Swisscontact is the business-oriented independent foundation for international development cooperation. Represented in 36 countries with over 1,400 employees, it promotes - since 1959 - economic, social and environmental development.

Swisscontact seeking to recruit a highly motivated individual who is eager to learn and willingly to commit long-term support to our country operations. The individual must have the ability and willingness to thrive in an environment that promotes and encourages self-learning. The ideal candidate will be result-oriented, flexible in approach and able to work independently with minimum supervision.

Coordinator - Portfolio Development

Location
:
Dhaka with possible visits to field locations
Reports to
:
Senior Portfolio Manager
Purpose : Support Swisscontact Bangladesh’s project portfolio development initiatives and integration of gender and social inclusion issues within Swisscontact country operations and lead corporate communications (internal and external).

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Portfolio development (40%)

  • Research latest trends in pro-poor market systems development and keep oneself updated;
  • Scan multi- and bi-lateral donor landscape and keep updated records;
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive list of private foundations and corporation who can be potential donors for Swisscontact;
  • Gather relevant information through secondary research and in-person interviews for new project proposals to be prepared for donors;
  • Undertake field research as necessary;
  • Support development of new project concepts and proposals;
  • Handle and protect confidential and sensitive information with integrity;
  • Make conscious effort to be familiar with Swsscontact’s market systems development approach, thematic areas and competencies;
  • Work closely with the Senior Portfolio Manager and Team Leaders to learn about necessary troubleshooting support provided to ongoing projects in Bangladesh;
  • Work closely with the Senior Portfolio Manager and Head of Business Administration to learn about new project start-ups viz. project set-ups, recruitment, capacity building of new staff;
  • Represent Swisscontact at relevant events.

Gender and Social Inclusion (35%)

  • Work as the gender focal person of the country office;
  • Proactively focus on self-improvement and professional capacity on gender and social issues;  
  • Monitor and analyse developments on gender and social inclusion issues at national and regional level;
  • Support the portfolio development team with sound gender analysis and ensure gender and social inclusion issues are effectively integrated into the design and implementation of new and existing projects; 
  • Collaborate with different project teams and establish a mechanism for mutual learning across the country office;
  • Identify strategic actions to be undertaken to improve gender and social inclusion during project implementation; 
  • Work closely with different project teams to distil and document lessons related to gender and social inclusion issues for public advocacy and future project design.

Corporate Communications (25%)

  • Work colosely with the communication focal persons in project teams and ensure compliance to the Corporate Communication Guideline and Design Manual and all communication materials are adequately branded;
  • Act as the focal person between the country office and the Head Quarter in Zurich for all communications related to news articles, social media engagement and brand awareness;
  • Lead on organising key events in Bangladesh and support other country offices in the region in organising events.

Skills and Experiences

The individual must conform to the following qualifications:

  • Passionate and commited about developing a career within Swisscontact;
  • At least a Bachelor’s degree in any of the subjects-Economics, Development Sudies, Gender Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Media and Mass Communication, Business Adminisration; Gender Studies, Mass Communication; Media Studies or Journalism;
  • General understanding of developing and middle income country’s development challenges;
  • General understanding of global development discourses and institutions;
  • Strong understanding of socio-political issues of economic development in Bangladesh;
  • Ability to present, explain and interpret complex data or analysis;
  • Workable prodcution and technical knowledge of audio visual communication and print material;
  • At least 2- 4 years of professional work experience in development agency or for-profit entity;
  • Experience of working in communication and/or research agencies will be an added advantage;
  • Advanced communication skill in both English and Bangla (verbal and written);
  • Excellent computer literacy in Windows Office programs (especially MsWord, Excel and PowerPoint);
  • Extra-curricular expereinces will be highly valued;
  • Work in a team to deliver high quality work within deadlines in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment;
  • Willing and able to travel within and outside Bangladesh.

Physical Demands

Field visits may be necessary; as such, it is expected that the incumbent is willing and able to take part in such activities as and when needed and sometimes within short notice.

Working Conditions and Environment

This will be applicable according to the Swisscontact Staff Manual.

Application details:

Please email your application form along with a cover letter (elaborating your competencies for the position and your expected salary) to bd.recruitment@swisscontact.org  

The Job Description and the application form can be downloaded from our website http://www.swisscontact.org/en/country/south-asia/work-with-us/jobs.html.

Please mention name of the position applied for in the “subject” line of your email. Applications must be submitted on or before 29 September 2018. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for final selection process.

Swisscontact is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage female professionals to apply.