Project Officer-Labour Rights & Grievance Mechanism

Company Description: Fair Wear Supply Chain Initiatives (FWSCI) is a Bangladesh-based organization and local implementing partner of Fair Wear Foundation (www.fairwear.org), supporting the implementation of Fair Wear’s programs and initiatives in Bangladesh.

FWSCI works to promote workers’ rights, decent working conditions, responsible business practices, human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD), gender equality, prevention of gender-based violence and harassment, effective grievance and remediation mechanisms, and sustainable and responsible supply chains.

FWSCI works with workers, worker representatives, businesses, factories, brands, industry associations, civil society organizations, development partners, and other stakeholders to support practical and sustainable improvements in workplace practices and supply chain performance.

While FWSCI brings significant experience from the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) and textile sector, its mandate and areas of expertise extend beyond RMG to other sectors and supply chains. FWSCI aims to apply its local expertise, sectoral knowledge, and international standards to support organizations in strengthening labour rights, social responsibility, sustainability, due diligence, grievance mechanisms, and responsible business practices.

Through its collaboration with Fair Wear Foundation and other stakeholders, FWSCI seeks to contribute to more responsible, inclusive, sustainable, and rights-respecting supply chains in Bangladesh.

About the Position

FWSCI is looking for a competent, experienced, and highly motivated Project Officer-Labour Rights & Grievance Mechanism to support the effective implementation of worker grievance mechanisms.

The Project Officer-Labour Rights & Grievance Mechanism will act as an independent, impartial, and trusted first point of contact for workers and their representatives. The position will be responsible for receiving and documenting grievances, communicating with complainants, explaining the grievance process, supporting case follow-up, and coordinating with relevant stakeholders to facilitate appropriate resolution and remedy.

The position will require regular interaction with workers, factory management, brands, labour rights organisations, Fair Wear Foundation and other stakeholders. The successful candidate must demonstrate strong communication and active listening skills, sound judgement, confidentiality, neutrality, and the ability to handle sensitive and complex cases professionally. This position should also be comfortable using digital case management systems, communicating with brands and other stakeholders when needed, and supporting investigations, remediation follow-up, and validation of outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

1. Accessibility and Initial Contact

·      Be available by telephone, email, and other agreed communication channels to receive grievances or contact complainants.

• Conduct grievance intake discussions with complainants in Bangla and English, as appropriate.

·      Create a safe and respectful environment for workers to discuss concerns and provide information about the grievance process.

2. Grievance Handling and Case Follow-up

·      Gather, document, and maintain accurate case information; conduct timely follow-up on grievances and ensure that case records are regularly updated in the designated case management system.

·      Submit grievance reports within agreed timelines.

·      Maintain communication with complainants throughout the grievance handling process.

·      Explain admissibility decisions and next steps to complainants.

3. Technical, Local Labour and Contextual Support

• Provide practical insights and technical guidance on Bangladesh labour law, labour rights, workplace practices, and industrial relations.
• Support the grievance mechanism team in understanding local workplace dynamics, cultural considerations, social context, and appropriate approaches to engaging with workers, factories, and other stakeholders.
• Arrange grievance investigations, remediation verification, and follow-up activities when requested.
• Assist with Bangla-English translation and interpretation to facilitate effective communication and case handling.

4. Stakeholder Engagement

·      Establish and maintain professional relationships with workers and their representatives.

·      Communicate professionally with factory management, brands, labour rights organisations, and other stakeholders.

·      Support meetings, interviews, consultations, and follow-up activities related to grievance cases.

·      Promote awareness and understanding of worker grievance mechanisms where required.

·      Represent FWSCI professionally during relevant field activities and stakeholder engagements.

5. Confidentiality, Neutrality and Professional Conduct

·      Maintain strict confidentiality regarding complainants, investigations, and all case-related information, while demonstrating neutrality, sound judgment, professional ethics, and sensitivity when handling complex or sensitive cases. Work collaboratively and respectfully with colleagues, workers, management, brands, and other stakeholders, contributing positively to a professional and supportive working environment.

·      Act as a neutral third party throughout the grievance process.

·      Identify and disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest.

·      Participate in onboarding, training, and capacity-building activities organised by Fair Wear.

Essential:

·      Bachelor’s degree in Law, English, Social Science, Sociology, Development Studies, Human Rights, Gender Studies, Labour Relations, or a related discipline from a reputed university.

·      At least 3 years of demonstrated experience working with workers, trade unions, labour rights organizations, NGOs, community-based organizations, Brand, or Factory.

·      Strong understanding of labour rights, working conditions, and workplace grievance mechanisms, with the ability to apply this knowledge in practical workplace contexts.

·      Strong verbal and written communication skills in both Bangla and English, with the ability to communicate effectively, respectfully, and sensitively with workers and stakeholders from diverse and multicultural backgrounds.

Required Skills and Competencies

·      Practical experience in receiving, documenting, assessing, and following up on worker grievances or workplace concerns, with strong attention to detail and accuracy.

·      Experience conducting worker interviews, investigations, training, or awareness-raising activities.

·      Understanding of garment and textile supply chains and workplace dynamics within the RMG sector.

·      Gender sensitivity and a survivor-centred approach, with the ability to handle sensitive cases including GBVH, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation in an inclusive, confidential, and non-discriminatory manner.

·      Flexibility to respond to urgent or time-sensitive cases.

·      Ability to work independently, manage ad hoc assignments, and collaborate effectively as part of a team.

·      Willingness to travel to factories and other locations as required.

·      Professional and learning-oriented attitude, with a willingness to continuously learn, develop new skills, accept feedback, and adapt to new approaches and requirements.

·      Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook); experience working with Salesforce or similar CRM/case management systems is an asset.

What We Offer

·      Competitive and negotiable salary based on qualifications and experience.

·      Compensation and benefits in accordance with FWSCI policy.

·      Professional working environment.

·      Opportunities to work with workers, brands, manufacturers, and other national and international stakeholders.

·      Opportunities for professional learning and development in labour rights, grievance mechanisms, responsible supply chains, and sustainability.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit:

·      Updated CV/Resume highlighting relevant experience.

·      A brief Motivation Letter explaining their interest in the position and suitability for the role.

·      Contact details of two professional references.

Applications from candidates with demonstrated experience in supporting workers, promoting labour rights, handling worker grievances, conducting worker interviews, and addressing gender-related workplace issues are particularly encouraged.

Application Deadline: 25.09.2026

Application Email: [email protected]

Email Subject: Application for Project Officer-Labour Rights & Grievance Mechanism

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment/interview.

Fair Wear Supply Chain Initiatives

• Dhaka, Bangladesh