- Sun Nov 30, 2025 1:34 am#9482
Preparation Guide for the Social Norms Expert Position (EARN Project – CARE Bangladesh)
1. Understand the Role and Context
• Read the full job description carefully and note the four main responsibility clusters:
– Strategy and implementation of social‑norm change;
– Development of GESI technical resources and capacity building;
– Community engagement and advocacy;
– Monitoring, learning, and knowledge management.
• Study the Economic Acceleration and Resilience for NEET (EARN) project overview, objectives, and target groups (NEET youth, especially women in rural and semi‑urban areas).
• Familiarize yourself with CARE Bangladesh’s vision, mission, values, and safeguarding policies (SEA/SH/GBV).
2. Conduct a Gap Analysis
a) List your academic qualifications (Master of Development Studies, Sociology, Social Work, etc.).
b) Match each required experience item (10+ years in NGOs/development agencies, gender mainstreaming, GBV prevention, participatory training, monitoring design, etc.) with concrete examples from your career.
c) Identify any missing competencies (e.g., specific climate‑resilience integration, recent GESI guidelines, latest SEA/SH response protocols) and plan how to address them before the interview.
3. Strengthen Core Knowledge Areas
• Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) – Review the latest CARE GESI framework, UN Women publications, and the International Development Association’s gender‑responsive guidelines.
• Social‑Norms Change Theory – Study the Social Norms Approach, the Behaviour Change Wheel, and recent case studies from South‑Asia on norm‑shifting interventions.
• Youth and NEET Issues in Bangladesh – Analyse recent government and UNICEF reports on youth unemployment, gender gaps in labor participation, and education dropout rates.
• Climate‑Resilient Livelihoods – Read CARE climate‑adaptation modules, IPCC summaries for Bangladesh, and examples of integrating climate content into skills training.
• Safeguarding (GBV, SEA/SH) – Refresh knowledge of CARE’s safeguarding standards, the WHO GBV guidelines, and the UN Secretary‑General’s reporting mechanism.
4. Update Practical Tools and Resources
• Compile a portfolio of training manuals, curricula, or toolkits you have designed or adapted, highlighting any gender‑transformative or norm‑shifting components.
• Prepare sample monitoring tools (indicator matrices, data collection forms, dashboards) you have developed for GESI or social‑norms tracking.
• Gather evidence of participatory workshops you facilitated (agenda, facilitation guides, evaluation results) and any advocacy materials (campaign posters, radio scripts, social‑media content).
5. Tailor Your Application Documents
• Resume/CV – Use a clear chronological format; for each position list responsibilities and achievements that directly map to the four responsibility clusters. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., “trained 120 community facilitators on gender‑transformative approaches, resulting in a 30 % increase in women’s participation in livelihood programs”).
• Cover Letter – Open with a concise statement of why you are motivated to join CARE Bangladesh and the EARN project. Follow with three short paragraphs: (1) your expertise in gender mainstreaming and norm change, (2) your experience in youth/NEET programming and climate‑resilient livelihoods, (3) your commitment to safeguarding and collaborative learning. Conclude with a brief note on your adaptability to work anywhere in Bangladesh.
• Supporting Documents – If the application allows, attach a one‑page “Key Achievements” sheet, a sample of a gender‑responsive training module, and a brief case study on a successful norm‑shifting intervention you led.
6. Build Evidence of Learning Agility and Knowledge Sharing
• Prepare examples of how you have quickly acquired new technical skills (e.g., learning a new M&E software, adopting a new safeguarding protocol) and applied them in the field.
• Highlight any mentorship or peer‑learning initiatives you organized, such as learning circles, webinars, or community of practice groups.
7. Prepare for the Interview
a) Technical Questions – Anticipate scenario‑based questions:
– How would you design a social‑norms assessment in a conservative rural community?
– Explain your approach to integrating climate‑resilience messages into a women’s entrepreneurship training.
– Describe your process for developing a SEA/SH grievance mechanism that is accessible to NEET youth.
b) Behavioural Questions – Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format to describe:
– A time you dealt with resistance from local leaders to a gender‑sensitive initiative.
– How you ensured inclusive participation of both boys and girls in a skills‑development program.
– An instance when you had to adjust monitoring tools based on field feedback.
c) Presentation – Be ready to present a short 5‑minute plan for a social‑norms change component of the EARN project, outlining objectives, key activities, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring indicators.
8. Strengthen Language and Digital Skills
• Ensure fluency in Bangla and English by practicing articulation of technical concepts in both languages.
• Review advanced features of MS Office (pivot tables, advanced charting, macros) and any project‑management or data‑analysis tools you have used (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint, SurveyCTO, KoboToolbox).
9. Network and Gather Insights
• Connect with current or former CARE staff on professional platforms to learn about the organizational culture and recent project experiences.
• Attend webinars or virtual events on gender, youth, and climate in Bangladesh to stay current on sector trends and to mention recent learning during the interview.
10. Logistics and Practical Preparations
• Verify that you meet the 30‑month contract length and are willing to be based anywhere in Bangladesh; think about possible relocation or travel requirements.
• Prepare copies of identification documents, academic certificates, and any professional licences or clearances related to safeguarding.
11. Final Checklist Before Submission
□ Resume tailored to the job description, with quantified achievements.
□ Cover letter emphasizing motivation, relevant experience, and commitment to CARE’s values.
□ Portfolio items (training material, monitoring tools, case study) ready for upload or attachment.
□ Proofread all documents for spelling, grammar, and consistency in Bangla/English.
□ Confirm internet connectivity and file formats meet the application portal specifications.
Following these steps will help you present a comprehensive, evidence‑based profile that aligns with CARE Bangladesh’s expectations for the Social Norms Expert role, demonstrate your technical competence, and showcase the learning agility and collaborative mindset the organization values. Good luck!
1. Understand the Role and Context
• Read the full job description carefully and note the four main responsibility clusters:
– Strategy and implementation of social‑norm change;
– Development of GESI technical resources and capacity building;
– Community engagement and advocacy;
– Monitoring, learning, and knowledge management.
• Study the Economic Acceleration and Resilience for NEET (EARN) project overview, objectives, and target groups (NEET youth, especially women in rural and semi‑urban areas).
• Familiarize yourself with CARE Bangladesh’s vision, mission, values, and safeguarding policies (SEA/SH/GBV).
2. Conduct a Gap Analysis
a) List your academic qualifications (Master of Development Studies, Sociology, Social Work, etc.).
b) Match each required experience item (10+ years in NGOs/development agencies, gender mainstreaming, GBV prevention, participatory training, monitoring design, etc.) with concrete examples from your career.
c) Identify any missing competencies (e.g., specific climate‑resilience integration, recent GESI guidelines, latest SEA/SH response protocols) and plan how to address them before the interview.
3. Strengthen Core Knowledge Areas
• Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) – Review the latest CARE GESI framework, UN Women publications, and the International Development Association’s gender‑responsive guidelines.
• Social‑Norms Change Theory – Study the Social Norms Approach, the Behaviour Change Wheel, and recent case studies from South‑Asia on norm‑shifting interventions.
• Youth and NEET Issues in Bangladesh – Analyse recent government and UNICEF reports on youth unemployment, gender gaps in labor participation, and education dropout rates.
• Climate‑Resilient Livelihoods – Read CARE climate‑adaptation modules, IPCC summaries for Bangladesh, and examples of integrating climate content into skills training.
• Safeguarding (GBV, SEA/SH) – Refresh knowledge of CARE’s safeguarding standards, the WHO GBV guidelines, and the UN Secretary‑General’s reporting mechanism.
4. Update Practical Tools and Resources
• Compile a portfolio of training manuals, curricula, or toolkits you have designed or adapted, highlighting any gender‑transformative or norm‑shifting components.
• Prepare sample monitoring tools (indicator matrices, data collection forms, dashboards) you have developed for GESI or social‑norms tracking.
• Gather evidence of participatory workshops you facilitated (agenda, facilitation guides, evaluation results) and any advocacy materials (campaign posters, radio scripts, social‑media content).
5. Tailor Your Application Documents
• Resume/CV – Use a clear chronological format; for each position list responsibilities and achievements that directly map to the four responsibility clusters. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., “trained 120 community facilitators on gender‑transformative approaches, resulting in a 30 % increase in women’s participation in livelihood programs”).
• Cover Letter – Open with a concise statement of why you are motivated to join CARE Bangladesh and the EARN project. Follow with three short paragraphs: (1) your expertise in gender mainstreaming and norm change, (2) your experience in youth/NEET programming and climate‑resilient livelihoods, (3) your commitment to safeguarding and collaborative learning. Conclude with a brief note on your adaptability to work anywhere in Bangladesh.
• Supporting Documents – If the application allows, attach a one‑page “Key Achievements” sheet, a sample of a gender‑responsive training module, and a brief case study on a successful norm‑shifting intervention you led.
6. Build Evidence of Learning Agility and Knowledge Sharing
• Prepare examples of how you have quickly acquired new technical skills (e.g., learning a new M&E software, adopting a new safeguarding protocol) and applied them in the field.
• Highlight any mentorship or peer‑learning initiatives you organized, such as learning circles, webinars, or community of practice groups.
7. Prepare for the Interview
a) Technical Questions – Anticipate scenario‑based questions:
– How would you design a social‑norms assessment in a conservative rural community?
– Explain your approach to integrating climate‑resilience messages into a women’s entrepreneurship training.
– Describe your process for developing a SEA/SH grievance mechanism that is accessible to NEET youth.
b) Behavioural Questions – Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format to describe:
– A time you dealt with resistance from local leaders to a gender‑sensitive initiative.
– How you ensured inclusive participation of both boys and girls in a skills‑development program.
– An instance when you had to adjust monitoring tools based on field feedback.
c) Presentation – Be ready to present a short 5‑minute plan for a social‑norms change component of the EARN project, outlining objectives, key activities, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring indicators.
8. Strengthen Language and Digital Skills
• Ensure fluency in Bangla and English by practicing articulation of technical concepts in both languages.
• Review advanced features of MS Office (pivot tables, advanced charting, macros) and any project‑management or data‑analysis tools you have used (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint, SurveyCTO, KoboToolbox).
9. Network and Gather Insights
• Connect with current or former CARE staff on professional platforms to learn about the organizational culture and recent project experiences.
• Attend webinars or virtual events on gender, youth, and climate in Bangladesh to stay current on sector trends and to mention recent learning during the interview.
10. Logistics and Practical Preparations
• Verify that you meet the 30‑month contract length and are willing to be based anywhere in Bangladesh; think about possible relocation or travel requirements.
• Prepare copies of identification documents, academic certificates, and any professional licences or clearances related to safeguarding.
11. Final Checklist Before Submission
□ Resume tailored to the job description, with quantified achievements.
□ Cover letter emphasizing motivation, relevant experience, and commitment to CARE’s values.
□ Portfolio items (training material, monitoring tools, case study) ready for upload or attachment.
□ Proofread all documents for spelling, grammar, and consistency in Bangla/English.
□ Confirm internet connectivity and file formats meet the application portal specifications.
Following these steps will help you present a comprehensive, evidence‑based profile that aligns with CARE Bangladesh’s expectations for the Social Norms Expert role, demonstrate your technical competence, and showcase the learning agility and collaborative mindset the organization values. Good luck!
- By bdchakriDesk