Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) is a non-government organization, working for Human Rights and Good Governance invites applications from Bangladeshi nationals for the position ofDeputy Manager- Advocacy and Networking for Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership (RWVL) Bangladesh project.

Job Title: Deputy Manager- Advocacy and Networking (01)

Job Purpose

The Deputy Manager (DM), Advocacy and Networking position is mid-level in MJF. The purpose of hiring for this position is to contribute to the project's outcome of feminist advocacy at national and local levels, foster collaboration among key stakeholders, and amplify women's voices to drive systemic change.  Feminist advocacy aims to change policies and structures that impact the ability of women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals to exercise and claim their rights. At the same time, cultural norms and practices that influence the rights of structurally excluded groups are threatened regularly. For this reason, MJF undertakes systematic advocacy work through policy advocacy and campaigns challenging social norms, harmful practices, discriminatory laws & policies, criminalization of gender identity and sexuality, advancing sex workers’ rights, and changing the public’s views of trans persons and people with disabilities, among others.

Job Summary

The Deputy Manager of advocacy and networking leads and coordinates efforts to promote the project’s goal and outcomes through public outreach, stakeholder engagement, and policy influence. S/he develops and executes advocacy strategies, builds relationships with policymakers and other key stakeholders, and manages public relations related to the organization's causes. The role often involves working with internal teams, external partners, and the general public to achieve specific advocacy objectives. 

As a key team member of the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership (RWVL) Bangladesh Project, the DM-Advocacy and Networking will ensure the project’s advocacy strategy and implement advocacy initiatives at both national and local levels, as outlined in the advocacy plan, to promote gender equality, integrating feminist principles. S/he will work closely with policymakers, duty bearers, and relevant stakeholders to facilitate advocacy or policy influencing. Additionally, S/he will communicate with partner organizations to track their local-level advocacy plans in line with the project outcomes. This position is also responsible for developing and refining policy briefs, advocacy strategies, and knowledge products to support MJF’s efforts in policy advocacy and influencing on behalf of marginalized and gender-diverse individuals to achieve gender equality goals and targets. This position will also foster networking among women’s rights organizations in Bangladesh, develop a networking strategy paper, provide technical assistance to ensure the project's networking activities are practical, and support the RWVL-B team in preparing reports to share best practices and ensure project success. Collaborate with the project team and WROs to organize advocacy events aligned with the Advocacy Plan.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

  • Academic Qualification: Master's degree in Social Sciences, Law, Government and Politics, Political Science, Gender Studies, Media and Communication, Journalism, and specializing in Policy Advocacy.
  • Professional Course: Have completed certified or professional courses in strategic communication, advocacy, comparative governance, foundations in public policy, community engagement, and action, or relevant courses in community-led advocacy.
  • Professional Experience: Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in developing and executing advocacy (national and local levels) and feminist campaigns in any Civil Society Organization.
  • Knowledge of Feminist Approach: Understanding and applying feminist principles, approaches, and strategies in policy advocacy that highlight gender inequality and examine the social, political, and cultural factors adversely affecting women's lives and experiences, contributing to the pursuit of social justice and equality.
  • Proven experience working in a partnership approach with WROs and Community-led Organizations.

Essential Skills and Capabilities

  • Excellent Communication Skills: Ability to articulate advocacy positions clearly to various audiences, including policymakers, the media, and the public.
  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement long-term advocacy strategies to advance the advocacy goals.
  • Public Policy Expertise: Strong understanding of policy processes and the ability to navigate legislative or regulatory environments.
  • Stakeholder Management: Skilled in building relationships and partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, advocacy groups, and internal teams.
  • Crisis Management: Ability to handle public scrutiny and crises related to advocacy initiatives, responding with strategic communication.

Preferred Attributes

  • Resilience: Advocacy can be a long-term, challenging process that requires persistence and the ability to handle setbacks.
  • Adaptability: Ability to respond quickly to changing policy landscapes or public attitudes.
  • Collaborative Mindset: Ability to work well with a wide range of partners and internal teams.
  •  Sensitivity and commitment: A commitment to work with all-inclusive populations that uphold inclusive values, respecting human rights, dignity, and social harmony.
  • Time management: Ability to effectively manage processes, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.

Working Conditions

The position is based in Dhaka, but frequent field travel is required to the working areas, with at least 40% of the time spent traveling outside Dhaka to remote locations in Bangladesh.

Please see the JOB DESCRIPTION for more detail with this link

Remuneration: The total monthly gross salary will be Tk 1,05,854 (Grade-7, Step-1) plus all other admissible benefit (PF, Bonus, Gratuity) as per organizational policy.The salary is negotiable for a exceptional candidate.

Application procedure: Interested candidates with above requirements are requested to submit application through online http://182.163.113.203/mis/eCircular/ . The deadline for submission of the application is 05 May 2025 

Please outline in your cover letter how your skills and experience meet the knowledge, skill and expertise outlined in the job description and advertisement.

MJF’s commitment to safeguarding

Manusher Jonno Foundation is committed to preventing any unwanted behaviour at work, including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity, and financial misconduct. It is committed to protecting children and vulnerable adults following its policy. The Manusher Jonno Foundation expects all MJF and project staff, vendors, and consultants to adhere to this commitment through MJF’s code of conduct. MJF places a high priority on ensuring rights and upholding the respect and dignity of all people, regardless of their class, caste, ethnicity, religion, physical condition, or gender.

Note

  • All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and screening checks, including criminal records and fraud/corruption/ terrorism. Please note that Disclosure of Safeguarding-related Misconduct in Recruitment Processes is mandatory.

Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. It upholds human dignity and inclusion for all, regardless of age, race, religion, gender, disability, ethnic origin, or socio-economic condition. As such, we highly encourage applications from women, gender-diverse individuals, and people with disabilities.