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Promising Professional Person: Momotaj Jahan Koli

Momotaj Jahan Koli
Communication Officer
Build Bangladesh

Meet Momotaj Jahan Koli, a passionate and skilled communicator dedicated to making a positive impact. As the Communications Officer at Build Bangladesh, she leverages her diverse background in resource management, human resources, and customer service to amplify the organization’s mission on a global scale. Her strategic approach to communication, coupled with her deep understanding of diverse stakeholders, allows her to effectively engage donors, government agencies, local communities, and the media. Through her work, she builds bridges of understanding and shapes narratives that contribute to a more just and equitable world.

Let’s learn about her journey.

My journey began with a strong foundation in Resource Management and Entrepreneurship, earning both my B.Sc. and M.Sc. from Dhaka University (College of Home Economics). I further honed my management skills with a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management from the Bangladesh Institute of Management. My professional experience is rooted in customer service and operations. These roles equipped me with the ability to manage teams, streamline processes, and cultivate positive client relationships. My turning point came with volunteering at Build Bangladesh, where my passion for social impact and community engagement blossomed. This led me to my current role as Communications Officer at Build Bangladesh, where I leverage my diverse skillset to amplify the organization’s mission and impact.

As a Communications Officer, I wear many hats.  I develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies that showcase Build Bangladesh’s impactful work.  This includes crafting compelling content for various platforms, managing our social media presence, and coordinating events to engage our target audience. By consistently highlighting our achievements and mission, we aim to build a strong brand reputation not only locally but also on a global scale.

As a communication officer for a development organization, I understand the critical importance of tailoring communication strategies to engage our diverse stakeholders effectively. Each group, from donors to government agencies to local communities, has unique needs and expectations. Here’s how I adapt my approach for each:

Donors:
Focus on impact and transparency: Donors want to see how their contributions make a difference. I provide clear, data-driven reports on project progress and outcomes, highlighting the impact on beneficiaries.

Maintain open and consistent communication: Regular updates, personalized communication, and opportunities for direct engagement (e.g., site visits, meetings) are crucial for building trust and long-term relationships.

Tailor messaging to donor interests: I segment our donor base and tailor communication to resonate with their specific interests, whether it be geographic focus, thematic area, or type of intervention.

Government Agencies:
Emphasis on alignment and collaboration: I frame our work within the context of national development priorities and highlight areas of alignment with government policies and programs.

Formal and professional communication: This includes official reports, policy briefs, and presentations using data and evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of our interventions.

Building strong partnerships: I prioritize relationship building through regular meetings, joint events, and collaborative projects to foster trust and understanding.

Local Communities:
Culturally appropriate communication: I ensure all communication is accessible and understandable, considering language, literacy levels, and local customs. This may involve using local languages, storytelling, visual aids, and community meetings.

Active listening and participation: I prioritize community engagement through consultations, participatory planning, and feedback mechanisms, ensuring their voices are heard and integrated into project design and implementation.

Building trust and rapport: Regular interaction, transparency, and accountability are essential for building trust with local communities. 

Maintaining a positive public image is vital. My approach includes: Building strong relationships with media professionals: I proactively engage with journalists and media outlets, providing them with accurate information and newsworthy stories about Build Bangladesh.

Developing crisis communication plans: I prepare for potential challenges by outlining response strategies to address issues promptly and transparently, mitigating any negative impact.

Monitoring media coverage: I actively track media mentions and public sentiment to assess the effectiveness of our communication efforts and identify areas for improvement.

I Believe, the digital world offers powerful tools for reaching wider audiences.  I leverage social media platforms, email marketing, and our website to share updates and stories and engage with supporters. I constantly explore new technologies and trends to ensure our communication remains relevant and impactful.

It is essential to be prepared for the unexpected. I play a key role in developing and implementing crisis communication plans.  This includes identifying potential risks, establishing protocols for information dissemination, and training our team to respond effectively during challenging situations.

I encourage everyone to find their passion and use their skills to make a positive impact on the world. Whether through volunteering, supporting social causes, or simply being kind and compassionate, we can all contribute to building a better future.

Remember, every action, no matter how small, can make a difference.

The most outstanding achievement of your life as of now:
Establishing online presence of Build Bangladesh as their Communications Officer.

The greatest philosopher, in your view:
Nelson Mandela, for his leadership, resilience, and commitment to social justice.

Your Icon:
Malala Yousafzai, for her courage and advocacy for education and girls’ rights.

Name the most influential books you have read:

  • “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek
  • “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg
  • “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl

Your greatest fear:
The world losing sight of compassion, empathy and Sharing mentality.

Best piece of advice you’ve received:
“Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi.

You in only three words:
Passionate, Result-driven, and empathetic.

  • Hard Skills: Project management, content creation, social media management, data analysis, planning and coordination.
  • Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, and time management.

Prayer For Human Civilization:
May we strive for a world where understanding, compassion, and collaboration prevail, leading us towards a brighter future for all.

The InCAP: Thank you, Ms. Momotaj Jahan Koli! It’s a glittering conversation with you!

Ms. Momotaj Jahan Koli: My pleasure! Wish you all the best! Thank you.

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