Communications Manager: Swisscontact

Swisscontact is a Zurich-based organization founded in 1959 by members of the Swiss private sector and academia for sustainable development cooperation. Its aim is to contribute to poverty alleviation by promoting economic and social development in selected developing countries. The Swisscontact South Asia Regional Office (SARO) based in Bangladesh is registered with the NGO Affairs Bureau as an international NGO.

Swisscontact invites applications from qualified candidates for the following position:

Communications Manager

Duties: 
Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing internal and external communications policies, strategy and guidance, playing an active role in promoting communication best practices and driving up standards.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a communications strategy for SARO;
• Develop a sound understanding of the donors’ visibility and communication requirements;
• Plan, design and steer complete communication system in SARO incorporating donor and Swisscontact requirements;
• Ensure all communications materials for publications are of quality and effectiveness;
• Assist in designing and implementing communications activities to help SARO and project teams in achieving greater outreach and scale;
• Develop key promotional messages;
• Coordinate and ensure high quality printing of all communication materials and their dissemination;
• Provide orientation to the SARO and project staff and partners on communication and visibility requirements of Swisscontact;
• Maintain liaison with actors from the relevant sectors and coordinate selected high level events including coverage in national and international media;
• Design and coordinate donor and other stakeholders’ visits for showcasing project progress and achievements;
• Lead the communications activities in events and functions organized by SARO;
• Develop and maintain SARO website;
• Participate in project activities to develop a sound understanding of the project;
• Monitor and regulate communication standards, information management and social issues & awareness activities in the project.

Qualifications and Competencies:
The individual must possess these skills and abilities, and demonstrate that he/she can perform the essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some combination of skills and abilities.

• Male or female with at least 5 years of professional work experience in designing and managing communication activities.
• Masters degree in Social Science/Mass communication and trained in subjects relevant to the position.
• Good understanding of Communications approaches.
• Sound experience in high quality writing and proofreading skills.
• Able to facilitate a group of professionals and media persons for disseminating and receiving information effectively and efficiently.
• Willingness to travel frequently in the field.
• Experience of working with local NGOs, INGOs and government bodies would be an advantage.
• Skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnership and maintain working relations with stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Bangla.
• Creativity skills and an excellent team player.

Job Location: Dhaka

Interested candidates are requested to send their CVs with a photograph and a cover letter explaining their interest and qualifications to work for the aforesaid position to Manager - Administration & HR, Swisscontact South Asia Regional Office, Road 11, House 19, Baridhara, Dhaka - 1212 on or before 15 August 2013. Position applied for should be clearly marked on the top of the envelope.

Only short-listed candidates will be called for interviews.