Advocacy Officer

Advocacy Officer

Contract type: Fixed term, Full time – 37.5 hours per week

Location: Country Office Dhaka, Bangladesh

Salary: Monthly gross salary BDT 63,962/- with excellent benefits

Change starts with water. Change starts with you.

Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people's potential and create a fairer future.

About WaterAid

We're a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.

About the role

The Advocacy Officer will be responsible to play a proactive role in supporting the team in liaising, establishing, and maintaining relationship with Government of Bangladesh's various ministries that deal with universal access to WASH, not only limited to MoLGRD&C as the focal ministry for WASH, but will include other ministries like Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health etc. as necessary. S/he will in working with local and national strategic partners to strengthen the WASH systems to deliver universal, sustainable, and safe WASH at the household and various public institutions. S/he will play the key role in organising and managing knowledge of advocacy actions and events by WaterAid, preparing the first drafts of relevant presentations/briefs/documents, as required, and disseminating to the appropriate audiences.

In this role, you will:

• Support in liaison, networking, and collaborative initiatives with WASH Networks, sector governance, strategic partners, and relevant stakeholders

• Organise events to share and promote the advocacy initiatives and achievements of WaterAid Bangladesh at the local, national, and international levels.

• Represent WaterAid Bangladesh, as assigned, in different local and national events, sharing and promoting WaterAid Bangladesh's WASH policy advocacy-related work.

• Support capacity development and knowledge building of WaterAid Bangladesh and partner staff on WASH policy and governance issues.

• Take lead in documenting and filing the learnings of policy and governance related work of programmes/projects of WaterAid Bangladesh for internal and external circulation.

• Provide administrative assistance to the team including meeting/event coordination

• Record and maintain minutes and resolutions of the events and meetings of the team.

• Perform any other responsibilities assigned by the line manager in the interest of WAB.

The responsibilities outlined above may be subject to periodic review and revision in consultation with the line manager.

To be successful, you will need:

Education: Bachelor's degree, preferably in Social Sciences or a related discipline. Good academic attainment from a reputed university and/or Master's degree will be an added advantage.

Experience:  Minimum 02 (two) years relevant working experience with demonstrated advocacy skills. Experience in influencing the Local Government Institutions (LGIs) and government agencies. Good understanding of the Government and LGI's work culture and environment.

Skills and knowledge:

• Excellent report writing and documentation skills

• Strong presentation skills in both Bangla & English.

• Knowledge and experience in planning and budgeting,

• Ability to build networks and effective relationships with stakeholders and partners.

Competencies

•Self-motivated with strong interpersonal skills.

•Ability to do multiple tasks, work under pressure and meet deadlines.

•Competent to uphold organisational values, mission, and vision.

View the full job description here

Closing date: Applications close 05:00 PM BD time on 18 August 2025. Interviews may be scheduled on a rolling basis, and the role may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found.

How to apply: Click Apply to upload your CV and cover letter.

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?

At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.

Pre‑employment screening

To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid's Safer Recruitment policy.

Our benefits

• Festival bonus
• Provident fund
• Gratuity
• Life insurance for self, health insurance for self, spouse and children
• Cell phone allowances etc. are applicable as per policy provision.

Our Global Commitment:

Our people promise

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.

Safeguarding

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).

Together, we'll change the world through water.

Join us and be part of the change