Mission and objectives

UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency with the mission to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA calls for the realization of reproductive rights for all and supports access to a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services – including voluntary family planning, maternal health care and comprehensive sexuality education. UNFPA has been active in Bangladesh since 1974 to achieve the three transformative results - ambitions that promise to change the world for every man, woman and young person to 1) end unmet need for family planning, 2) to end preventable maternal death, and 3) to end gender-based violence and harmful practices. Currently, UNFPA is implementing 10th Country Programme (2022-2026) in Bangladesh. UNFPA’s main office is in Dhaka, while there is a sub-office in Cox’s Bazar to coordinate UNFPA’s humanitarian efforts in response to the Rohingya refugee crisis.

Context

UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency with the mission to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA calls for the realization of reproductive rights for all and supports access to a wide range of health services, including voluntary family planning, maternal health care and comprehensive sexuality education. UNFPA has been active in Bangladesh since 1974 to achieve the three transformative results: end unmet need for family planning, end preventable maternal death, and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. Currently, UNFPA is implementing its 10th Country Programme (2022–2026) in Bangladesh. UNFPA’s main office is in Dhaka with its sub-office in Cox’s Bazar to coordinate UNFPA’s humanitarian efforts in response to the Rohingya refugee crisis. UNFPA Country Office in Bangladesh maintains strong partnership with development partners, donors and implementing partners, as well as a robust network with media. This connectivity enables to effectively promote UNFPA’s mandate, grounded in the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action, to a wide audience in Bangladesh. UNFPA Bangladesh is seeking the services of a National UN Volunteer Expert to contribute to the efforts of the Country Office’s Communications Team. The UN Volunteer will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of Communication, and in close coordination with programme teams. The primary responsibility will be to lead donor communication portfolio (both for development and humanitarian programmes), as well as contribute to developing communication products, including strategies, plans, speeches, press releases, stories, talking points, factsheets, infographics, reports, etc. The National UN Volunteer Expert, titled 'National Communication Officer', will be based in Dhaka with frequent travels to Cox’s Bazar and other areas of Bangladesh where UNFPA has its programmes. The selected candidate is expected to bring a collaborative and innovative mindset to work in the creative, multicultural team environment. Key skills include outstanding writing and editorial skills in English and Bangla, the ability to efficiently produce content within tight deadlines, and respect for diversity.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Communication, the National Communication Officer will undertake the following tasks: • Lead the donor communication portfolio in line with the Office’s donor communication strategy, including contribution to donor proposals and reports, and development of stories, press releases, social media posts, video scripts, and other products in English and Bangla. • Support the team in developing high-calibre advocacy and communication products for campaigns, events, meetings, and other occasions. • Work closely with programme teams to collect stories and visuals from field missions. • Contribute to communication-related partnerships, including with influencers and celebrities, sports organizations, media, civil society, and youth groups. • Conceptualise, plan, execute, and monitor campaigns and events. • Support media and news monitoring, as required. • Support the Communication team’s work, backstop team members in their absence, and serve as OIC (Officer in Charge) Chief of Communication when required.

Competencies and values

• Communication • Integrity Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Working with Teams • Integrity • Judgement and Decision-making • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity

Living conditions and remarks

Dhaka is located in central Bangladesh along the Buriganga River. Not only is it the capital city, but it is also the largest in the country. It is the center of political, cultural, and economic life in Bangladesh. The official language is Bengali, while English is the working language of UN Agencies. In recent decades, Dhaka has seen the modernization of services, communications, and public works. The city is attracting large foreign investments and greater volumes of commerce and trade. It is also experiencing an increasing influx of people from across the nation; this has reportedly made Dhaka one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Good English-speaking medical, dental services, and educational centers are available for internationals. Dhaka is connected to other cities by rail, road, and by air and internationals can move easily from one city to another. Dhaka has venerable green spaces, including many gardens and parks, historical places, and nice restaurants. The weather is tropical - hot and very humid during the summer monsoon season (April-September) and drier and cooler in the winter (October-March). Historically, Bangladesh has been a safe country so far. While Dhaka is not categorized as a hardship station, the volunteer should be prepared for limitations in freedom of movement on foot, by public transport, and to certain locations. You may check the full benefits and allowances applicable to the duty station using the UVP calculator. Please see the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers for more information and details.