Government Relations Advisor

The Government Relations Advisor is responsible for developing, maintaining, and strengthening strategic relationships with the Government of Bangladesh (GoB), regulatory authorities, development partners, and other key stakeholders to facilitate the successful implementation of organizational programs and operations.

The position serves as the primary focal point for government engagement, ensuring timely approval of projects, compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, effective coordination with NGOs Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) and relevant ministries, and proactive management of government relations. The role also provides strategic advice to senior management on emerging policy, regulatory, and stakeholder engagement issues that may impact organizational operations and program delivery.

The incumbent will represent the organization at high-level government forums, facilitate dialogue and collaboration with national and local authorities, support expatriate staff regulatory requirements, and contribute to maintaining the organization's reputation as a trusted and compliant development partner in Bangladesh.

1. Strategic Government Relations and Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with relevant Government ministries, departments, directorates, and regulatory bodies.
• Establish and sustain strategic partnerships with key decision-makers and influential stakeholders at national and sub-national levels.
• Map and analyze relevant government stakeholders and maintain updated engagement plans.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and partnership with government agencies to support organizational objectives.
• Facilitate organizational participation in government-led events, consultations, policy discussions, and coordination forums.
• Monitor government priorities, emerging policies, and regulatory developments that may impact organizational operations and programs.
• Provide strategic advice to senior management on government relations matters and stakeholder engagement strategies.

2. NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) and Regulatory Compliance Management

• Serve as the primary liaison with NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) and relevant regulatory authorities.
• Ensure timely preparation, submission, follow-up, and approval of all statutory documents, including but not limited to FD-2, FD-3, FD-4, FD-6, FD-9, FC-1, project amendments, and other regulatory filings.
• Monitor approval timelines and proactively follow up with relevant authorities to minimize operational delays.
• Ensure organizational compliance with NGOAB regulations, Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation requirements, and other applicable laws and regulations.
• Coordinate the submission of annual reports, audit reports, project reports, and other mandatory documents to regulatory authorities.
• Provide guidance and technical support to departments and project teams regarding government compliance obligations.

3. Government Approvals and Project Facilitation

• Facilitate timely approval of project proposals, project revisions, budget amendments, and related documentation from NGOAB and relevant ministries.
• Coordinate with program teams to ensure submission of complete and compliant documentation required for project approvals.
• Track approval status and provide regular updates to management.
• Support organizational efforts in obtaining permissions, endorsements, and regulatory clearances required for program implementation.
• Proactively identify and address bottlenecks that may affect project approval processes.

4. Networking, Representation, and External Relations

• Represent the organization in government meetings, technical committees, sector coordination platforms, and relevant external forums.
• Strengthening relationships with NGOs, INGOs, UN agencies, development partners, donors, and policy influencers.
• Promote the organization's visibility, credibility, and strategic interests through effective external representation.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure consistent organizational messaging and engagement with external partners.
• Maintain active participation in sectoral and inter-agency coordination mechanisms relevant to organizational operations.

5. Local Government and Administrative Coordination

• Foster positive relationships with local administration, district authorities, and local government institutions.
• Support project teams in obtaining local permissions and administrative support where required e.g. CLA
• Facilitate collaboration between the organization and local authorities for successful project implementation.
• Promote constructive engagement with local government representatives and administrative bodies.
• Support conflict resolution and stakeholder management efforts at field level.

6. Policy Monitoring, Risk Management, and Advisory Support

• Monitor changes in laws, regulations, policies, and government directives affecting the organization's operations.
• Assess potential risks arising from regulatory or political developments and recommend mitigation measures.
• Support organizational decision-making by providing timely intelligence on government priorities and regulatory changes.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen the organization's strategic positioning and influence within the development sector.

7. Capacity Building and Internal Support

• Conduct orientation sessions and training programs for staff on NGOAB requirements, government regulations, compliance obligations, and stakeholder engagement protocols.
• Develop guidance materials, SOPs, and compliance checklists related to government relations and regulatory processes.
• Provide ongoing advisory support to departments and project teams on government engagement and regulatory matters.
• Promote organizational awareness of compliance requirements and best practices in government relations.

Any other job related to the function will be allocated as and when required by the Supervisor.

• Master’s degree, preferably in public administration/international Relations/Development Studies, Social Sciences/Business Administration, or a related discipline from a recognized university.
• At least 7 years of working experience in Government of Bangladesh service,
• Candidates are currently working as Deputy Secretary or above level in Bangladesh government service is required.

• Additional professional training in Public Policy, Regulatory Compliance, Diplomacy, Development Cooperation, or Stakeholder Management will be an added advantage.
• Experience in dealing with development partners, donor-funded projects, NGOs/INGOs, and regulatory authorities will be highly desirable
• Demonstrated experience in government liaison, regulatory compliance, public administration, policy coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience working with or supporting NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB), Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration Authorities, Economic Relations Division (ERD), line ministries, and local government administration will be an added advantage.
• Willingness to work in an NGO/INGO environment on lien, deputation, consultancy or a similar arrangement, where applicable.
• At least 3 years of experience in administrative, coordination or government relations functions involving engagement with senior government officials, regulatory bodies, and key external stakeholders.
• Hands-on computer (MS Office) operating skills

   

• Knowledge and Skills:

• Hands-on computer (MS Office) operating skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both Bangla and English.

• Strong presentation and facilitation skills with the ability to engage audiences at various levels.

• Confidence in representing the organization in high-level meetings, forums, and external engagements.

• Advanced knowledge of the GOB administrative structure and protocols, especially with NGOAB, immigration, relevant Ministries and Directorates.

• Ability to build close working relationships and networks with diverse stakeholder groups, particularly with High-ranking government officials of Ministries and NGOAB 

Jhpiego offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive employee benefits package. Female candidates are encouraged to apply. Please apply at www.jobs-jhpiego.icims.com

Last date to apply: 22 July, 2026

Applicants must submit a single document for upload to include: cover letter, resume, current & expected Salary

For further information about Jhpiego, visit our website at www.jhpiego.org

Note: The successful candidate selected for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation.

Jhpiego is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins University affiliate, is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, other legally protected characteristics or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. Jhpiego promotes Affirmative Action for minorities, women, individuals who are disabled, and veterans.

EEO is the Law

RECRUITMENT SCAMS & FRAUD WARNING

Jhpiego has become aware of scams involving false job offers. Please be advised:

• Recruiters will never ask for a fee during any stage of the recruitment process.

• All active jobs are advertised directly on our careers page.

• Official Jhpiego emails will always arrive from a @Jhpiego.org email address.
  
  

Please report any suspicious communications to Info@jhpiego.org