Communications Officer - ILO

Introduction

Better Work is a flagship programme of the UN's International Labour Organization that is jointly run by the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group. Launched in February 2007, the programme aims to improve labour standards and competitiveness in global supply chains with a focus on garment and footwear factory conditions and the welfare of workers employed in the industry. The focus is on developing scalable and sustainable solutions which build cooperation between government, employer and worker organizations, and international buyers.

Better Work Headquarter is in Bangkok, Geneva and Washington and has operations in eight countries worldwide. The Better Work programme launched in Bangladesh in 2014 and currently works with some 135300 factories.

Better Work Bangladesh has several components including:

(1)    enterprise assessments against (a) the principles of the ILO Declaration core international labour standards and Bangladesh labour law; and
(2)    enterprise advisory and training services designed to support practical improvements and increased social dialogue at the factory level.
(3)    an influencing agenda with the goal of using programmatic learnings to impact national legislation and related policies

For more information about Better Work see www.betterwork.org.

The Communications Officer position will manage the implementation of the Better Work Bangladesh (BWB) communications strategy so as to represent BWB, engage stakeholders and increase awareness about BWB expertise and programming.

Supervision and Guidance
Under the supervisor of the BWB Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and through coordination with the Senior Communications Officer of the ILO Ready Made Garment programme and Better Work's Global Communications Team in Geneva, the Communications Officer will carry out the responsibilities listed below.

Description of Duties

Public Communications

• On own initiative, prepare, design and layout press articles, correspondence, summary reports and briefs for media representatives and constituents as required and draw the attention of the supervisor to matters requiring immediate attention and/or follow up.

• Manage the development and production of materials (e.g. collecting/ producing photos, videos, reports, posters, briefing papers, brochures), publications and promotional items for Better Work Bangladesh, such as newsletters, information kits and training brochures.

• Ensure the timely gathering of information for inclusion on the Better Work Bangladesh website, and update content regularly;

• Monitor national media and contribute to the establishment of media networks for capacity building and knowledge sharing of the BWB programme. Respond to requests for information and general inquiries on the BWB programme and related activities.

• Produce and submit stories, documentation and/or reports as required by Better Work Global and ILO Regional Office (Bangkok).

Social Media

• Adhering to ILO guidelines; strengthen the visibility of BWB by increasing social media outreach to stakeholders.

• Develop content on a regular basis for Better Work and ILO social media channels, including (where appropriate) Facebook, Twitter, YouTube for targeted constituents and the public.

• Regularly assess the changing social media landscape and its opportunities and potential benefits for BWB. Make suggestions to supervisor(s) for remediation action.

Communications and Advocacy Activities

• Define key issues, messaging and communications channels for public advocacy initiatives.

• Plan and manage communications-related advocacy activities

• Draft documents for events and meetings and provide informal translation/interpretation;

• Plan and organise promotional activities such as meetings and visits, seminars, exhibitions, press conferences and special events.

Administration

• Take responsibility for sub-contracting arrangements and coordinate with external contract providers within areas of responsibility.

• Participate in the organization and follow-up on external meeting invitations and draft related correspondence.

• Provide other duties as required by the supervisor.

Required qualifications

Education

University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related fields

Experience

At least two years' experience working in public relations, communications, marketing communications and/or advocacy with a multilateral or international organization, the private sector or governmental bodies.

Languages

Excellent English and Bengali.

Competencies

1.    Excellent communications skills, both oral and written;
2.    The ability to write high quality and engaging features in English;
3.    Well-developed understanding of how the mass media works;
4.    Experience with working on public information campaigns;
5.    Good analytical, organisational and inter-personal skills;
6.    Appreciation of principles of gender equality and how it can be promoted as part of a communications strategy;
7.    Ability to manage own work and to take initiative as well as working as part of a team;
8.    Capacity to liaise and network with a range of stakeholders including staff, donors, buyers, government officials, management, unions and NGOs;
9.    Ability to cultivate and maintain strong contacts with the media and other project stakeholders.
10.    Proficiency in communications-related computer software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign as well a video editing software is an asset;
11.    Ability to work in a multilingual and multicultural environment.