Public Relations Officer (PRO)

Job Description

Title: Public Relations Officer (PRO)

Company Name: Municipal Association of Bangladesh-MAB

Vacancy: 1

Job Location: Anywhere in Bangladesh

Employment Status: Full-time

Educational Requirements:
∎ Bachelor/master's degree in communications, Public Relations, English, Journalism, or a related field.

Experience Requirements:
∎ 2 to 3 year(s)

Job Context:
∎ Job Location: MAB Office, Dhaka with frequent visits to project locations.
∎ Contract Duration: Initial contract from September 2023 - December 2023; contract extension based on the incumbent`s performance and donor approval.
∎ Funded by the Governments of Switzerland and Bangladesh, co-implemented by Swisscontact and the Local Government Division (LGD), the PRABRIDDHI project is working with the partner municipalities to foster Local Economic Development (LED). After successful piloting, Phase 1 of the project started in January 2021 for a period of four years and focuses on further development of the LED approach in participating municipalities, capacity building of stakeholders and facilitators of LED and an anchoring of the approach on national level. Throughout this phase, the project will be implemented in eight municipalities. Shibganj, Jashore, Bogura, Bhairab, Dinajpur and Kushtia are the six municipalities where the project is now being implemented.
∎ The Municipal Association of Bangladesh (MAB), the umbrella organisation of all the municipalities across the country, is a key partner in this endeavor. In Bangladesh, there is no interactive virtual platform where municipalities can find information and guidance, can communicate, and share knowledge and good practices on LED with other municipalities. MAB has virtual footprints through a dedicated website and a Facebook page - where they share only event and workshop announcement and updates. As a result, their website and Facebook page have limited attractiveness and outreach. Due to capacity and resource constraints, MAB is currently not able to ensure proper utilisation of its existing digital channels. However, MAB can use the digital platform to implement its mandate to advocate for LED all over the country. They have the scope to operate an interactive virtual platform on LED if adequate support is provided to their areas of improvement.
∎ In this backdrop, creating a virtual platform for sharing LED knowledge and experience will be a timely initiative to foster LED all over the country. Virtual platforms have proven to be effective and efficient tools for knowledge management and promotion. The primary target group of the virtual platform includes mayors, councilors, and municipal administrations. Therefore, MAB, in association with the PRABRIDDHI Project, seeks a dynamic and highly skilled individual to manage the virtual platform and execute digital media strategies and campaigns for the organization.
∎ Goal of the Project
∎ To establish a virtual platform highlighting LED approach in terms of strengthening local economic well-being and MAB`s role in enhancing cooperation and knowledge sharing among municipalities in ensuring economic development, democratic decentralization, and good governance.
∎ Purpose of the position
∎ The Public Relations (PR) Officer will be responsible for creating and managing effective digital communications channels and executing digital media strategies and campaigns for MAB.
∎ Reports To: Project Lead, Municipal Association of Bangladesh-MAB & maintaining regular coordination with the PRABRIDDHI team.

Job Responsibilities:
∎ Communications and PR Strategy: Ensure execution of comprehensive communication and PR strategies in partnership with PRABRIDDHI to enhance MAB's outreach, visibility, and engagement with stakeholders to promote LED as well as MAB's overall work and activities.
∎ Coordination and Reporting: Maintain coordination among MAB, PRABRIDDHI, targeted municipalities and external communications agency to facilitate the development and effective management of the virtual platform. Prepare and present periodic reports to MAB and PRABRIDDHI on updates regarding the assignment.
∎ Content Creation: Oversee the development of high-quality communication materials, including press releases, newsletters, website content, and social media updates, reflecting MAB's mission and objectives.
∎ Digital Communication: Manage MAB's digital platforms, including the official website and social media channels, ensuring regular updates and engaging content to reach a broader audience and keep them informed about MAB's various activities as well as LED-related initiatives.
∎ Member Relations: Foster effective communication and collaboration among MAB members, ensuring they are well-informed about association activities, initiatives, and relevant updates.
∎ Development Partners: Establish and maintain strong relationships with development partners, including government agencies, the private sector and various development partners to facilitate information exchange and potential collaboration.
∎ Media Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, organize press briefings, and proactively engage with journalists to ensure accurate and timely coverage of MAB's activities.
∎ Crisis Communication: Develop and implement crisis communication plans, responding promptly and appropriately to any emerging issues.
∎ Budget Management: Monitor and manage the communication budget, ensuring efficient allocation and cost control.
∎ Event Coordination: Assist in organizing conferences, workshops, and other events, handling all communication aspects to ensure successful participation and media coverage.
∎ Vendor Management: Liaise with vendors, printers, and other service providers for communication materials, negotiating contracts and ensuring cost-effectiveness.

Additional Requirements:
∎ 2-3 years of experience in communications, media relations, or public relations preferably within the development sector or local government bodies.
∎ Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and Bangla, with the ability to draft clear and compelling messages.
∎ Experience in managing digital communication platforms and social media channels.
∎ Familiarity with municipal development issues and key stakeholders in Bangladesh is an advantage.
∎ Ability to work under pressure, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and meet deadlines effectively.
∎ Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
∎ Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
∎ Field visits play a large part in the incumbent's activities; as such, it is expected that the incumbent is willing and able to take part in such activities as needed and sometimes under short notice.

Salary: Negotiable

Job Source: Bdjobs.com Online Job Posting.

Application Deadline: 12 Sep 2023

Company Information:
∎ 4 Sep 2023
∎ Municipal Association of Bangladesh-MAB

Category: NGO/Development

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