Country: Bangladesh

Location: Dhaka  

Reporting to: Regional Director BORDA South Asia

Employment type: Fixed term till 2026 with annual contract renewal every January

Starting date: Immediate

Mode of Operation: On-site in Dhaka

Program Details

The regional South Asia program focuses on the approach of integrated water management for improving municipal water supply and sanitation in small and medium towns in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. The main components include – pilot demonstration of integrated and decentralised solutions for improved water and sanitation services, institutional strengthening, incorporation of climate resilience and gender inclusivity in WASH. Our key areas of action include planning, project coordination and supervision support to partners with capacity building and dissemination of project learnings. 

The project objective is elucidated as below:  

The project contributes to improvement in the living conditions residents of small and medium towns in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh through reduction in the health and environmental risks associated with inadequate municipal WASH service delivery. Additionally, it contributes to global efforts on climate change sensitivity and gender inclusivity. 

And it aims to provide: 

Improved WASH Services to more than 250,000 residents and citizens in small and medium towns in India, Nepal and Bangladesh.

Background

BORDA South Asia operates in Bangladesh through a network of cooperation and implementation partners. Currently, it has one implementation partner operating in two small towns – Savar and Kushtia. Besides, it is also in engagement with other international and local development organisations. In line with the Federal German Republic’s aim of improved sanitation and water access for all, BORDA plans to increase its program size in Bangladesh. As a first step towards that it aims to establish a local country office and hire a country administrator to oversee manage its operations in Bangladesh.

Key Responsibilities 

The role majorly involves end-to-end management of a country level program. The scope of work is detailed out below:

• ESTABLISHING COUNTRY OFFICE

As the first local personnel, the Country Administrator’s first and major roles would be setting up a local country office and getting it registered.

• OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP 

• • Ensure the efficient and effective operation of BORDA Bangladesh in alignment with organisational goals.
  • Oversee day-to-day operation of BORDA Bangladesh, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Oversee financial management and conduct budgeting and resource allocation.
  • Review and update organisational policies, procedures, and protocols and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements as well as organisational policies/standards of procedure and donor/funder guidelines.

• TEAM BUILDING AND HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

The Country Administrator would be primarily responsible for recruiting and building a team for delivering the country program. This would also include an active mentoring and capacity building role.

• • Lead and inspire a diverse team of professionals, providing mentorship, guidance and support.
  • Foster a positive, safe, and inclusive work environment that promotes staff development and well-being and adheres to local legislation and regulations. 
  • Determine staffing requirements for organisational management and program delivery.
  • Implement human resources policies, procedures, and practices, including job description development.

• PROJECT PLANNING, EXECUTION, REPORTING AND MONITORING 

• • Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of decentralized sanitation projects, programs and initiatives.
  • Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
  • Ensure adherence to project budgets and allocate resources efficiently.
  • Develop project documentation and reports in line with project timelines and organisational and funding requirements.

•  COMPLIANCE AND AUDITS

International organisations are subject to multiple levels and types of compliance requirements. Ensuring adherence to these is one of the primary requirements of the position. 

• • Ensure sound financial practices and compliance with financial regulations in line with organisational and donor requirements and the laws and regulations of Bangladesh.
  • Ensure compliance with taxation regulations.
  • Ensure donor compliances.

•  COMMUNICATION, NETWORKING AND FUND-RAISING

As the point of contact for Bangladesh, the personnel would be required to develop an active network of partners, collaborators and funders within Bangladesh. BORDA aims to be an active and impactful voice in the development discourse in Bangladesh.

Besides local operations the personnel would be required to build and contribute to global portfolio and vision. 

Qualifications and Requirements

As the person in charge for the program operations of Bangladesh, the personnel is responsible for end-to-end management including but not limited to: managing the staff, budget, programs, and partnerships of an organisation in the specific country or region.

They act as the main representative and liason with the local authorities, donors, media, and other stakeholders. They also ensure that the organisation’s vision, mission, and values are aligned with the local context and needs.

As this is a senior position, the following essential qualifications are required:

• Educational Qualification – Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Engineering, Humanitarian/Development Studies, Economics, International Relations or other relevant fields. Master’s and other advanced attainments are desirable.

• General Experience – At least 10 years of working experience in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) space. 
• Specific Experience – a minimum of 5 years of work experience in project or program management in the field of development cooperation, experience in a leading position is an asset.
• Language Requirements – fluency in written and spoken Bangla and other local languages. Fluency in English is also mandatory. 
• Government Interface – should have led/participated in at least significant project which involves regular interface with the government. Experience working with NGOs, or community-based organisations is preferred. 

As this is a senior position, the following essential skills are required:

• Awareness of the humanitarian, development, and political context in Bangladesh, working experience in the region is an asset.

• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies and tools.
• Excellent self-organisation and time management skills to handle multiple priorities and deadlines effectively and efficiently. 
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation and networking skills.