Programme Director

This is an accompanied, 24-month replacement position based in Dhaka, with frequent travel to field locations. The salary is within the Grade 5 range, € 50,107 to € 55,674.

You will report directly to the Country Director (CD) and manage the Deputy Director of Programme Quality & Development, Deputy Director of Programme Implementation and Impact, Humanitarian and Resilience Advisor, MEAL Advisor, Advocacy Advisor, and Gender Coordinator. Collaboration with the Operations Director, Country Financial Controller, and other key support staff will also be essential.

We are looking for someone who can start as soon as possible.

Your purpose:

You will lead the development and management of all programmes for Concern Worldwide in Bangladesh, ensuring alignment with and contribution to the achievement of Concern’s Country Strategic Plan (CSP). As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), you will play a key role in overseeing the Country Programme, with specific responsibility for programme design and development with a key focus of the roll on the development, inception, implementation, fundraising, targeting of programmes, and ensuring quality, efficiency, and impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Programme Design and Development: Take the lead in developing new programmes, such as Health and Nutrition and Climate Resilience, ensuring alignment with “How Concern Understands Extreme Poverty” (HCUEP). Focus on securing donor funding for these initiatives.
• Lead the Transition to a Programme-Based Approach: Guide the shift from a project-based to a programme-based approach, including the design and development of programmes, preparation of concept notes and proposals, and securing donor funding in collaboration with partners.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong linkages with government bodies, donors, strategic networks, and partners to ensure Concern’s programmes are relevant to broader development and humanitarian contexts. Focus on contributions at both community and systemic levels.
• Partner Collaboration: Ensure that all programmes are designed and implemented in partnership with local organizations, upholding partnership principles across both development and emergency programmes.

Funding Strategy and Achievement of Organisational Targets:

• Develop and Achieve Funding Targets: Ensure the development of a robust funding strategy meeting the organisational targets, effectively supporting the delivery of emergency and development programmes.
• Lead Programme Strategies: Oversee the development and implementation of programmatic strategies in Health & Nutrition, Climate Resilience, and Livelihoods, in close consultation with partners and other key stakeholders.
• Analyse Donor Priorities and build Donor Relationships: Research and analyse donor funding priorities, stay updated on current funding opportunities, and develop strategies to align funding requirements with the annual budget targets set in the strategic plan.
• Explore Consortium Opportunities: Identify opportunities to form consortia and bid for large grants to maximize funding potential.

Leadership and Guidance in Programme Delivery:

• Effective Programme Delivery: Lead and guide Programme Managers and partners to ensure the successful delivery and management of ongoing development and emergency projects, including strong financial management.
• Results and Quality Assurance: Ensure all programmes are high quality and deliver results in line with donor contracts and organisational quality standards.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Ensure the effectiveness of organisational and programme M&E and Feedback, Complaints, and Response Mechanisms (FCRM) systems within Concern and its partners.

Programme Financial Management:

• Expenditure and Budget Tracking: Ensure rigorous and high-quality tracking of expenditures and budgets by key budget holders.
• Budgeting: Work closely with budget holders and the Finance team to develop precise budgets & expenditure forecasts, and assist in the timely, accurate submission of financial reports.
• Ensure Financial Compliance: Support adherence to both internal and external financial guidelines and regulations

Enhancing Programme Quality and Localisation:

• Lead Partnership Strategy: Develop, regularly review, and implement Bangladesh’s partnership strategy, ensuring alignment with both the global strategy and the country’s strategic priorities.
• Partnerships: Ensure partnership development and management processes are clearly defined, communicated among Concern staff and partners, and adhered to throughout the programme cycle. Review and revise these processes as necessary.
• Functional FCRM Systems: Ensure that all programmes and partners have an operational Feedback, Complaints, and Response Mechanism (FCRM) in place, with all staff fully understanding the reporting and investigation pathways.

Strengthening Advocacy Initiatives:

• Advocacy Strategy Development: Guide and support the programme and advocacy teams in developing advocacy strategies and plans that align with programme priorities.
• Enhance Networks and Partnerships: Strengthen existing networks and forge new partnerships to bolster evidence-based advocacy efforts.

Support the Development and Implementation of Concern Bangladesh’s Country Strategic Plan:

• Manage and Monitor Strategic Plan: Collaborate with the Country Director and country SMT to oversee and monitor the Country Strategic Plan, ensuring that KPI targets are realistic and met.
• Align Programmes with Strategic Plan: Ensure that all new and existing programmes are aligned with the approved strategic plan, with specific budget lines allocated to support the achievement of Country Strategic Plan KPIs.

Accountability:

• Adherence to Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS): Ensure the highest levels of accountability by facilitating effective communication and information sharing within and outside the programme. Encourage active participation from staff, programme participants, and other stakeholders at all stages of the project cycle, in line with CHS principles.

As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), provide strong leadership to the organization by:

• Actively participating in SMT meetings and contribute to decisions on policy and strategic direction.
• Foster effective learning and knowledge sharing within the organization, facilitating regular dialogue between the program and the learning and sharing teams.
• Step-up as acting Country Director when needed.

Your skills and experience will include:

Essential:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social sciences, management, international development, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience, including a minimum of 3 years in a senior management role within a development, humanitarian organization, or NGO.
• Proven experience working overseas.
• Demonstrated record of accomplishment in designing new programs, writing proposals, and securing donor funding.
• Proven success in advancing gender-transformative and inclusive programming approaches.
• Experience in strategic management, including overseeing large, multi-sectoral development and humanitarian programs implemented through partners.
• Excellent management and leadership experience, with a record of effectively managing a diverse team of senior national and international staff.
• Experience working with senior-level government officials, donors, and UN bodies.
• Strong conceptual understanding and experience leading and supporting national-level advocacy work.
• Ability to identify and analyse problems and recommend solutions.

Preferred:

• Experience working in Bangladesh or the Asia region.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to manage change effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to organize, plan, and deliver under pressure.
• Proven ability to develop staff capacity, delegate effectively, and motivate senior staff.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills, including engaging with national governments, agencies, and significant organizations, including local media.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with fluency in written and spoken English; proficiency in Bangla is a plus.
• Effective delegation, time management, and prioritization skills, with the ability to handle a broad range of demands.
• Highly developed stakeholder relationship management, listening, and conflict resolution skills.