MEAL and Communication Specialist

Job Description

Title: MEAL and Communication Specialist

Company Name: Association of Voluntary Actions for Society (AVAS)

Vacancy: 01

Age: 30 to 45 years

Location: Barishal

Salary: Tk. 57000 - 60000 (Monthly)

Experience:
∎ 3 to 5 years
∎ The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s):NGO, Development Agency

Published: 23 Apr 2025

Education:
∎ Master of Development Studies (MDS), Master of Social Science (MSS), Bachelor of Social Science (BSS), Bachelor/Honors

Requirements:

Additional Requirements:
∎ Age 30 to 45 years
∎ Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Development Studies, Social Science, or Project Management or Management Information Systems along with along with a minimum of 3 years of experience working in the Southwest coastal areas
∎ Minimum 5 years of experience in MEAL position or a related field
∎ Proven experience working with CSO or CBO organisation, partner organizations, and multiple stakeholders
∎ Proficiency in communication and facilitation, with a proven track record of effectively collaborating with diverse Coalitions and building institutional relationships
∎ The ability to collaborate, supports, and influences others in a positive and inclusive manner
∎ Proficiency in drafting, preparing, and analyzing reports to communicate complex information effectively
∎ Field visit to project locations (Barguna, Khulna, Patuakhali, Satkhira) is a requirement of the position
∎ It is a condition of employment that staff abides by all agency security and safety protocols, policies and procedures
∎ Strong conceptual understanding of Logical Frameworks and Theories of Change
∎ Proficiency in M&E concepts, data collection techniques, and sampling methodologies
∎ Excellent writing and reporting skills, along with proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, SPSS)Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
∎ Team player with experience in multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environments
∎ Strong analytical, communication, facilitation, and leadership skills
∎ Knowledge of project cycle management, including proposal writing, project planning, budgeting, and managing donor-funded projects
∎ High-level proficiency in English language
∎ Able to function in high pressure situations while demonstrating emotional intelligence
∎ Able to provide critical insight, seek feedback from multiple parties and is willing to adapt behavior where necessary
∎ Relates well to all kinds of people, acknowledges the contributions people make and demonstrates integrity in dealing with others
∎ Able to respond to changes in work schedules and patterns, when necessary, with sufficient flexibility and resilience
∎ Able to manage expectations and conflicting priorities to protect the interest of the project
∎ Inspires and encourages others to meet their targets and demonstrates enthusiasm for work
∎ Helps others do their job better and progress personal learning, and provides coaching, feedback, and ensures training and expert support are available
∎ Able to delegate and offer coaching and support to ensure success with the task
∎ Monitors progress of work gives clear directions and uses a range of leadership styles as appropriate Role models and encourages others to seek and act upon opportunities for different or innovative approaches to addressing problems and opportunities
∎ Proactively identifies and communicates issues that may impact others, offering or seeking guidance when needed
∎ Actively listens, encourages open discussion, and facilitates group understanding by balancing perspectives
∎ Communicates relevant information clearly and appropriately, adapting style to suit the audience and situation
∎ Recognizes key stakeholders in decision-making and uses effective engagement approaches
∎ Demonstrates cultural sensitivity, promotes gender equity and equal opportunities
∎ Committed to safeguarding policies to ensure a safe environment for all involved with the LCA Sundarban Coalition and its partners
∎ Essential Requirements
∎
∎ Desirable Requirements
∎
∎ Additional Requirements
∎ Self-Management
∎
∎ Leading Others
∎
∎ Working effectively with others
∎
∎ OTHER: This job description is not incorporated in the employment contract. It is intended as a guide and should not be viewed as an inflexible specification as it may be varied from time to time in the light of strategic developments and following discussion with the post holder. The post holder will be expected to work to agreed objectives, which should facilitate achievement of the responsibilities in accordance with performance review process.

Responsibilities & Context:
∎ Monitoring project inputs, outputs, outcomes, and constraints.
∎ Conducting periodic analysis based on Logical Framework and Theory of Change.
∎ Managing data, reporting, and quality assurance.
∎ Facilitating community-based monitoring tools for informed decision-making.
∎ Engaging coalition members and MEAL sub-committee in the MEAL process.
∎ Strengthening MEAL capacity of CBOs and supporting the implementation of the Joint Action Plan (JAP).
∎ Maintaining and refining the Coalition’s MEAL system in consultation with stakeholders.
∎ Facilitate the development and preservation of project plans, including micro-projects and shared project plans
∎ Assist in program monitoring, evaluation, and documentation of lessons learned and best practices
∎ Contribute to program design, including log frame development and budget planning
∎ Lead the development of effective M&E systems, procedures, and frameworks
∎ Set standards for learning, reporting, and accountability to ensure project success
∎ Lead the Secretariat team and CBO organizations to establish effective CFRM systems to ensure project activities and overall management accountability of the coalition
∎ Lead the CBO and Secretariat teams on data collection, methodology, management, analysis, and utilization
∎ Build M&E capacity among the Secretariat team, MEAL sub-committee members, CBO organizations, and community partners
∎ To build capacity among the coalition member organizations on monitoring tools development, data collection, and performance based monitoring, MIS management, survey, assessment and indicator setting
∎ Data collection process and methodologies
∎ Closely monitor the JAP activities implemented by the project.
∎ Evaluate the effectiveness of the program and ensure consistency of expenditure with the budget allocation
∎ Conduct field visits to ensure accuracy, reliability and relevance of data
∎ Ensure effective CFRM management is maintained at the field level
∎ Supervise research activities including surveys, FGDs, KII, success stories and case studies
∎ Develop and implement a communication strategy to amplify the coalition/program’s impact, visibility, and advocacy goals
∎ Align communication outputs with organizational values, branding, and messaging guidelines
∎ Produce high-quality communication materials, including newsletters, case stories, policy briefs, annual reports, and social media content
∎ Document success stories, lessons learned, and community voices through photos, videos, and interviews
∎ Manage relationships with media outlets, journalists, and communication partners
∎ Support the planning and execution of campaigns, press briefings, and public events
∎ Support the Project Coordinator in developing evidence-based proposals and concept notes for fundraising and grant applications
∎ Contribute M&E insights to proposal writing and donor reporting
∎ Develop materials and presentations for donor meetings, government forums, and public campaigns
∎ Provide timely and credible data to influence policies and inform advocacy strategies at the local and national level
∎ Prepare and share MEAL reports with stakeholders at various levels
∎ Visualize project progress and present findings during donor meetings and reviews
∎ Document lessons learned, challenges, and best practices for continuous improvement
∎ Perform any additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor to support project success
∎ Ensure regular communication with the project team and external stakeholders for effective monitoring and decision-making.
∎ About LCA Sundarban Coalition
∎ The Sundarban Coalition is a platform of 16 local organisations in the Southwest coastal zone of Bangladesh. The coalition was initiated in Bangladesh in 2022 and aspires to promote “disaster ready” communities while fostering a collective leadership of the local CBOs. This coalition is formed in partnership with the Local Coalition Accelerator (LCA), an initiative of The Share Trust and the Warande Advisory Centre, and in collaboration with Start Fund Bangladesh and Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP). The LCA has started its third phase which is being hosted by Association of Voluntary Actions for Society (AVAS). The LCA aims to support local and national organizations to lead in the design and execution of large-scale systems change, and to facilitate their direct access to the significant bilateral and multilateral financing that is currently channeled almost exclusively to and through UN or INGO vehicles. The LCA initiative envisions to shift greater funding and power to local actors, while also changing donor processes and systems to be more equipped to accompany and complement community-driven initiatives.
∎
∎ JOB PURPOSE
∎ The Sundarban Coalition, hosted by AVAS, is seeking a dynamic and motivated MEAL & Communication Specialist to lead and manage the MEAL components of coalition activities. Working closely with the Coalition Coordinator, Governance Council, Start Fund Bangladesh (SFB), and The Share Trust (TST), the MEAL Specialist will ensure the following tasks alignment with project goals and objectives:
∎
∎ The role is based in Barisal, with regular travel to project sites across the South-West region. The MEAL Specialist will work under the leadership of the Coalition Coordinator and maintain transparent and collaborative relationships with all coalition partners.
∎
∎ Key Responsibilities
∎ Program Implementation and Coordination
∎
∎ Capacity Building
∎
∎ Monitoring and Supervision
∎
∎ Strategic Communication Planning
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∎ Content Development and Storytelling
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∎ Media and Stakeholder Engagement
∎
∎ Advocacy, Fundraising & External Liaison
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∎ Report and Documentation
∎
∎ Additional Responsibilities

Skills & Expertise:

Compensation & Other Benefits:
∎ T/A, Mobile bill
∎ Salary Review: Yearly
∎ Yearly bonus will be provided following prorata basis

Workplace:
∎ Work at office

Employment Status: Full Time

Job Location: Barishal

Read Before Apply:

AVAS is committed to first do no harm to children or adult beneficiaries, respecting the rights of all beneficiaries, and upholding the best interests of children as a primary consideration in all actions and decisions; accordingly, all the recruits will go through specific checks and compliance procedures in accordance to its Child and Adult Safeguarding Policy.

AVAS has zero tolerance towards incidents of violence or abuse against children or adults, including sexual exploitation, abuse & Harassment (SEAH), Gender base Violence, Trafficking, Money Laundering, terrorist financing and involvement with terrorism committed either by employees or others affiliated with our work.

Any personal persuasion will result in disqualification. Only short-listed candidates will be called for interview.

AVAS may cancel this circular at any time due to donor agency decision, government decision or any other reason.

Only Bangladeshi national candidates are eligible to apply and shortlisted candidates will be notified.

No TA/DA will be paid for Interview. Candidates who are free to join the post on May 15, 2024 are encouraged to apply. Also cordially requested not to apply if the salary range, job location, contract duration, and other terms and conditions mentioned in the advertisement doesn't match your expectation.

Apply Procedure:

Email your CV:
∎ Send your CV to the given email [email protected]

Hard Copy:
∎ Interested and eligible person are requested to apply with the hard copies of cover letter, resume, photograph and other related documents in the following address: AVAS Bhaban, Amirkutir Lane, Alekanda, Barisal-8200.
∎ Or you can email your application with a cover letter, resume, photograph and other related documents in the following email address: [email protected].
∎ Please mention the position name on the top of the envelope or in the subject line of the email.

Company Information:
∎ Association of Voluntary Actions for Society (AVAS)
∎ AVAS Bhaban, Amirkutir Lane, Alekanda, Barisal-8200
∎ www.avas.org.bd
∎ NGO

Address::
∎ AVAS Bhaban, Amirkutir Lane, Alekanda, Barisal-8200
∎ www.avas.org.bd
∎ NGO

Application Deadline: 30 Apr 2025

Category: NGO/Development