Introduction                                                     

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner working in more than 20 African and Asian countries. Building on 60 years of experience and grounded in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we work on the core themes of gender equality and social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, and strong institutions and effective governance. Our mission is to strengthen capacities and catalyse partnerships that transform the agri-food, energy, and water systems, which enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all. For more information, please refer to our website: www.snv.org

Programme Background

In Bangladesh, SNV initiated an urban water (primarily in Sanitation) programme in 2014 in southern cities and has been proactively engaged at the National level to support urban sanitation initiatives. SNV under the Urban Sanitation Programme with the support from BMGF and DGIS aims to support Local Authorities (Khulna and Gazipur City Corporations, Kushtia, Jhenaidah, Jessore and Benapole Paurashavas) to address service delivery challenges in sanitation and advance the sector development, through strategic engagement with Government Agencies and partnering with other experienced civil society and private sector organisations working in the sector. 

SNV believes in rethinking, reforming, and enhancing institutional structures to lessen the impact of rapid urbanisation and climate threats. To do this, we must seek ways to improve the governance and practices of the waste management, drainage, and water supply sectors. In Bangladesh, the local government is responsible for water, sanitation, drainage, and solid waste, often needing more local capacities. Private sector engagement is crucial in making cities more sustainable, but accountability and performance still need improvement. SNV has been working with different stakeholders to set up PPPs with clearer rules of engagement and oversight to strengthen performance accountability by adopting a holistic approach to a sustainable urban water cycle. In continuation of this, and in close collaboration with the two responsible national departments – the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) and the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) SNV is heading towards a new approach of promoting Sustainable Urban Water Cycle in Bangladesh. Supporting this, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh has awarded SNV a new project in Bangladesh titled "Transitioning to sustainable urban water cycles in Bangladesh".

The objective of this project is to improve sanitation, solid waste, and drainage water management to protect the health and well-being of around 1.8 million people in 12 cities and towns by increasing access to safe, essential urban services (sanitation, solid waste, stormwater management). Moreover, the project will initiate improvements in relevant water resource management indicators at the city level over five years.

The project envisages following 6 (six) outcomes to support city-wide inclusive services by professionalisation and financial viability of urban sanitation and solid waste facilities.

1. Strengthened capacities to support city-wide inclusive services.
2. Increased professionalisation and financial viability of urban sanitation and solid waste services.
3. Strengthened governance, regulation, enforcement, and monitoring capacity.
4. Strengthened performance, integration and circularity of treatment, reuse, and recycling.
5. More responsive strategic communication towards consumer behaviours.
6. Improved capacity and preparedness for city-level floods and droughts.

The project will work in various geographically and ecologically diverse areas across Bangladesh. Four city corporations and eight paurashavas – grouped into following six clusters. The cities are: Rajshahi, Sylhet, Cumilla and Khulna City Corporation, and Chapainawabganj, Shibganj, Bogura, Joypurhat, Lalmonirhat, Moulvibazar, Chhatak, and Bagerhat municipality.

The project aligns with the long-term Bangladesh Delta Plan (BDP) 2100; and related national commitments on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 6 on achieving inclusive and sustainable safely managed sanitation, SDG11 around solid waste and water-related risks, and SDG13 around resilience, adaptive capacity and greenhouse gas emissions.

Context and purpose of the job

The project aims to achieve systems change towards a sustainable urban water cycle (SUWC) at the city level and contribute to the national level. We follow a systematic process through all interventions to ensure the approach is institutionalised within the LGIs e.g., City corporations, Paurashavas, strong coordination with WASA’s, Development authorities, DC/UNO office etc.

SNV is actively engaged at national level on advocacy and support to the national government in different platforms and dissemination of learnings through networks. By accompanying the DPHE and LGED during the implementation of their national projects, SNV will have the opportunity to demonstrate, convince, and influence change and to improve the way best practices are currently implemented. At the national level it closely works with Policy Support Branch (PSB) of Local Government Division, CWIS-FSM Support Cell of DPHE, and CWIS Capacity Hub (ITN-BUET), FSM Network Bangladesh, and other relevant agencies and platform.    

The Communication Advisor will be responsible to provide technical leadership and expertise in developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies that align with SNV's goals and objectives. The Communication Advisor is responsible for creating and executing effective communication plans that engage and foster various stakeholders, about the organization's mission, programs, and impact. The purpose of the role also includes leading and managing all communication activities, developing all communication materials, driving innovation and continuous improvement in communication efforts, and managing communication during times of change or crisis. The goal of the Communication Advisor is to enhance the organization's reputation, maintain brand across, raise awareness, and promote stakeholder engagement to support the mission and success of SNV. 

Job Responsibilities/ Result areas

• Technical Leadership: The Communication Advisor will play a key role in providing strategic leadership in developing and implementing communication strategies that align with the SNV's goals and objectives. This includes analysing the communication needs for the SUWC project, identifying target audiences, and developing comprehensive plans to communicate SNV's mission, programs, and impact to various stakeholders. The Communication Advisor will also guide the leadership and programme team on communication-related matters and contribute to strategic planning and decision-making. 
• Create and manage content for various communication channels: The Communication Advisor will be responsible for creating and managing monthly content for multiple channels, including press releases, newsletters, websites, social media, and other promotional materials. This includes writing and editing content, ensuring consistency in messaging and branding, and coordinating with internal teams to gather information and data for communication purposes, such as impact stories, success stories, and program updates. 
• Coordinate with media outlets and journalists: The Communication Advisor will manage relationships with media outlets and journalists to ensure effective media coverage of the organization and its programs. This includes drafting and distributing press releases, coordinating interviews, and responding to media inquiries in a timely manner. The Communication Advisor will also proactively pitch stories to the media to raise profile about the SNV's initiatives and impact. The Communication Advisor will monitor and analyse media coverage and its programs to evaluate the effectiveness of communication efforts. 
• Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders: The Communication Advisor will develop and coordinate relationships with stakeholders, including advocacy partners, networks, and other strategic partners, to ensure effective communication and engagement. This includes leading communication initiatives that cultivate and maintain relationships with stakeholders, such as donor communication, volunteer engagement, and partnership communication. The Communication Advisor will also provide support in leading external communication initiatives, including donor appeals, networking events, and online campaigns, in coordination with the organization's fundraising team. 
• Support in the scheduling of the meeting with donors and the follow-up of communication in an informative manner, periodically sending updates on our work in Bangladesh.
• Provide guidance and support to internal teams: The Communication Advisor will guide and support internal teams on communication best practices and strategies. This includes advising on media relations, crisis communication, brand messaging, and other communication-related matters. The Communication Advisor will also collaborate with internal teams to gather information and data for communication purposes and ensure consistent messaging across the organization. 
• Manage online presence: Oversee a digital media expansion strategy that increases visibility and engagement of national and international audiences and supports SNV Bangladesh national and global campaigns. The Communication Advisor will manage the SNV's online presence, including content creation, scheduling, and monitoring. This includes developing engaging and compelling online content that aligns with the organisation's communication goals and objectives. The Communication Advisor will also develop strategies to increase engagement, reach, and visibility on social media platforms.  
• Develop and deliver internal communication initiatives: The Communication Advisor will develop and deliver internal communication initiatives that ensure consistent messaging across the organisation. This includes creating and managing internal communication channels, such as SharePoint, yammer, newsletters, memos, and other communication materials, to keep employees and volunteers informed about the organisation's initiatives, updates, and achievements. Will also help identify issues or risks and develop and implement mitigation strategies or escalate them where appropriate. 
• Brand management: The Communication Advisor will work closely with the HQ communication focal(s), country management team, and programme team to ensure SNV’s brand, style guide, and tone of voice are consistently applied in all external communications, material development, printing, and publishing. The advisor will also help implement and enforce SNV’s new brand guidelines across all communication, knowledge, governance, and advocacy materials. Develop key messages for various stakeholders regarding SNV's mission, SUWC project, and impact.
• Support BCC strategy under SUWC project: Work with the BCC advisor to implement BCC in all cities of the SUWC project aligned with the SNV strategy. This means scheduling field visits and meetings with strategic partners, reviewing progress and providing feedback.
• The above list of job responsibilities is not exclusive or exhaustive, and the position will be required to undertake any duties assigned by his/her supervisor as may reasonably be expected within the scope of the position. 

The above list of job responsibilities is not exclusive or exhaustive and the position will be required to undertake any assigned responsibilities assigned by his/her supervisor as may reasonably be expected within the scope of the position.

Educational Requirements

Master's Degree in english, mass communication, journalism, development studies, anthropology, sociology, political science, or relevant disciplines.

Desired Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies:

• Experience: Minimum 10 years demonstrated professional experience in Communication, with a successful track record.
• Knowledge: A strong understanding of the political landscape, government structures, and policymaking processes at the national and local level is necessary. Additionally, familiarity with the WASH, Environment, and Water Resources sectors will be an added advantage.
• Skills: It is necessary excellent writing skills in English, including the ability to master communication methodologies and tools. Collaboration skills, including the ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, are essential.
• Competencies: The candidate should be strategic, analytical, and able to think critically. The position should also be able to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing situations quickly. Being able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines is also important.
• Technical skills: Proficiency in using technology and software tools.
• Personal characteristics: should be passionate about the issues she/he work on and committed to making a positive impact. She/he should also have a strong work ethic, be self-motivated, and have a positive attitude. A good sense of humour, flexibility, and creativity can also be assets in this role.

Duty station                      :  Dhaka with frequent travel to project areas

Contract Duration             :  2 (two) years with a possibility of extension depending on performance and availability of funds.

Expected Joining Date      :   As soon as possible

Working Hours                  :   Full time (minimum of 40 hours per week)

Salary & Benefits              :  The total gross salary package (basic salary + House Rent Allowance + Transportation Allowance +Medical Allowance) will range between BDT 126,940 and BDT 156,760 per month, depending on the selected candidate’s work experience and competencies. Gratuity and provident fund entitlement will be followed by SNV BD policy.

In addition 

• Communication Allowance
• Festival Allowance
• Group life insurance coverage
• Hospitalization insurance Coverage for employee and family member (spouse and children)
• Critical Illness coverage for employee.

How to apply:

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply for this position.

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by submitting a brief letter of motivation (1 page) and your CV (not more than 3 pages). Your CV should highlight your prior work achievements; it should not be a list of your current or prior job responsibilities.

In your motivation letter please answer the question:

Why are you interested in the “Communication Advisor ” position and what do you believe makes you the strongest candidate to fill the position? 

Please submit your CV and motivation letter through SmartRecuriters by 13 June 2024.

.We do not appreciate third-party mediation based on this advertisement. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Any form of solicitation by phone or other means will be treated as disqualification of the candidate. SNV is an equal employment provider.