Principal Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is involved in humanitarian efforts in Bangladesh, particularly focusing on the Rohingya refugee crisis. The organization aims to provide support and coordination among various stakeholders, including UN agencies, NGOs, and government bodies, to address the needs of nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees residing in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char island. The organization operates under a framework that emphasizes accountability, coordination, and resource mobilization to effectively respond to the humanitarian challenges faced by the refugee population. It is committed to improving the living conditions of refugees while navigating the complex political landscape surrounding their status in Bangladesh.

Job Overview:
The Principal Coordinator will play a crucial role in the coordination of humanitarian efforts in Cox's Bazar, focusing on the Rohingya refugee response. This position requires the incumbent to facilitate high-level meetings with government officials, manage inter-agency coordination, and support the development of strategic documents related to the Rohingya response. The role involves engaging with various stakeholders, including donors, NGOs, and local organizations, to ensure effective communication and collaboration. The Principal Coordinator will also be responsible for drafting official correspondence, organizing workshops, and supporting donor engagement efforts. The incumbent must possess strong analytical and drafting skills to effectively communicate the needs and challenges faced by the Rohingya population, as well as to advocate for necessary resources and support. Additionally, the role requires the ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, addressing complex coordination challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal Coordinator's duties include organizing and facilitating meetings with the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), Camp-in-Charges (CiCs), and the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Office to discuss operational and policy priorities. The incumbent will coordinate weekly catch-up meetings for the Principal Coordinator with the RRRC and draft official correspondence exchanged between the Rohingya Coordination Platform (RCP) and government counterparts. The role also involves negotiating for the approval of policy documents and operational requests, supporting government-led negotiation processes, and organizing workshops and consultations on thematic priorities. The Principal Coordinator will engage with government counterparts on issues related to the Joint Response Plan (JRP) and humanitarian access, coordinate government participation in high-level missions and donor visits, and plan visits for donors and media to the refugee camps. The incumbent will also support the drafting of background briefings for donors and media, track evolving issues concerning affected populations, and ensure effective communication with local organizations. Additional responsibilities include producing reports and briefings for internal and external partners and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in a relevant field, with a High School Diploma, or 2 years with a Bachelor's degree or higher. Candidates should have a good understanding of the UN system, NGOs, and related planning and coordination practices. Proficiency in MS Office applications and knowledge of refugee protection principles are essential. Excellent writing and speaking abilities in English and Bangla are required, along with the capability to draft briefing notes and donor updates. Desirable qualifications include a graduate degree in a relevant field, in-depth experience in external relations and donor reporting, and proven relationship-building skills with government counterparts and other stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a background in Political Sciences, Social Sciences, International Relations, Journalism, Communication, or English literature. A graduate degree (Master's or above) in a relevant field is preferred, particularly for those seeking to enhance their qualifications for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience, with a focus on coordination, external relations, and resource mobilization. Candidates with experience working with UNHCR or other UN agencies involved in the Rohingya response will be given preference. Proven ability to coordinate between internal units and external parties, as well as experience liaising with senior government counterparts, is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Bangla is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, although it is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA6 contract type and is not remote. The target start date for the role is January 1, 2026, and the application deadline is January 17, 202

• The position is full-time and involves working in a challenging environment with a focus on humanitarian coordination and response efforts.