Terms of Reference

Please note that the position of Administrative & Human Resources Manager outlined below is for an anticipated donor funded multi-year project. The issuance and duration of the contract is contingent upon the formal agreement with the donor. 

The British Council is the UK's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We create friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and other countries. We do this by making a positive contribution to the UK and the countries we work with – changing lives by creating opportunities, building connections, and engendering trust. We work with over 100 countries across the world in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education, and civil society. Each year we reach over 20 million people face-to-face and more than 500 million people online, via broadcasts and publications. Founded in 1934, we are a UK charity governed by the Royal Charter and a UK public body.

The British Council has been working in Bangladesh since 1952 and has operational centres in three cities (Dhaka, Sylhet, and Chittagong) with 150 staff. We engage with over 2.5 million people a year. We have three key areas of work - Education and Society, English, and the Arts. Through these areas, we engage with leaders and policymakers in Bangladesh, influencers and opinion formers such as teachers and business leaders, and young people in education or just starting their careers.

About the Project

The anticipated multi-year project aims to support the Government of Bangladesh in addressing challenges related to promoting and ensuring e-governance. Building on the Government's proactive stance towards digital transformation, as evidenced by initiatives such as "Digital Bangladesh 2021" and "Smart Bangladesh 2041," the project seeks to further enhance and amplify these efforts. Despite the progress made, significant impediments remain to fully realising the potential of e-governance and digital public services. These challenges include gaps in connectivity, high prices of computer equipment and internet services, low levels of digital literacy, and fragmented inter-institutional structures. As the government continues its commitment to digitalisation, there is an opportunity to overcome these hurdles and unlock the full benefits of digitalisation, such as enhanced public service delivery, increased transparency, and reduced corruption. Additionally, while Bangladesh's performance in governance indicators may currently trail behind, the government's dedication to inclusive growth and sustainable development provides a strong foundation for collaborative efforts with international partners. Through strategic partnerships and strengthened policy and operational cooperation, the project aims to accelerate digital transformation for the benefit of all citizens, building on the positive momentum generated by the Government's initiatives.

The overall objective of the anticipated project is to improve the transparency, responsiveness, integrity and accountability in public service delivery through enhanced use of e-government tools

and processes based on a human-centric approach, further supported by the following three specific outcomes:

• Outcome 1, improve digital interaction, coordination and communication between government ministries, agencies and departments.
• Outcome 2, strengthen the capacities of public sector employees for improved organisational performance and public service delivery.
• Outcome 3, improve the quality of public services and their delivery for all.

Purpose of the job:

This is a key position within the project team. The Administrative & Human Resources Manager is tasked with overseeing the project's overall administration, human resources, and day-to-day operations. Reporting directly to the Senior Programme Manager, this role entails close collaboration with the Head of Finance, Finance and Grants Officer, Admin Assistant, and other staff to ensure the timely provision of necessary administrative support while upholding quality standards in accordance with British Council policies and guidelines.

Number of vacancies: 01

Position Overview: British Council is seeking to engage a highly qualified and experienced Admin & HR Manager to fill a long-term consultancy position. The consultant will be engaged on a daily rate basis for a maximum of 220 days per year, with the contract duration not exceeding three years.  However, the contract duration may be extended based on project extension.

Accountabilities, Responsibilities, and Main Duties

The scope includes but not limited to the followings:

• Collaborate closely with the Senior Programme Manager to develop and implement project policies, procedures, and strategies.
• Coordinate with other project team members to ensure seamless integration and alignment of administrative and HR activities with project goals.
• Support the Senior Programme Manager in resolving operational issues and challenges, offering innovative solutions and recommendations.
• Assist in the preparation and facilitation of project meetings, workshops, and other internal and external events, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among team members and service providers.
• Oversee the recruitment and onboarding process, including job postings, candidate screening, and orientation programs.
• Manage employee relations, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and performance management.
• Manage office facilities and equipment, including procurement, maintenance, and inventory management.
• Ensure the project office is adequately equipped with necessary resources, including equipment, furniture, supplies, and other essential materials, to support smooth operations.
• Coordinate logistics for meetings, workshops, and events, including venue booking, catering, and participant coordination.
• Develop and maintain relationships with external vendors, suppliers, and service providers to ensure quality and cost-effective services.
• Monitor and manage budget allocations for administrative and HR-related expenses.
• Prepare regular reports and updates on administrative and HR activities for project management and stakeholders.

Skills and experiences:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources management, business, public administration, or a relevant discipline.
• At least five years of experience working in a challenging administrative and facilities environment within a large organization.
• Experience managing HR and recruitment tasks, including recruitment processes and employee relations.
• Experience in overseeing procurement tasks, including knowledge of RFP and tender procedures, quotation, and comparative price analysis.
• Familiarity with financial management procedures, including budgeting and expense tracking.
• Experience in team management, including fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize immediate and competing demands while maintaining excellent customer service standards.
• Experience maintaining office equipment, furniture and keeping an up-to-date asset register.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, including SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive.
• Fluency in written and spoken Bangla and English.
• Knowledge of British Council HR, procurement, travel, and financial policies is advantageous.

How to apply.  

To apply, please submit the following documents via email at recruitment.nfe@britishcouncil.org

• A cover letter outlining the relevance of your skills and experience to the advertised position.
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV).

Please ensure to mark the subject line as “Application for Admin & HR Manager”. Note: No hard copy applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.