Masud Rana

About Masud Rana

A communications and advocacy specialist

Masud Rana is a communications and advocacy specialist with over 13 years of experience leading strategic communications, crisis response, and digital engagement in complex humanitarian and development contexts. He has worked in Afghanistan and Bangladesh, while also providing remote support to more than 20 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Currently serving as Communications Development Delegate in Kabul. 

Throughout his career, Masud has successfully navigated high-stakes crises, built strong relationships with communities and stakeholders, and advanced organizations’ digital presence. His expertise spans strategic communications and advocacy, emergency communications, media relations, digital outreach, and capacity strengthening.

Driven by the belief that communication can save lives and inspire action, Masud combines strategy with storytelling to amplify voices, influence change, and support humanitarian impact.

Career Journey

Feb 2024 - Present
Communications Development Delegate, ICRC (seconded by Finnish Red Cross), Kabul, Afghanistan.

1. Increased visibility, acceptance and positive perception of Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) through providing technical and advisory support to produce quality communications and information products.

2. Led developing five key policies and strategies, including ARCS’s communications strategy, advocacy strategy, social media policy, storytelling guidelines, and community engagement strategy aligned with
institutional priorities.

3. Successfully managed seven crisis communications by creating a crisis communications strategy, setting up a crisis management team, introducing media monitoring, and developing SOPs for handling crisis communications.

4. Led 15 national media publishing ARCS impacts through developing media relations strategy, media monitoring tools, media inquiry database, daily media monitoring reporting and facilitated media visits and media interview.

5. Strengthened capacity of 64 communications staff through tailored training plans, coaching, and a Training-of-Trainers (ToT) model aligned with strategic priorities.

Dec 2021 – Jan 2024
Humanitarian Content and Social Media Advisor, IRC (seconded by Internews), Remote, 20+countries

1. Increased social media 47% and website audience engagement 35% by developing and implementing content and social media guidelines, editorial standards, social media content strategies, account management protocols, editorial workflows, and content templates.

2. Led delivery of responsive humanitarian information services for migrants and asylum seekers across 20+countries, including strategic oversight of multimedia content and social media platforms.

3. Introduced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tools and techniques, which helped teams optimize content relevant to users' search queries and displayed prominently in search results.

4. Provided actionable information for refugees and migrants through managing advertisements, content supervision for 20 social media accounts and 12 websites.

Jan 2020 – Nov 2021
Social Mobilization and Communications Team Leader, Mercy Corps, Kabul, Afghanistan

1. Ensured effective supports from three government ministries and 200 community leaders through developing a communications and advocacy strategy.

2. Managed crisis communications during Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, creating effective strategies that engaged key stakeholders and minimized negative impact.

3. Reached over 1 million users through a targeted social media strategy, including content calendars, ad campaigns, and policy development to enhance digital engagement.

4. Secured 2 million USD funding through showcasing the impacts by developing an impacts storybook and videos.

Aug 2019 – Dec 2019
Communications and Knowledge Management Adviser, SNV, Dhaka, Bangladesh

1. Ensured effective information dissemination through developing communications and knowledge materials, including the creation of four audiovisuals, four brochures, two flyers, three factsheets, a lesson learn book, five web contents, photo stories, conference papers, and two human interest stories.

2. Increased media engagement by acting as the media spokesperson for both national and international media, identifying potential media relation opportunities, monitoring news and views, and actively engaging the media in organizational interventions.

3. Provided advisory support to communication and media agencies, consultants, photographers, PR agencies, storytellers, country management team, staff, and partners on both internal and external communications and media relations.

Oct 2018 – July 2019
Communications and Compliance Manager, BRAC International, Kabul, Afghanistan

1. Engaged the Ministry of Education on key advocacy issues, leading to local-level actions ensuring girls' safety.

2. Led 210 advocacy campaigns, contributing to a 25% increase in girls' enrollment across three Afghan provinces.

3. Provided policy insights to national and global offices, securing $10 million through partnerships with five INGOs.

4. Trained 20 staff in advocacy and communications, representing the organization in UN and INGO forums.

Feb 2017 – Sept 2018
Deputy Manager-Communications and KM, Save the Children, Dhaka, Bangladesh

1. Implemented a documentation hub, knowledge repository, and online data management.

2. Reached 0.3 million parents and children through 320 campaigns and 80 advocacy workshops to enhance early-grade reading skills.

3. Secured media coverage with 24 news articles and four stories published in national newspapers.

Mar 2016 – Jan 2017
Assistant Manager-Communications and Mass Awareness, Plan International, Dhaka, Bangladesh

1. Influenced national and local newspapers to publish news and opinion pieces on the issue through strategic media outreach.

2. Created advocacy and campaign materials, including audiovisuals, success story books, infographics, newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, and posters, to reach national and international audiences.

Oct 2014 – Feb 2016
Senior Sector Specialist-Advocacy and KM, BRAC, Dhaka, Bangladesh

1. Developed a knowledge management framework and tools that contributed effective capturing, storing and sharing knowledge.

2. Published an advocacy report led to influence local governance ministry on strengthening local governance through interviewing 34 local governance members.

Dec 2012 – Sept 2014
Communications Officer, Good Neighbors Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh

1. Developed two annual reports, ten newsletters, 11 infographics, four brochures, 18 success stories, 14 fact sheets, and good numbers of posters, stickers, banners, articles, and press releases.

2. Arranged three learning and sharing events, 12 campaigns, three workshops at the national level, and 120 campaigns at the local level.

Feb 2011 – Nov 2012
Communications Specialist, AID Foundation, Jhenaidah, Bangladesh

1. Raised funds from UNESCO, UNHCR, and UNFPA through project proposal development.

2. Led copywriting and production of key organizational publications, including four annual reports, 17 newsletters, and good numbers of posters, infographics, stickers, banners, fact sheets, success stories, case studies, articles, press releases, brochures, etc.

Education

Master’s in journalism and Mas Communications, Indira Gandhi National Open University (ongoing), 2025-2027

Master’s in development studies, Islamic University, Kashia, Bangladesh, 2015

Master of Arts in English Language and Literature, Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh, 2010

Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature, Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh 2006-2009

Key Skills

Strategic Communications (10+ years)

Crisis & Emergency Communications (6+ years)

Advocacy & Policy Influence (7+ years)

External Engagement & Partnerships (8+ years)

Knowledge Management (10+ years)

Digital Media & Outreach (9+ years)

Media Relations (5+ years)

Storytelling & Multimedia (10+ years)

Project Management

Fundraising Communications
& Donor Reporting (4+ years)

Capacity Building & Facilitation (6+ years)

Leadership & Team Management (6+ years)

My Story

I liked the way you communicate with your friends and keep the chitchats lively. Why don’t you use your communications skills supporting people in need

I first heard this from a stranger at a tea stall in 2011, just as I was finishing my university graduation. Supporting people through communications? How? I asked myself.

Out of curiosity, I visited his office—and that small step became the start of my journey in development communications. My first role was part-time, raising funds for a local organization. One of my proposals was accepted by a UN body, and seeing children return to school was a moment of pure joy. That’s when I realized: I could make a real difference.

While my family and friends expected me to pursue a secure government job, I knew I wanted to do work that mattered. I wanted impact, not just income. That part-time role became a passion, shaping the foundation of my career.

The journey wasn’t without challenges. Early on, I faced setbacks, including being demoted in an international organization due to perceived lack of capacity. I had two choices: quit or learn. I chose to grow, identifying the skills I needed and investing in myself. That perseverance opened doors to bigger opportunities and allowed me to contribute meaningfully to people’s lives.

Over the years, I’ve discovered the power of communication—not just as a tool, but as a lifeline. The stories I collect, the information I share, and the messages I help deliver have influenced policies, improved access to services, and empowered communities. Every conversation, every report, every story matters.

My career has taken me across Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and remotely to 20 countries, working with organizations like IRC, Save the Children, Plan International,
Mercy Corps, BRAC, and the Red Cross. Each context is unique, yet the human need for trust, safety, and dignity is universal.

Today, I continue this journey driven by purpose: to help organizations communicate effectively, to ensure people in need are heard, and to create impact that lasts. My hope is simple—to build bridges through communication that save lives, foster understanding, and bring humanity a little closer together.

Training & Workshops

  • External Communications and Media Relations – ICRC (2024)
  • International Mobilization and Preparation for ACTion (IMPACT) – Finnish Red Cross (2024)
  • Introduction to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) – ICRC (2024)
  • SAFE (Security Training) – ICRC (2024)
  • Strategic Communications in Emergency Context – Mercy Corps (2021)
  • Negotiations for Humanitarian Access – DisasterReady (2021)
  • Project Management for Development (PMD/PM4D) – PM4D (2021)

What People Say

Masud is incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable. He is someone I would choose on my team every chance I get!
I had the pleasure to work with Mr. Rana at Good Neighbors Bangladesh who was an exceptional communication expert. He is a passionate, creative and dynamic communication professional along with hands-on skills. He would be an asset to any development organization.
Md Mushfiqur Rahim
Program and Strategy Lead Heifer International
Masud is a brilliant colleague I have ever met, he is helpful, creative with a positive attitude and full of energy.
Masud's openness, great attitude and approachable personality made it a pleasure to work with him. He is a very dedicated professional in the communications field, showing awesome expertise and great content adapted to the program at hand. His adaptability and willingness to learn from peers and new roles is an asset.
Melissa Lopez Lacayo
Partnership Lead, GOAL Global
Masud is an amazing communications professional. His strategic input brought positive changes in the organisation. His visionary and innovative ideas increased organisational impacts!
Mohammad Nabeel Arif Bhatti
Internal Auditor-Asia Region Muslim Hands International
Masud leverages social media and online communications savvy with people to people skills to create a community in Kabul that spans online and offline platforms. His enthusiasm and energy have brought this project to life!