Government & Community Liaison Officer

Brief description of JAAGO Foundation Trust

JAAGO Foundation Trust is a non-profit development organization with a mission to eradicate poverty in Bangladesh through education and positive change. JAAGO focuses on various sectors, including education, youth development, women empowerment, climate change, and governance. JAAGO provides free, high-quality education to children through conventional and digital schooling programs, serving 4500 students currently. Our Youth Development Program empowers 50,000 young citizens with skills and resources for national development. JAAGO addresses challenges faced by women and girls, offering alternative learning opportunities in underrepresented communities. JAAGO actively collaborates with local communities, women, youth, and marginalized groups to develop climate resilience and sustainable livelihood options. JAAGO promotes civic education to enhance youth civic participation, collective action, and leadership for effective societal change.

Position Summary

JAAGO Foundation Trust is actively seeking an experienced Government & Community Liaison Officer for the “Shopner Sharothi” project under GESP, which focuses on addressing the challenges faced by adolescent girls and young women in Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban. The project aims to empower them through education, skills development, and employment opportunities.

We are looking for a seasoned professional with proven expertise in building and maintaining effective relationships with government bodies, potential employers, and community stakeholders. The Government & Community Liaison Officer will play a key role in fostering collaboration, ensuring compliance, and promoting community engagement. This role demands strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to community development.

The successful candidate will be instrumental in achieving the project’s outcomes, objectives, and outputs, particularly in the Bandarban area. This position will report directly to the Project Manager. Bangladeshi citizens are strongly encouraged to apply. Please note that this position is contingent upon the confirmation of project funding.

Job Responsibilities

A. Government Relations:

• Build and maintain positive relationships with relevant government bodies.
• Stay informed about government policies and regulations related to the project.
• Collaborate with government officials to ensure project compliance.

B. Community Engagement:

• Establish connections with community leaders and influencers.
• Conduct outreach activities to promote community involvement in project activities.
• Address community concerns and feedback in collaboration with project managers.

C. Advocacy and Awareness:

• Advocate for the importance of women empowerment within government circles.
• Raise awareness about the project and its impact on the community.
• Organize events and workshops to facilitate dialogue between the project and the community.

D. Coordination with Stakeholders:

• Liaise between project staff and government/community stakeholders.
• Facilitate meetings and discussions to enhance collaboration.
• Ensure that project activities align with community priorities and expectations.

E. Job Placement of Learners

• Establish and Maintain Employer Networks.
• Coordinate Job Matching and Referrals.
• Track and Support Learner Outcomes.

F. Reporting and Documentation:

• Maintain records of interactions with government and community stakeholders.
• Prepare reports on community engagement and government relations.
• Collaborate with project managers to provide updates on liaison activities.

G. Cultural Sensitivity:

• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and respect for local customs and traditions.
• Adapt communication strategies to resonate with diverse community groups.
• Uphold ethical practices in all interactions with stakeholders.

Qualifications

Education:

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Social Sciences, Development Studies, etc.).
• Master’s Degree in a relevant field is preferred.

Experience:

• Technical expertise for the Inclusive Education project and mobilized to meet international technical norms and standards. This includes developing necessary documentation and providing training to the field team.
• Respond to additional requests and contribute to other projects as assigned by the Project Focal.

Additional Requirements:

• The applicants must have minimum 5 years of working experience in the following area(s): Development Agency, NGO, community engagement and government relations
• Working experience in the Hill Tracts region/ Haor/ hard to reach areas is an advantage.
• Knowledge of government structures and policies in Bangladesh.
• Experience in Project Cycle Management, including budget and HR management (direct team management of a considerably large team).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships.
• Good negotiation, planning, multi-tasking, and organizational skills.
• Financial management, ability to prepare and monitor budgets and produce reports.
• Strong writing and reporting skills (clear, concise, and responsible communication suited to the interlocutor) in Bangla and English.
• Ability to work under high pressure in unstable and frequently changing contexts;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of staff and partners
• S/he must be proficient in Results and indicators monitoring, Planning, and coordination of qualitative and quantitative surveys,
• H/She must practice Project evaluation and accountability to affected populations: participatory, non-discriminatory, and responsible approaches.
• Familiarity with Safeguarding is essential.