Information Specialist

Job Description

Title: Information Specialist

Company Name: The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society

Vacancy: --

Age: At most 40 years

Job Location: Cox`s Bazar

Salary: Tk. 85000 - 90000 (Monthly)

Experience:

• 4 to 6 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO, Development Agency

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Information Management
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Management Information System
• Master of Science (MSc) in Data Science

• Bachelor’s degree in information management, Management Information Systems (MIS); Communication, or a related field.
• Master of Science (MSc) in health information management, in Data Science and Analytics or master’s degree in public health (MSc in Health Informatics, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, or a related field)

• 4 to 6 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO, Development Agency

• Age At most 40 years

• Adhere to the 7 fundamental principles of Red Cross and Red Crescent movement.

• Act in accordance with the Code of Conduct at all times.

• Able to work in a team and respects opinions of others.

• Ability to work under stress and harmoniously within a team.

• Must be self-motivated, organized, hardworking, and flexible regarding work hour.

• Age Limit: 40 years (may be relaxed in case of outstanding candidates)

• Experience: Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in information management, public health communication, or a related field, preferably in humanitarian or low-resource settings.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and data management skills.

• Proficiency in information systems, databases, and relevant software.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and concise reports.

• Knowledge of public health principles, especially related to epidemic preparedness and response.

• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and adapt communication strategies to different cultural contexts.

• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of local languages (e.g., Bangla, Rohingya) is highly desirable.

Red Cross - Red Crescent movement is the largest volunteer organization in the world. Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) is a national society of the movement, constituted on 31 March 1973 by the President's Order No. 26 of 1973 with retrospective effect from 16 December 1971. This is the biggest humanitarian organization in Bangladesh. As an auxiliary to the government, the Society provides humanitarian assistance to the vulnerable people over the last 48 years and has undertaken a wide range of activities in humanitarian response, disaster management, health, capacity building and in promoting Red Cross/ Red Crescent ideals and principles.

The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), in collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh, has maintained a response through the Population Movement Operation (PMO) since 2017, the beginning of the crisis, providing essential support to displaced individuals across 33 camps and several host communities impacted by the influx. This significant humanitarian effort is supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Partner National Societies (PNS) from various countries (the American Red Cross, British Red Cross, Danish Red Cross, German Red Cross, Japanese Red Cross, Qatar Red Crescent, Swedish Red Cross, Swiss Red Cross and Turkish Red Crescent) demonstrating a collaborative international response to the crisis. The involvement of these partners underscores the global commitment to addressing the needs of those affected by displacement and ensuring their well-being.

The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), in collaboration with IFRC and PNS, implements comprehensive health projects in Cox’s Bazar to enhance the health and well-being of displaced individuals and host communities. These initiatives aim to reduce morbidity and preventable mortality by prioritizing maternal and child health through family planning, pregnancy care, newborn care, vaccinations, and non-communicable disease (NCD) management. Aligned with health sector priorities, the projects provide curative and preventive healthcare, community health messaging, and services such as Clinical Health Services, Community-Based Health and First Aid (CBHFA), and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). Key interventions include the construction and equipping of Field Hospitals, Primary Health Care Centers, Mother and Child Health Centers, and Health Posts, thereby strengthening community resilience and ensuring improved access to essential healthcare services.

Currently Bangladesh Red Crescent Society is looking for a suitable Bangladeshi national for the following position:

• Nature of Job: Contractual.
• Period of contract: Initially 01 year (Renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of fund).
• Duty-Station: PMO Field Hospital, Cox’s Bazar.
• Reporting to: Manager, Health & PSS, PMO.

Position Overview:

• The Information Specialist at the Epidemic Preparedness and Response Centre (EPRC) plays a critical role in managing and disseminating information related to epidemic preparedness and response for both the Rohingya refugee community and the host community. The incumbent will be responsible for EPRC data analysis on a monthly basis producing monthly professional report. To analyse the EPRC data, he/she will review the existing health data sources, i.e., DHIS2, EWARS, 4W, Health ATF on monthly basis. At the same time the information specialist will conduct FGDs or KIIs with relevant stakeholders to triangulate the secondary data. Thereby, he/she will provide early preparedness requirement and response strategies. This position ensures that accurate, timely, and relevant information is available to stakeholders, healthcare providers, and the communities served by the Field Hospital. The Information Specialist will work closely with medical teams, community outreach workers, and other stakeholders to facilitate effective communication and ensure that information supports public health initiatives and response efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

EPRC Data Management:

• Collect, organize, and manage health data related to epidemic threats, outbreaks, and other public health concerns.
• Develop and maintain databases and information systems to track epidemiological data and response activities.
• Ensure the accuracy, security, and confidentiality of all collected data.
• Candidates should demonstrate excellent analytical, digital, and reporting skills, as information management in emergencies often requires rapid and reliable decision-support.

Communication and Dissemination:

• Prepare and disseminate regular reports, bulletins, and updates on the epidemiological situation to internal teams, partners, and relevant authorities.
• Develop and distribute public health messages, alerts, and educational materials tailored to the Rohingya and host communities.
• Coordinate with communication teams to ensure information is accessible and culturally appropriate.

Coordination and Collaboration:

• Work closely with HC, SMO, MO, Medical Doctors, healthcare providers and other field hospital staff to gather and share relevant information.
• Liaise with community outreach teams to ensure that accurate information reaches the target communities.
• Participate in coordination meetings with local health authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders involved in epidemic preparedness and response.
• Leadership or supervisory responsibilities, given its scope and the need for accountability in managing high-stakes health information (e.g., disease outbreaks, donor reporting).

Capacity Building:

• Provide training and support to field hospital staff and community health workers on information management, data collection, and reporting protocols.
• Assist in the development of training materials and manuals related to information management and epidemic preparedness.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Monitor the effectiveness of information dissemination efforts and make recommendations for improvement.
• Assist in evaluating the impact of communication strategies on community awareness and response to health threats.

Emergency Response:

• Support the EPRC in emergency response efforts, including the rapid collection and dissemination of information during outbreaks or other public health emergencies.
• Participate in the development and implementation of emergency communication plans.

Reporting:

• Prepare and submit regular weekly, monthly and annual reports of the health project and also on information management activities to the line manager.
• Contribute to donor reports and other documentation as required.
• Perform such other relevant duties assigned by the line manager and supervisor.

• Salary Range: BDT. 85,000/- 90,000/- (Monthly consolidated).