Government Relations Associate, Dhaka

Overview

Government Relations Associate, Dhaka Jobs in Dhaka, Bangladesh at International Justice Mission

Title: Government Relations Associate, Dhaka

Company: International Justice Mission

Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh

Who We Are

International Justice Mission (IJM) is a global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,200 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.

We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve.

The Need

For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. 9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking a Government Relations Associate, Dhaka Division will be a key team member of Dhaka divisional team and will assist the team to secure the relationships with the key government stakeholders in order to smooth execution of the program across the working areas under Dhaka division and to strengthen the impact of IJM’s program in Bangladesh.

The Government Relations Associate, Dhaka Division will work across the working areas of Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions to build strong relationships with government bodies and key influencers, contributing towards the protection of the poor and achieving protection in key divisions & districts. This position would develop and implement IJM’s strategy and relations with government officials at all levels within the division & districts. This role requires implementing strategies to obtain government buy-in, maintaining key relationships and positioning of Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSEC) with key stakeholders in the Division & Districts. The position is required to equip the implementing partners to ensure that they actively participate in building and sustaining the Government’s response to CSEC in division & districts. This position will support and equip implementing partners to build Government networks and follow CSEC Protection model strategies in the division & districts. This position requires travel.

The role is based in Dhaka, but will provide support nationally, including travelling to each of IJM’s future program locations (Khulna, Barisal and Mymensingh).

Responsibilities:

Government Relations and Engagement:

• Maintain close communication with district and sub-district administration, law enforcement agencies, and relevant government institutions.
• Coordinate the official meetings, courtesy visits, consultations and ensure the government officials engagement in IJM’s events.
• Represent the organization professionally in the meetings, public consultations, and stakeholder forums as delegated.
• Build trust-based relationships with the respective government departments, offices and committees such as Counter Trafficking Committee (CTC), Child Welfare Board (CWB) under the division and facilitate effective collaboration and program operations.
• Strengthen referral pathways for children at risk of trafficking, exploitation, abuse, or neglect in collaboration with government agencies, counter trafficking committees, and other stakeholders.
• Support coordination among service providers to ensure timely and child-centred protection services.

Capacity Building and Awareness Raising:

• Assist to develop capacity building sessions on child protection, safeguarding, online safety, and prevention of commercial sexual exploitation of children.
• Support to conduct the capacity building initiatives for police, prosecutors, judges, and committee members such as Counter Trafficking Committee (CTC) and Child Welfare Board (CWB) and others by securing permission, ensuring the presence of the selected government officials and committee members, and facilitating different sessions under the assigned jurisdiction.
• Assist in organizing and executing awareness campaigns across the working areas by securing the necessary permission from the respective government authorities and ensuring the presence of local administration in the event.
• Working with vendors and local bodies to execute awareness campaigns and submit reports.

Policy Monitoring, Regulatory and Compliance Support:

• Monitoring and reporting the changes in government policies, regulations, circulars, and legislation affecting business operations.
• Support management through the Division Head in summarizing and implementing the regulatory changes.
• Ensure timely submission of required government documents and reports in collaboration with internal stakeholders.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Develop and update the government stakeholder’s map having all the contact details for the assigned division in line with the project goal and objectives.
• Draft official letters, reports, meeting minutes, and government correspondence.
• Prepare periodic reports on stakeholder engagement and regulatory activities.

Safeguarding and Protection:

• Ensure all meetings and capacity building activities comply with organizational safeguarding, and ethical standards.
• Identify and report protection concerns according to established protocols.
• Promote confidentiality, informed consent, and a survivor-centered approach.
• Support risk assessments and mitigation strategies related to protection programming.

General Accounting & Statutory Compliance:

• To facilitate and foster excellence in logistical support, technological improvements and quick turnaround in payment process through efficient documentation, excellent stewardship and implementation of good practice.
• Ensure to follow and implement IJM safety and financial manual.
• Ensure to have error free, zero-fraud accounts.
• Monitor and control budgetary allocations to ensure fiscal resources are being used effectively and efficiently.
• Participate in staff training of accounting processes and ensure efficient accounting when required.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Political Science, Sociology, Social Works, International Development, Psychology, Human Rights, Education, or a related field. Master’s degree is an advantage.
• 3–5 years of experience in government relations, regulatory affairs, administration, child protection, human rights, anti-trafficking or related sectors.
• Experience working with INGOs and NGOs in the human rights field will be preferred.
• Understanding government systems and structure, especially social service functions and dynamics, is preferable.
• Knowledge of child protection systems, anti-trafficking initiatives, and safeguarding practices is highly desirable.

Technical Competencies:

• Understanding on Bangladesh’s government structure and administrative procedures.
• Government regulatory and compliance process.
• Interpersonal and networking abilities.
• Safeguarding and case referral mechanisms.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
• Strong reporting and documentation skills.
• Clear communication skills (written and oral).
• Fluency in Bangla & English – both oral and written.

Critical Competencies:

• Passionate to the most vulnerable.
• Humble and flexible.
• Courageous, ability to think differently.
• Attention to detail, organized, and disciplined.
• Stress management with a sustained positive attitude.
• High level of honesty, integrity and confidentiality.
• Respectful of others’ opinions.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Other Duties:

The candidate should be willing to travel across Bangladesh and internationally for official purposes when needed. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities for the position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. All positions are required to perform any additional tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Application Process:

Upload Resume & Cover Letter in one PDF document and send the application to [email protected]

IJM holds strict safeguarding principles and a zero tolerance to violations of the Safeguarding

Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, and Code of Ethics. Candidate selection is based on technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring criteria subject to assessing the candidate’s value congruence and thorough background, police clearance, and reference check processes.