Position Title: Senior Director - Program Support

Project Name: Program Support
Number of Position: 01
Location: CARE Bangladesh Dhaka Office
Duration: 2 years

I.             Job Summary:  

Who we are?
As a global leader, CARE is shaping the future of the humanitarian and development sector. Each year, we deliver support and services to millions of people in over a hundred countries. We do this by focusing on our mission and living the values that drive our organization. A career at CARE is an opportunity to be part of a movement that brings communities together to solve complex problems and foster lasting change throughout the world. We seek individuals who are passionate about humanitarian and development work, collaborate well with others, embrace learning and innovation, and deliver results.

What it’s like to work at CARE?
CARE is a mission-driven international humanitarian aid and development organization that offers an opportunity to work with people across the world. Not a day will go by that you won’t learn something profound, meet an expert, or write a sentence that can change a life. We are committed to an environment where everyone can succeed.

Scope of the Role:
Reporting directly to the Country Director, the Senior Director – Program Support provides strategic leadership and oversight for the operational and business support functions of the Country Office (CO). These functions include Administration, ICT, Procurement, Transport Services, Government Relations and organizational Safeguarding. The role is critical in developing and refining agile, cost-effective systems, policies, and procedures that enable high-quality programming and operational excellence.

This position demands a proactive, seasoned leader with strong operational management experience, exceptional decision-making skills, and a commitment to delivering efficient, high-quality services to internal and external stakeholders.


II. Responsibilities and Tasks:  

% of Time

Responsibility # 1: Strategic Leadership of Operations and Support Services

30%

  • Provide strategic direction and management across all support functions: Procurement, Administration, ICT, Transport, and Government Relations.
  • Design and implement efficient support systems to ensure timely, high-quality service delivery to program teams.
  • Lead annual planning for Business units and align priorities with CO strategic goals.
  • Foster strong coordination between program and support functions.
  • Drive operational efficiency through continuous business process improvement.
  • Provide training, coaching, and capacity-building support to field offices.
  • Lead the performance and talent management of the business function team.

 

Responsibility 2: Policy, Systems Development, Compliance and Risk Management:

30%

  • Develop and revise operational policies and procedures in alignment with global and donor requirements.
  • Ensure full compliance with internal controls, donor regulations, and legal frameworks.
  • Lead audit preparedness and implement recommendations in collaboration with regional and global teams.
  • Coordinate with the legal advisor and CARE USA Legal on compliance matters.
  • Partner with the Country Director and DCD-Programs to ensure that policies support effective program delivery.
  • Continuously assess operational risks and lead the implementation of risk mitigation strategies.
  • Maintain and update the Country Office risk register.
  • Provide risk-related analysis and recommendations to the Country Director and Regional Business Director.

 

Responsibility # 3:  Oversight of Safeguarding functions for CARE Bangladesh.

15%

  • Oversee Safeguarding Function of CARE Bangladesh through review and addressing of cases received via appropriate inquiry processes.
  • Liaise with relevant program staff on Safer programming issues.
  • Ensure that culturally appropriate, safe and accessible, community-based reporting mechanisms are developed, implemented, and monitored and reviewed for effectiveness;
  • Ensure partners are assessed for compliance with CARE’s Safeguarding Policy and build capacity where gaps have been identified;
  •  Ensure safeguarding complaints handling, and investigation procedures are enacted, along with appropriate employee disciplinary procedures as necessary;
  • Ensure good quality and appropriate survivor support services (Referral Services) are mapped in each project  location;
  • Supervise relevant staff in Safeguarding Unit and Safeguarding Focal Points.
  • Liaise with People and Culture Department on relevant disciplinary actions to be implemented following substantiated cases.
  • Provide operational support to People and Culture Department as required.
  •  

 

Responsibility # 4: Performance Monitoring and Troubleshooting

10%

  • Monitor key performance indicators and ensure achievement of CO performance dashboard targets.
  • Support troubleshooting of system-related issues (e.g., PeopleSoft), particularly in procurement.
  • Oversee the budgeting and financial management of all operations units.
  • Collaborate with program teams and internal audit to ensure robust compliance and risk mitigation.

 

Responsibility # 5: Legal, Government Relations, and Structural Oversight

10%

  • Lead effective engagement with government agencies and ensure statutory compliance.
  • Ensure a client-centered approach to logistics and transport services.
  • Oversee cost recovery mechanisms and assess cost-effectiveness of services.
  • Provide leadership on legal, tax, insurance, and contractual matters in coordination with legal advisors.
  • Ensure staff safety and security mechanisms are in place and effectively managed.

 

General Responsibilities on Safety and Security, and Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults

5%

As part of this role, the job holder must adhere to and support CARE Bangladesh’s Safety and Security policy and systems as part of their day-to-day duties and comply with safety & security protocols and directives, including reporting. Staff must maintain situational and self–awareness and be aware of the safety – security-related consequences of their actions upon themselves, their team, and the organization.

CARE is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behavior at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity, and financial misconduct, and expects staff to promote the welfare of children, young people, and adults always.  CARE expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our Code of Conduct.  We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate this commitment are recruited to work with us.

All CARE staff must uphold ethical standards, following codes of conduct to prevent abuse, including sexual harassment, exploitation, and neglect. Regular monitoring ensures accountability to uphold these principles and support our mission of social justice and poverty alleviation.


III. Reporting to:  

Country Director


IV.          Working Conditions:  

Based at CARE Bangladesh Dhaka Office


V.         Qualification:
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in program support and operations with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles within an international NGO.
  • Master’s degree in Business Administration or equivalent degree in related subjects.
  • Proven experience in compliance, accountability systems, and internal controls.
  • In-depth understanding of Bangladeshi governmental procedures and legal frameworks.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage risk, lead teams, and drive operational efficiency.
  • Strong commitment to cultural sensitivity.
  • Track record of developing effective operational systems and policies.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and enterprise systems (e.g., PeopleSoft).

Candidates need to be highly motivated and committed to CARE Bangladesh’s vision, mission, and long-term development work to significantly improve the lives of the most vulnerable and marginalized people. Candidates must be capable of displaying great learning agility, support and encourage knowledge sharing across projects, for the ultimate benefit of all of CARE’s mission wide initiatives.

Compensation
Attractive remuneration package will be offered to the really deserving candidate. CARE offers Provident Fund, Gratuity, Festival Bonus, Leave Encashment, Life and Health Insurance, Day Care Facilities and Working Mother Benefits and an Excellent Working Environment.

Interested candidates meeting the above requirements should apply through CARE Bangladesh’s e-recruitment site: https://career.carebangladesh.org/ on or before April 20, 2025.

Note:

  • CARE is an Equal Opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.
  • Any personal persuasion/phone-call will result in disqualification of candidature. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria.
  • CARE Bangladesh has a non-negotiable policy of ZERO TOLERANCE towards discrimination, harassment and abuse. All employees are expected to abide by the CARE International Safeguarding Policy.
  • Internal and external applicants shall be treated equally in the entire selection process.
  • To ensure transparent processes during recruitment, internal candidates should discuss potential applications with their Line Managers to ensure endorsement of their applications by respective Line Managers.
  • CARE Bangladesh participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we hereby request information from candidate’s previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the candidate left employment. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.
  • THERE IS NO COST INVOLVED WITH APPLYING FOR POSITIONS WITH CARE BANGLADESH. ANY SOLICITATION OF JOB APPLICATION COSTS SHOULD BE REGARDED AS FRAUDULENT.