Field Team Leader (FTL)

The Asia Foundation (the Foundation) is looking for skilled and ambitious candidates to serve as the Khulna-based Field Team Leader (FTL) for the "Women's Economic Empowerment through Strengthening Market Systems" (WEESMS) project funded by the Embassy of Sweden and implemented by the Foundation in partnership with International Development Enterprises (iDE). WEESMS aims on increasing women’s opportunities for economic participation and decision-making through improved access to productive employment options with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) led by women entrepreneurs. The(FTL) is responsible to oversee the field activities for WEESMS including office management, administration, and successful implementation of the project. The FTL will lead in planning and provide operational guidance for the field teams, technical and implementing partners, and other stakeholders to achieve above and beyond the project mandate. 

Total Post: 1 (One)

Key Roles and Responsibilities

  • Lead day-to-day field level WEESMS project activities under the supervision of the WEESMS Deputy Team Leader
  • Lead all the operational activities in the Khulna field office with the coordination with The Foundations Finance and Admin and the guidance of the WEESMS Deputy Team Leader
  • Maintain close contact and communication for project planning, strategy formulation and other issues with Dhaka Technical team and partners, counterparts, service providers, government, the private sector, and project participants;
  • Be the key contact person in field level for all the stakeholders, central Foundation management and WEESMS senior management
  • Represent both the WEESMS project and The Foundation in field level and participate in different local level events
  • Establish partnerships with public and private sector and NGO partners in keeping with the principles of the market systems development approach, negotiate new partnerships, and/or dissolve earlier partnerships with the coordination and guidance of the WEESMS Deputy Team Leader
  • Supervise two Market Development Officers, Finance and Administration Officer, and field support staff based in Khulna, and two Market Development Officers based in Rangpur
  • Coordinate closely and regularly with iDE’s Khulna and Rangpur-based Field Team Leaders
  • Serve as a regional contact person for the Foundation, providing programmatic, logistical, security and operational assistance as required

Education:
Master’s Degree in international development, economics, political science, or a relevant social science discipline. Bachelor's Degree with demonstrated relevant experience of at least 10-12 years may be substituted.

Work Experience
  • At least 5-7 years of experience working on market system development or other relevant fields including a minimum of 5 years in a managerial position and lead project implementation and familiarity with Home Textiles and Jute Diversified Products, and Processed and Packaged Food sectors preferred, but not mandatory
  • Familiarity and experience with project management concepts such as Logical Frameworks, Impact Logic or Results Chains
  • Prior experience with value chain approaches, market development, and deep dive research

Management Skills and Knowledge
  • Ability to plan and implement iterative field level activities for market systems change (looking beyond the Deep Implementation Plan)
  • Understands the facilitative role and local market development approach
  • Considerable understanding and knowledge of rural markets, trading relationships, and rural service provision

Personal Skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills
  • Ability to work with various national and international team members and flexibility to adapt to different work conditions
  • Ability to interact and collaborate with a broad range of public and private sector and NGO partners
  • Valid driving license and ability to drive motorcycles preferred but not required

Other
  • Ability to travel and undertake fieldwork in rural contexts
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in Bangla, including ability to present coherent and convincing messages to different audiences; proficiency in English
  • Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite, email, and internet-based software systems such as Google Apps and Salesforce

Job Location: Khulna, Bangladesh (with frequent field visits within the country)

Reports to: Deputy Team Leader, WEESMS Project (The Asia Foundation)

How to Apply: This recruitment is open; candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Please submit a CV of no more than four (4) pages along with a cover letter of not more than one (1) page detailing your experience and suitability for the role to country.bangladesh.jobs@asiafoundation.org. Applications that do not clearly address the suitability of the candidate for this specific position will not be reviewed. We thank all applicants, however only those making the shortlist will be contacted.

About The Asia Foundation: The Asia Foundation is a non-profit international development organization committed to improving lives across a dynamic and developing Asia. Informed by six decades of experience and deep local expertise, the Foundation’s programs address critical issues—governance and law, economic development, women's empowerment, environment, and regional cooperation—to encourage Asia's continued development as a peaceful, just, and thriving region.

Since 1954, The Asia Foundation has supported Bangladesh’s progress toward and achievement of its development priorities and goals through long-standing partnerships with the government, civil society, religious communities and leaders, the private sector, and the Bangladeshi people. With a focus on gender equality, civic accountability, and social cohesion across all facets of our work, the Bangladesh Country Office encourages innovation and creativity in tackling community challenges, building leadership capacity that reflects the country’s diversity, and facilitating broad-based participation in the country’s development to help ensure that no one is left behind.

The Asia Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.

Deadline: No later than August 25, 2020 @ 5pm BST, earlier submission is encouraged