Advocacy Manager at International Rescue Committee
The Advocacy Manager will support the Head of Advocacy and Communication in advancing IRC Bangladesh’s advocacy priorities related to the Rohingya crisis over a six‑month period. The role will focus on contributing to the development, refinement, and operationalization of advocacy strategies aligned with the IRC Bangladesh Strategic Action Plan.
Working under the guidance of the Head of Advocacy and Communication and in close coordination with country leadership, the postholder will contribute evidence, policy analysis, and messaging on priority thematic areas, including humanitarian protection, particularly the rights and needs of women and girls, responses to protracted displacement affecting both refugee and host communities, humanitarian‑development nexus approaches, and the promotion and application of refugee and international humanitarian law.
The Advocacy Manager will synthesize IRC program data, operational learning from Bangladesh and Myanmar, and relevant external analysis to draft policy briefs, advocacy notes, and talking points intended to inform engagement with national authorities, donors, diplomatic missions, and international advocacy platforms. The role will also monitor evolving political, policy, and humanitarian developments related to the Rohingya response and provide regular analysis on implications for IRC programming and advocacy positioning.
Under the direction of the Head of Advocacy and Communication, the postholder will represent IRC in selected inter‑agency advocacy discussions and working groups and contribute to the development of coordinated inter‑agency advocacy positions. In coordination with country and global communications teams, the Advocacy Manager will help ensure that external communications and public messaging are consistent with agreed advocacy objectives and priorities.
The role reports to the Head of Advocacy and Communication and is expected to deliver time‑bound advocacy outputs, including policy messaging, stakeholder inputs, and written advocacy products, within the six‑month assignment.
Workstation: Dhaka Office
Reports to: Head of Advocacy & Communication
Contract Length: Till 30 September 2026 (with high possibility of extension)
Major Responsibilities
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Support the Head of Advocacy and Communication in refining and implementing a time‑bound advocacy workplan focused on the protection of Rohingya refugees and mitigating impacts on host communities, aligned with IRC Bangladesh’s Strategic Action Plan.
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Contribute to the development of clear policy messages and advocacy inputs by working closely with IRC advocacy colleagues at global and regional levels and selected think tank partners, ensuring that Bangladesh‑based operational realities and priorities are reflected.
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Produce evidence‑based advocacy products using IRC programme data and field experience, including briefing notes, policy messages, analysis papers, talking points, presentations, and short written pieces for internal and external use at country and global levels.
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Monitor humanitarian, political, and policy developments related to the Rohingya response in Bangladesh (and Myanmar where relevant) and provide regular written updates and analysis to the Head of Advocacy and Communication, senior country leadership, and relevant global teams.
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Represent IRC, under delegated authority, in the Rohingya Advocacy Working Group in Cox’s Bazar and selected external coordination meetings, contributing to inter‑agency advocacy positions and information‑sharing.
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Support relationship‑building and coordination with like‑minded INGOs, local NGOs, UN agencies, think tanks, and civil society actors to strengthen collective advocacy efforts.
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Work with the Head of Advocacy and Communication to strengthen internal coordination with sector leads, technical coordinators, and the Deputy Director -Program to facilitate access to program evidence for advocacy purposes.
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Collaborate with IRC communications colleagues (country and global) to ensure that external communications and visibility products are consistent with agreed advocacy priorities and messaging.
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Provide inputs, as requested, to IRC’s regional and global Rohingya advocacy initiatives, ensuring Bangladesh perspectives inform global positioning and engagement.
Major Challenges / Key Considerations
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Managing coordination across multiple stakeholders (INGOs, NGOs, UN agencies, and government counterparts) within a politically sensitive operating environment.
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Ensuring timely access to program evidence, given competing priorities and time constraints of technical and sector teams.
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Navigating reputational and contextual risks linked to advocacy on refugee rights and protection in Bangladesh, while maintaining IRC’s principled and responsible advocacy positioning.
Experience (Including sector/industry)
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Minimum 5-7 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in humanitarian, refugee, or displacement contexts.
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Demonstrated experience supporting the development and implementation of advocacy strategies, including the use of evidence and policy analysis to influence decision‑makers.
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Prior experience working in or with complex humanitarian operations and multi‑stakeholder coordination environments.
Educational Qualification
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Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s preferred) in International Relations, Political Science, Governance & Public Policy, Law, Social Sciences, Human Rights, or a related field.
Knowledge, Skills & Competences:
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Knowledge of international standards for the protection of refugees.
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Demonstrated experience of working with diverse range of actors including UN, academic institutions, think tanks towards policy advocacy
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Demonstrated capacity for critical thinking and ability to communicate effectively and build consensus among a range of internal and external partners.
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A deep understanding of the international humanitarian coordination and response architecture.
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Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
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Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations.
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Capacity to work well under pressure, strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate appropriately and effectively cross‐culturally is essential.
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Experience of working with / handling media is desirable
Standard of Professional Conduct
The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality. In accordance with these values the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding (including PSEAH, Adult Safeguarding and Child Safeguarding), Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti Retaliation.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
