icddr,b is a Bangladesh-based international health research institute that strives to solve key public health problems through high-quality scientific research and innovation. icddr,b as a values-based institution, encourages applications from women and persons with disabilities to apply.
The Communications Unit at icddr,b plays a central role in translating scientific research and public health work into clear, credible and accessible messages for diverse audiences. It supports the institute’s mission by strengthening public understanding, trust and engagement with partners, donors, policy makers, media and communities. The Unit leads strategic communications, media relations, digital and social media engagement, and internal communications. It ensures that research findings and programme impacts are shared accurately and responsibly, while presenting icddr,b as a trusted and authoritative public health institution.
Head, Communications will report to Executive Director and will be responsible to plan, lead, and oversee icddr,b’s communications function with the objective of strengthening institutional visibility, brand stewardship, reputation and trust; enabling effective internal and external communication; advancing media engagement, policy advocacy, knowledge dissemination, and strategic stakeholder partnerships; and supporting informed decision-making and influence within approved institutional strategies, governance frameworks, and allocated resources(such as Institutional Governance Framework - IGF and Gender Diversity Guidelines).
Key responsibilities:
- Strategic Communications Leadership: Lead the design, development and execution of icddr,b's communications strategy and annual plans, with emphasis on external positioning and internal alignment, to enhance visibility, reputation, trust, and influence. Provide strategic communications counsel to ED, SLT and Scientists to support institutional priorities, decision-making, advocacy and long-term positioning across diverse stakeholders, including research partners, donors, governments, NGOs, UN agencies, and media;
- Brand and Reputation Management: Oversee icddr,b’s brand and reputation strategy, ensure high quality and consistent application of the brand identity and messaging across all corporate communication in both traditional and new media. Lead proactive reputation and crisis management, addressing both external perception and internal confidence, and ensure communication approaches protect and strengthen trust across all spheres, including physical and digital environments;
- Global Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with international and national stakeholders, including research collaborators, donors, governments, NGOs, UN agencies, and media partners. Support evidence-informed policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that research outputs are communicated in ways that inform dialogue, influence policy, and advance institutional partnerships and impact;
- Media, Advocacy, and Knowledge Dissemination: Provide strategic oversight and direction for media relations, advocacy initiatives, and dissemination of research findings. Ensure that storytelling, public messaging, and advocacy efforts translate evidence into influence, strengthen icddr,b’s profile as a global health research leader, and respond effectively to emerging issues, opportunities, and public discourse.
- Leadership, Governance, and Change Communication: Provide visionary leadership to the communications function, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture and ensuring effective communication during organizational change. Strengthen internal communication as a strategic function, supporting leadership messaging, staff engagement, and achieving institutional goals;
- Operational and Strategic Oversight: Ensure effective departmental planning, budget management, resource allocation, and performance monitoring, aligning communications operations with strategic objectives and global best practices; Maintain appropriate governance, accountability and quality assurance across all communications activities;
- People Management: Lead, mentor, and develop communications staff, promoting collegiality, diversity, and professional growth. Set clear performance expectations, conduct appraisals, support succession planning, and address performance issues constructively to build a resilient, capable, and motivated communications team.
Required experience and qualifications:
Education:
Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Health, International Relations, or a related field.
Experience:
Minimum 10 years’ experience in senior communications leadership, ideally in research, public health, or international development, including experience with UN and other international agencies.
Location: Mohakhali Campus, Dhaka.
Number of Position: 1
Contract Type and duration:
Fixed-term appointment for 2 (two years), with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
Salary & benefits:
- Annual salary of BDT 3,431,520/- inclusive of house rent, conveyance allowance, and other admissible benefits.
- 14.8% provident fund contribution, income tax paid by icddr,b, children allowance @Tk.2,492/- per child per month, festival bonus, contributory healthcare support including dependent spouse and children, group life insurance, and subsidized canteen. Transport and daycare facilities are subject to space availability.
Notes of attention:
- Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for written tests and interviews.
- icddr,b does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
Interested candidates who meet the requirements are requested to submit their applications online through icddr,b website: career.icddrb.org by January 19,2026.
