HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation is a development organization anchored in Switzerland. Our vision is a just world in which all men and women determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, sustainably using environmental resources. The promotion of good governance and gender equality, and social equity is an integral part of the overall organizational policy of HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation, through which we seek to ensure that our organizational culture and practice reflect our commitment to social change.

Advocacy Expert

We are seeking a highly qualified Advocacy Expert to join the Strengthened and Informative Migration Systems (SIMS) project. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in coordinating initiatives under the supervision of the Project Director, with a strong background in policy dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy. This role requires proven leadership in fostering strategic partnerships with key government institutions such as MoEWOE, MoLJPA, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as collaboration with private sector actors like BAIRA and civil society organizations. The candidate should be adept at developing and executing effective advocacy strategies, integrating Gender and Social Equity (GSE) principles, and building stakeholder capacity to engage in evidence-based advocacy. Expertise in international labor migration, gender equity, and governance is essential for this position. If you have the vision and skills to drive impactful advocacy initiatives, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the overall coordination and implementation of advocacy initiatives and the Gender and Social Equity (GSE) component of SIMS Phase II.
  • Strengthening engagement with key government institutions (e.g., MoEWOE, MoLJPA, Parliamentarians’ Caucus, Parliamentary Standing Committee on MoEWOE, BMET, WEWB, PKB, DEMO, etc.), and establish formal MoUs where necessary.
  • Maintain communication with partners and stakeholders to advance framework-level advocacy for improved migration governance.
  • Develop and lead the SIMS Phase II advocacy strategy in collaboration with implementing partners, guided by the Political Economy and Power Analysis (PEPA).
  • Ensure the integration of GSE elements into program planning and implementation to address gender challenges at both micro and macro levels.
  • Build the capacity of system actors, including private sector and civil society stakeholders, to engage in evidence-based advocacy and promote gender and social equity.
  • Support Project Coordinators in adopting a migrant-centered approach that addresses the specific needs of migrant workers and their families.
  • Facilitate multi-stakeholder consultations to advance SIMS’s advocacy objectives.
  • Prepare advocacy materials, including concept notes, briefing papers, and IEC/BCC resources.
  • Document success stories, challenges, and lessons learned on gender-inclusive safe migration practices.
  • Strengthen implementing partners' capacity to conduct community-led advocacy, identify grassroots issues, and align them with national advocacy priorities.
  • Collaborate with BAIRA to encourage ethical recruitment practices.
  • Maintain liaison with the NHRC to address cases of migrants’ rights violations.
  • Coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enhance the services provided by Bangladeshi missions in countries of destination.
  • Build coalitions with CSOs to promote the PDMO module and expand safe migration awareness beyond project timelines and locations.
  • Partner with the Ministry of ICT to disseminate safe migration messages through Union Digital Centers (UDCs) and a2i initiatives.
  • Perform additional tasks assigned by the Project Director.

Required Qualifications:

Experience:

  • At least 5 years of leadership experience in the field of advocacy, policy dialogue with Government actors and at least 2 years of leadership experience in a similar type of position, preferably in INGO.
  • Proven expertise in maintaining working relations with policy counterpart such as the MoEWOE, MoLJPA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh Bank, private sectors including BAIRA and civil society.
  • Successful (result-driven) networking record with national and international NGOs, Government and private sector including BAIRA.
  • Strong network with regional or international labour migration, remittance management and financial inclusion stakeholders is an asset.
  • Proven track record on execution of partnerships, synergies and coordination with one complementary programme/project implemented by different team within the same organisation.

Education:

  • Master’s degree in Social Science, Economics, Development Studies, or relevant subjects.
  • Knowledge of current global and regional contemporary issues in relation to international labour migration, remittance management and financial inclusion.

Skills:

  • Experience of working in fragile context.
  • Fluent in English both written and spoken.
  • Highly diplomatic with strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrate high-level technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience in strategic project planning, design and implementation.
  • Experience in coaching and capacity building of staff and partners.
  • Ability to work under pressure and complete deliverables on time.
  • Strong skills in networking, advocacy, communication, collaboration and donor liaison.
  • Proven experience of working with the multisectoral partner, sub-contracts and consultant etc.

We offer you
A national employment contract up to 31 March 2028 with a market-competitive salary along with other admissible benefits, such as Mobile Allowance, Provident Fund, Gratuity, Festival Bonus, Seniority Bonus, Medical Insurance with health and life coverage, Annual leave of 25 days, Sick leave of 15 days and excellent opportunities for professional development.

Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit their updated CV along with a motivational letter detailing their relevant experience and motivation for the role. Please apply online at https://career.helvetasbd.org/ by 26 July 2025. Hard copies or other forms of application will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps. We encourage early applications as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Women are highly encouraged to apply.