Coordinator-Advocacy and Inclusion

Location: Dhaka

Reports to: Head of Programs

Nature of Job: Full time

Level: Mid-level position

I. Job Context:

ICCO Cooperation is a leading INGO working for empowering people that will build sustainable livelihoods within a society that will uphold their rights for all in Bangladesh since 1972 and also has innovative interventions in more than 42 countries since 1965.

ICCO is focusing on four priority topics, which combine our thematic knowledge with the markets we work in: Blending, Climate Resilient Agri Food Systems, New Technologies and Youth Entrepreneurship. ICCO Cooperation is implementing Strategic Partnership Convening and Convincing (SPCC) project by the international national NGOs in Bangladesh with close support of Dutch consortium partners. The project has 3 pathways; (1) Political Space for CSOs on land rights, (2) Realizing the right to adequate food and nutrition and (3) Small-producers empowerment and skill development.

ICCO is looking for Coordinator r-Advocacy and Inclusion  to provide strategic guidance to implement the assigned projects/ tasks specially lobby and advocacy initiatives for skill development component of the second phase of SPCC project (Civic Engagement Alliance-CEA) project.  She/he will be responsible for close coordination with the implementing partners and provide technical directions to implement the projects to achieve high-quality, results and outcome of the project.

II.         Responsibilities and Tasks:  

Responsibility # 1: Inclusion

• To strengthen ICCO work around gender and inclusion.
• To design and formulate ICCO strategy on gender and inclusion
• Provide advice and guidance to the Senior Management Team in the Implementation of the key inclusion components across the Civic Engagement Alliance interventions and other projects implemented by ICCO.
• Provide advice and support on inclusion to the technical staff working with the partner organisations.
• Analyze and ensure the interventions are sensitive to issues of inclusion of groups who are facing various disadvantages and subject to different vulnerabilities, notably women, youth, refugees, poor and persons with disabilities.

Responsibility # 2: Governance

• Providing strategic direction to ICCO Senior Management and partner agencies for civil society engagement mechanism on key governance issues of the Global South
•  Strengthening platform for Global South CSO’s to collectively work to promote good governance, human rights and democracy

Responsibility # 3: Planning and Implementation

• Make sure timely, accurate and high-quality project implementation as per work plan through effective liaison with related partners
• Provide support to the establishment of inclusive governance work and network
• Monitor project activities and interventions so that they are implemented in accordance with project outputs and expected impacts
• Helping to analyses, identify and recommend amendments to the planned activities for enhancement of project delivery at national and governmental levels

Responsibility # 4: Identifying, building and managing new partnerships and contract Management 

• Conceptualize specific project interventions and draft ToRs.
• Ensure timely completion of project interventions in line with quality criteria and expectations of ICCO
• Approve project reports and provide regular feedback to implementing partners to integrate lessons learned in project implementation.
• Coordinate with the PMEL Manager to organize monitoring visits during project implementation.
• Identify and develop partnerships to ensure the achievement of the objectives set out under the Programme;
• Initiate agreements/MoUs with civil society organizations, academic institutions, and research firms
• Liaise with social sector , private sectors and research partners through regular coordination and follow-up to ensure effective partnership management

Responsibility # 5: Contribute to designing the CEA program with special focus on realising an attractive future-proof food system by influencing government and private sector.

• Capture the learning from the current CEA program and translate these learning to design the new concept note and proposal for fundraising.
• Partnership development with the government and private sectors.
• Participate and contribute to the development of concepts and proposals for fundraising on L&A interventions
• Documents of ICCO’s strengthen and assist in presenting different local to national forum, INGOs and donors.

Responsibility # 6: Capture the results-outputs and outcomes of the CEA program and present to different stakeholders.

• Organise regular meetings and field visit to capture the results of the CEA program, including strategic direction to partners and colleagues at field and Dhaka level.
• Maintain the lobby logbook and regular update with the senior management
• Write the case study, report and prepare the presentation for the stakeholders.
• Assist to document evidence and capture practical experience from the field.

Responsibility # 7 Research, Policy, Resource Mobilization Support

• Develop and operationalize the research design and methodology for the programme under the guidance of Head of Programmes.
• Manage research contracts under the programme and provide technical advice to the project management for final approval and publication of research.
• Draft background thematic concept notes and other related documents as requested by the Head of Programmes and Civil Society Engagement Expert
• Coordinate and liaise with existing and potential partners and other stakeholders
• Write sector/thematic reviews, concept papers and proposals, policy briefs, and undertake other related tasks
• Identify, assess and coordinate with relevant partners for research and policy support,
• Document lessons learned through best practices and interactions, and disseminate information through active participation in programming networks
• Formulate and contribute to project designs, proposals, reports, and other documents that support strategic recommendations
• Consolidate baseline studies, research, and project case studies for policy dialogue for the programme

Responsibility # 8: Contribute to developing new project and concept note for fundraising

• Active participation and contribution to develop the concept notes and proposals, especially the right based and CEA related program design.
• Maintain relationship with potential partners to raise funds as consortium.

III.   Working Conditions:

• Working days from Sunday to Thursday 40 hours per week. This position may be required to work some overtime hours.
• Any other tasks assigned by the supervisor from time to time.
• Yearly renewable contract based on fund availability and performance.

IV.       Key contacts:

Country Representative, Head of Programs, Manager, Admin and Finance and Communication and Fundraising department of ICCO

V.    Key Qualifications:

• Master's degree in MBA/Economics/Development Studies/any other relevant subjects.
• Professional experience of a minimum of five years in a managerial/coordinator position for organizational capacity development or business development, preferably in Bangladesh or in developing countries
• Experience in Innovative and new technology development (especially ICT based) will be added value for the position.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal communication skills, problem-solving skills, strong value-based commitment to right based approach.
• Proven expertise in the relevant technical areas, including the building of organizational capacity in the public sector and NGOs; marketing, business planning, financial management, and fund-raising skills; governance 
• Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills, good communication and collaboration skills, including experience in partnering with government and ability to innovate 
• Knowledge and skill to design the lobby and advocacy related program design and concept note development for fundraising.
• Skill in capturing the results-outputs and outcomes of the CEA program and present to different stakeholders.
• Working experience with government, media, civil society and different networks including like-minded programs and organizations.
•  Experience in supporting CSOs and organizations to strengthen lobby and advocacy to get service and to establish the rights.
• Skill in organizing and conducting training, national-level workshop, roundtable discussion, etc. through presentation, interpersonal relationship and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of Bangladesh provincial and local level government structures and systems and issues influencing local support to health and rehabilitation services 
• Proven ability to manage programs to accommodate a changing political and decentralizing environment
• Fluency in written and speaking English skills
• Good leadership ability to lead & motivate the team
• Good business sense and professional & progressive attitude.