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 50 years

Job Location: Barishal (Barishal Sadar)

Salary: Tk. 58000 - 60000 (Monthly)

Experience:

• At least 5 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO

• Master of Social Science (MSS)
• Master of Development Studies (MDS)

• At least 5 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO

• Age 30 to 50 years

About the Sundarban Coalition and AVAS

The Sundarban Coalition is a platform of 16 local organisations in the Southwest coastal zone of Bangladesh. Initiated in 2022, it promotes “disaster ready” communities and fosters collective leadership among local CBOs. It 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 supports local and national organisations to lead large-scale systems change and gain direct access to bilateral and multilateral financing, which is now channelled almost exclusively through UN or INGO vehicles, while shifting greater funding and power to local actors.

The LCA’s third phase is hosted by the Association of Voluntary Actions for Society (AVAS), a non-profit, non-political, women-led organisation established in 1998. For over 25 years, AVAS has worked with marginalised, poor, disabled and socially excluded people, especially in Barisal division, on human rights, child and women’s rights, disability rights, WASH, migration, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

JOB PURPOSE

The MEAL and Communication Specialist supports the Sundarban Coalition, hosted by AVAS, in monitoring inputs, outputs, outcomes and constraints against the Logical Framework and Theory of Change. The role maintains and refines the coalition’s MEAL system, strengthens the MEAL capacity of member organizations, CBOs and the Secretariat, and supports the Joint Action Plan (JAP) so that the coalition grows into an independent, strong and capable entity. Working under the Coalition Coordinator, and in close collaboration with the Governance Council, Start Fund Bangladesh and The Share Trust, the specialist ensures quality data, reporting, accountability and effective communication. The position is based in Barisal, with frequent travel to project sites in the South-West region.

Key Responsibilities

1. MEAL Systems and Coordination

• Develop and maintain MEAL frameworks, log frames, Theory of Change and results-based management (RBM) systems.

• Support program design, micro-project plans and budget tracking.

• Lead the Secretariat and CBOs in establishing the Complaints and Feedback Response Mechanism (CFRM).

2. Data Collection and Analysis

• Design tools and lead digital data collection (KoboToolbox/ODK, surveys, FGDs, KIIs, case studies).

• Analyze data using MS Excel, SPSS/STATA/R, and manage MIS/databases.

• Conduct field visits to verify data quality and accuracy.

3. Capacity Building

• Train the Secretariat, MEAL sub-committee, CBOs and partners in monitoring tools, MIS, indicator setting, data collection, reporting and storytelling.

4. Reporting and Visualization

• Prepare MEAL and donor reports, documenting lessons learned and best practices.

• Create dashboards and infographics (Power BI/Tableau/Excel) and present findings to donors and stakeholders.

5. Website Management

• Build, update and maintain the coalition website using a CMS (e.g., WordPress), and monitor performance with Google Analytics and basic SEO.

6. Social Media and Digital Communication

• Manage social media pages (Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube) with content calendars, scheduling tools (Meta Business Suite) and analytics.

• Run digital campaigns and manage email newsletters (e.g., Mailchimp).

7. Content Development and Storytelling

• Produce newsletters, case stories, policy briefs, annual reports and multimedia content (photos, videos, interviews) in line with branding guidelines.

8. Communication, Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and implement a communication and visibility strategy.

• Maintain relations with media, local government (UNOs, Upazila and Union Parishad), CBOs and donors.

• Provide evidence-based data for advocacy and support proposals, concept notes and donor reporting.

9. Other Duties

Perform other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Required Expertise: MEAL/RBM, CFRM, SMART indicators, Most Significant Change (MSC), quantitative and qualitative research.
Software: KoboToolbox/ODK, MS Excel, SPSS/STATA/R, Power BI/Tableau, WordPress, Google Analytics, Meta Business Suite, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Mailchimp.

Essential Requirements:

• 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.

• This position is based in Barishal. 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.

***Contact Period: Initially, appointments will be made for this position until February 28, 2027. The appointment period may be extended until February 28, 2028 after performance evaluation.

• T/A,Weekly 2 holidays
• Festival Bonus: 2
• Salary Review: Yearly

Bonus will be provided by Pro-Rata Basis.