Project Officer (Advocacy)

Job Description

Title: Project Officer (Advocacy)

Company Name: Center for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS)

Vacancy: 1

Age: Na

Job Location: Dhaka

Salary: Tk. 60000 (Monthly)

Experience:

• At least 2 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO

• Master`s Degree in law and human rights, natural resource governance or a related field, such as social sciences, environmental sciences, life sciences, engineering.

• At least 2 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO

Experiences: Preference will be given to candidates with 2 years of relevant work experience.

Skills and Additional Job Requirements

• Having non-discriminatory and gender-sensitive perceptions along with safeguarding

• To protect children in connection

• Comprehensive knowledge of the Bangladesh context regarding natural resource governance and the challenges faced by marginalized grassroots communities.

• Profound understanding of stakeholder dynamics within the development sector.

• Exceptional proficiency in written communication in both English and Bangla.

• Competency in utilizing MS Office applications.

• Strong presentation abilities coupled with excellent interpersonal skills.

• Prior experience in water governance, or broader natural resource governance, is preferred.

• Demonstrated involvement in voluntary social work or collaboration with voluntary organizations.

• Strong dedication to promoting gender inclusion and upholding child rights.

• Appreciation for voluntarism and active participation in civil society initiatives.

• Ability to engage effectively with a diverse set of stakeholders, including government

• Forward-thinking mindset with a visionary approach to water governance challenges and opportunities.

Organizational Brief

The Center for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS), established in 1994, is a leading pro-environmental NGO in Bangladesh. Renowned for its innovative approaches and impactful results, CNRS has earned recognition from local, national, and international stakeholders, including government bodies and funding agencies. Governed by an Executive Committee on behalf of its General Committee, CNRS aims to shape national development strategies that support sustainable environmental practices. Our vision is a harmonious coexistence of people and nature, and our mission is to empower marginalized communities for pro-poor, inclusive, and sustainable development. Our slogan is "Striving to build social-ecological resilience."

Project Brief

Oxfam in Bangladesh is implementing the "Empowering Women Through Civil Society Actors (EWCSA)" project, co-funded by the European Union. This initiative is designed to empower marginalized women engaged in informal and vulnerable occupations across Bangladesh, enabling them to influence governance and development processes. As part of the EWCSA project, CNRS is leading the implementation of the "Enhancing Recognition of Women Fisherfolk with Fisherfolk Identity and Access to Government Subsidies" project. Scheduled to run from July 2024 to March 2025, with a strong possibility of extension until June 2025, this project focuses on empowering women fisherfolk in Chandpur Sadar Upazila, Chandpur District, by addressing key challenges related to their formal recognition and access to government subsidies. The project aims to raise awareness of the rights of women fisherfolk, improve their access to subsidies, and strengthen their advocacy skills. Through awareness campaigns, media engagement, and dialogues with government authorities, the project seeks to enhance the social and economic status of women fisherfolk, ensuring their inclusion in fisheries management and access to vital resources. CNRS will lead the project’s implementation, collaborating closely with local communities and stakeholders to achieve these goals.

Location: Head Office, Dhaka, with frequent field visits to community levels

Job Responsibilities and Tasks

• Develop and execute advocacy strategies aimed at enhancing the recognition of women fisherfolk and improving their access to government subsidies and services.

• Organize and lead advocacy campaigns, including awareness-raising events, dialogues, and workshops at the upazila, district, and national levels.

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, civil society organizations (CSOs), media representatives, and fisherfolk associations.

• Facilitate dialogues between women fisherfolk and relevant authorities to bridge gaps and ensure their voices are heard in fisheries management and policy discussions.

• Lead efforts to increase the knowledge and empowerment of women fisherfolk, focusing on their rights, existing laws, and government services.

• Coordinate and deliver training sessions and workshops aimed at enhancing the leadership and advocacy capacities of women fisherfolk.

• Conduct field research, including focus group discussions (FGDs) and case studies, to gather evidence on the current context and challenges faced by women fisherfolk.

• Develop and disseminate knowledge products, such as policy briefs and reports, to inform and influence policy decisions.

• Engage with media personnel to amplify the concerns of women fisherfolk through various platforms, including newspapers, educational features, and documentaries.

• Develop communication materials that effectively convey the project’s objectives and achievements to a broader audience.

• Monitor the progress of advocacy activities and ensure alignment with project goals and timelines.

• Prepare and submit regular reports on advocacy efforts, including outcomes, challenges, and lessons learned.

• Collaborate with other project teams and partners to ensure a cohesive approach to achieving project outcomes.

• Participate in relevant networks and forums to share experiences and best practices related to women fisherfolk’s rights and advocacy.

• Conduct thorough research, prepare detailed reports, and document outcomes related to water governance initiatives and projects.

• Systematically organize and manage data and information pertinent to water governance activities, ensuring accessibility and accuracy.

• Collect, curate, and disseminate human interest stories that highlight the impact and significance of water governance efforts.

• Support the implementation of internal and external audits as required by the project.

• Fulfill any other duties or assignments as delegated by the management team.