About IRRI

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Senior Scientist, the Communication Specialist will play a pivotal role in supporting the development and implementation of a comprehensive project communication and engagement strategy. The primary objective is to effectively disseminate information, engage stakeholders, and promote the project’s goals. The Communication Specialist will work closely with the project team to ensure all communication activities align with the project’s objectives.

This position will be based at the IRRI Bangladesh Office in Dhaka and will only be filled by permanent citizens of Bangladesh.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a communication strategy for the clime smart rice breeding activity as per IRRI’s protocol.
• Produce high-quality content for the IRRI’s website and various platforms, including social media, and websites.
• Prepare regular infographics, blogs, and newsletters for the project.
• Acquire and maintain a detailed knowledge of the IRRI’s policies, principles, and strategies, and keep up-to-date with relevant developments.
• Facilitate the resolution of disputes with external role-players.
• Adhere to IRRI’s style guide and ensure the production of a high-quality, error-free copy.
• Develop and implement a communication and engagement plan to support the project’s goals.
• Support the project team in developing and reviewing all communication materials to ensure they comply with the communication and brand policy.
• Identify key messages, target audiences, and appropriate communication channels.
• Support the development and implementation of the project communication and stakeholder engagement plan of the project
• Work with the project team to identify, anticipate, and prepare for opportunities to engage with key stakeholders
• Collaborate with IRRI Communication and the project team to ensure the creation and delivery of communication materials that are appropriate for each stage of the project and each type of target audience to be engaged
• Develop and sustain relationships with relevant stakeholders and support the project to sustain stakeholder relationships using an appropriate mix of public communication, face-to-face meetings, events platforms, and interpersonal touchpoints
• Work closely with consultants, advisors, suppliers, vendors, etc. to align initiatives and ensure the delivery of commitments
• Prepare key messages and ensure messages and project information are up-to-date across all platforms (print, digital, etc.)
• Ensure all project event updates and success stories are available on IRRI’s website
• Write/edit the FAQs, news, feature stories, scripts, and other content for use across multiple channels/platforms (printed materials, website, social media, etc.) on the project’s status, milestones, events.
• Write, edit, and support the development of communication materials to target audiences,
• Contribute (write/edit) to the preparation of project documents, reports, concept notes, and other publications
• Develop multimedia materials such as videos, infographics, and brochures to communicate project outcomes and impacts effectively.
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor from time to time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Journalism, or related fields with a minimum 6 years of relevant work experience; or
• Master’s degree in Communication, Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Journalism, or related field with minimum 4 years of relevant work experience

Skills Required

• Experience working or liaising with partners and stakeholders, preferably with private partners and non-government organizations
• Deep understanding of USAID’s communication policy and guidelines
• Good understanding of agriculture and substantial experience in packaging and disseminating communication materials through several channels
• Excellent English and Bengali written and oral communication skills
• Highly experienced in using design software and advanced communication apps/ tools
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Proactive and attention to detail
• Team player and highly collaborative
• Advanced social media experience and engagement, skills
• Internal IRRI candidates will be given preferences.

Base Salary Ranges: (94, 798 – 177, 443) BDT/ per month

Other Benefits:

• Housing Allowance: 30% of base pay per month
• Festival Bonus: 2 months base pay/ year
• Contributory Provident Fund (CPF): 15% (IRRI’s contribution)
• Transport Allowance
• Returning mother allowance with a six-month maternity leave for female employees
• Medical insurance coverage with a maximum of $16,000/year and other admissible benefits.