkhira Districts in Bangladesh” project (known as the DRR & CCA project) since November 2022. The project aims to strengthen Disaster Management Committees (DMCs) in 45 coastal wards across five unions of Dacope, Koyra, and Assasuni sub-districts, as well as four wards (Wards 9, 21, 22, and 31) of Khulna City Corporation, Bangladesh. The project focuses on Community-Led Risk Management, Resilient Infrastructure Development, Livelihood Adaptation and Support, and Policy Advocacy and Collaboration. Key activities include participatory risk assessments, volunteer capacity building, upgrading cyclone shelters to ensure accessibility for all groups, constructing disaster-resilient infrastructure while training local artisans on BBS techniques, and providing training in climate-smart agriculture and sustainable livelihoods. Additionally, the project aims to advocate for climate migrants through various events and engagement with stakeholders at different levels to address their challenges and promote their just integration. Ultimately, the project seeks to build disaster-resilient communities with sustainable livelihoods and socio-economic harmony between host and migrant populations.

The following positions will serve as the dedicated advocacy unit for the project to achieve its advocacy-related targets. The final contract is subject to budget approval by the project's back donor. Below are the details of the positions, including job responsibilities, educational qualifications, and required competencies, for your reference.

Details of Position

Purpose of this position

The Technical Advisor (Advocacy) will be responsible for developing and implementing high-level advocacy strategies to influence national policies on disaster response and climate migration. The incumbent will engage with key government agencies, policymakers, UN bodies, donors, and civil society organizations to ensure that disaster-affected communities and climate migrants are adequately represented in national and local policy frameworks.

Educational Qualification:

Master’s degree in public policy, Public Relations, Mass Communication & Journalism, Disaster Management, International Relations, Development Studies,  or a related field.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements:

• Minimum 6 years of experience in policy advocacy, public affairs, or government engagement, preferably in the humanitarian or development sector.
• Proven ability to develop and implement national advocacy strategies.
• Strong understanding of Bangladesh’s disaster management policies, climate migration issues, and national governance structures.
• Experience in high-level stakeholder engagement, including working with government officials, policymakers, and international organizations.
• Exceptional skills in policy analysis, strategic planning, and campaign management.
• Strong communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences effectively.
• Experience in organizing high-visibility advocacy campaigns, policy dialogues, and coalition-building initiatives.
• Fluency in English and Bangla (both written and spoken) is required.
• Prior experience working with faith-based organizations, INGOs, or government institutions.
• Strong professional experience in regional or international advocacy networks.
• Deep understanding of Catholic social teaching and Caritas’ mission.

Competencies Required:

• Integrity and ethical conduct in all advocacy-related activities.
• Strategic thinking and innovation in developing policy recommendations.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Adaptability and resilience in navigating complex policy environments.
• Strong leadership and team collaboration skills.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop a comprehensive national advocacy strategy within the first month, including stakeholder mapping and strategic planning.
• Conduct high-level policy analysis and prepare position papers, policy briefs, and advocacy reports to influence government policies on climate migrants.
• Organize national-level advocacy events, policy dialogues, and consultations with key ministries, UN agencies, and policymakers between the second and fourth months.
• Establish and maintain partnerships and networks with key decision-makers, advocacy groups, and humanitarian organizations to amplify the project’s advocacy goals.
• Work closely with the Project Focal Point to align advocacy efforts with the overall objectives of the DRR & CCA project.
• Work closely with the Head of DM and Director, Programs to align advocacy efforts with the overall objectives of the Sector and Organization.
• Represent Caritas Bangladesh in national and international advocacy forums to promote the rights of climate migrants and disaster-affected communities.
• Provide technical support to regional project teams in advocacy planning and capacity building.
• Ensure policy recommendations are submitted to government authorities by the fifth and sixth months of employment.
• Work towards integrating disaster risk management and climate migration issues into national policies, development plans, and budgets.

Additional job responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities set out above are not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.

Networking & External Engagement:

• In alignment with Caritas Bangladesh's strategy, engage in strategic positioning with donors, partners, and government entities to ensure that Caritas Bangladesh is recognized as a partner of choice in disaster management programming.
• Ensure that Caritas Bangladesh actively influences and learns from others to advance the rights of disaster-affected people through national technical coordination and networking bodies, such as clusters and working groups. Prioritize strong advocacy for climate migrants.
• Strengthen civil society engagement in national dialogues and policy processes to advance the issues of climate migrants and integrate their needs into national policies by collaborating closely with advocacy and governance colleagues. Ensure that the diverse voices of disaster-affected people are equitably heard and represented across thematic advocacy initiatives.
• Ensure the quality, clarity, and consistency of technical components in internal and external reports. Prioritize and embed issues concerning climate migrants in framing and content while working closely with awards, program implementation, and communications colleagues as needed.

Behaviors (Values in Practice):

Accountability:

• Holds him/herself accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving results, and role-modeling Caritas Bangladesh’s values.
• Holds the team and partners accountable for delivering on their responsibilities by providing them with the autonomy to execute tasks effectively, offering necessary support for professional development, and applying appropriate consequences when expectations are not met.

Ambition:

• Sets ambitious and challenging goals for him/herself and the team, takes responsibility for personal development, and encourages his/her team to do the same.
• Clearly communicates his/her vision for Caritas Bangladesh, engaging and motivating others.
• Future-oriented, strategic thinking, and considers global perspectives.

Collaboration:

• Builds and maintains effective relationships with the DRR & CCA team, disaster management colleagues, members, external partners, and supporters.
• Values diversity and recognizes it as a source of strength.
• Approachable, a good listener, and easy to engage with.

Creativity:

• Develops and promotes new and innovative solutions.
• Willing to take calculated risks.

Integrity:

• Acts with honesty, fosters openness and transparency, and demonstrates the highest levels of integrity.

The post holder must be committed to working in a national agency that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion while actively combating racism, gender inequality, and all forms of discrimination, including those based on sexual orientation. They must model positive behaviors that demonstrate a commitment to equality and respect for all colleagues, partners, and communities.

The selected candidate will be appointed on a temporary basis which may be extended for future periods subject to the satisfactory performance and requirements of the Organization. If you feel you are the right person for the above position, you are invited to apply either online at: https://caritasbd.org/career/job-career/ Please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTG0nU_NRSY to get tutorial about registering CV in our Job Bank. Contact for technical support if needed: 01755518698. However, in case of any difficulties of applying through online you may send your complete resume with a cover letter to Manager-Human Resource Section, Caritas Bangladesh; email: caritasrecruitment2023@gmail.com

Closing date is 17/03/2025.

The candidates who are presently working in Caritas Bangladesh having required qualifications may apply for the above post through proper channels i.e. with the approval of the Project/Regional/Central Director.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a written test and interview. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The organization reserves the right to reject any application or to cancel or postpone the recruitment process for any reason. Any form of personal contact or persuasion will result in disqualification.

Caritas Bangladesh (CB) is committed to recognizing the personal dignity and rights of all individuals, especially vulnerable groups, regardless of gender, race, culture, or disability. We conduct our programs and operations in a manner that prioritizes the safety of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Caritas Bangladesh has zero tolerance for any form of violence or abuse, including sexual exploitation or abuse, committed by employees or affiliates associated with our work. We follow strict recruitment practices in accordance with our safeguarding policies.

Caritas is an inclusive and equal opportunities employer.