Job Title: Senior/Program Coordinator

Position Summary: BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), based at BRAC University, seeks a Program Coordinator (PC) for the “BRAC: Deepening evidence to action on childcare and capital levers” funded by the Bill and Melinda Foundation Project. The PC, under the supervision of the Research Director, will be the key point of contact for funded teams and will manage BIGD’s subaward apparatus. Additionally, he/she will support event planning, content creation, logistics, and contract management, and supporting day-to-day activities of the initiative. A successful candidate will have a very strong background in project management, excellent communication skills, and exceptional attention to detail. Candidates must have authorization to work in Bangladesh and the ability to work in-person out of BIGD’s Dhaka office.

BRAC: Deepening evidence to action on childcare and capital levers: This grant, in collaboration with BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) and BRAC in Bangladesh, focuses on four key activities. Firstly, it involves evaluating approaches to expand childcare services, aiming to understand their impact on women's work and child development outcomes. Secondly, the grant assesses the long-term effects of ultra-poor graduation programs on women's economic and health outcomes, including intergenerational impacts. Thirdly, it documents the trajectories of women along the capital spectrum, examining enablers and barriers of their journey, utilizing BRAC's existing data and stakeholder interviews. Lastly, the grant explores BRAC's ecosystem approach in Bangladesh and its potential application and transferability to expansion efforts in Africa.

BIGD manages the operation and funding of all research projects under this grant, which may be implemented through any qualified field partner, including but not limited to BIGD’s own internal research project teams.

About BIGD: By influencing policy and practice through rigorous research and quality academic programs, BIGD aims to promote innovation in governance and development processes toward a more just and prosperous society. Partnering with academics around the world, BIGD conducts multi-methods research on governance and development issues in close collaboration with several crucial departments of the Government of Bangladesh, large non-profits such as BRAC, and international organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. BIGD oversees BRAC International’s Independent Research and Evaluation Cell (IERC), which works in ten countries across Asia and Africa. BIGD also hosts the Country Office of the International Growth Centre (IGC), London School of Economics (LSE); and the ED of BIGD heads the IGC Country Office.

Responsibilities:

Project Management (60%)

  1. Manage BIGD’s subaward apparatus
  2. Proactively communicate with subaward teams regarding deadlines, deliverables, budgets etc.
  3. Track subaward timelines and deliverables
  4. Support in the review of deliverables received from sub awardees
  5. Prepare budgets and facilitate collaborative efforts between partner organizations to ensure smooth coordination and successful project execution.

Communications (15%)

  1. Provide support in organizing and managing events, including conferences, seminars, and webinars
  2. Support with external communications, including representing the project through events, presentations, networking opportunities, etc.

Research (15%)

  1. Work with lead researchers in research project activities
  2. Writing and contributing to publications or disseminating research findings

Potential Additional Responsibilities (subject to meeting eligibility) (10%)

  1. Assist in content creation, including editing blogs and original thought pieces.
  2. Scanning for recent research related to the project’s objectives, identifying rigorous journals for publication, etc.
  3. Carry out additional responsibilities as assigned by the Research Director

Qualifications:

Required:

  1. Master’s degree in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Management, or a related discipline
  2. At least 8 years of project and process management/research experience
  3. At least 6 years of experience in a manager-level position
  4. Excellent communication skills, including clear and convincing English writing and speaking skills
  5. Exceptional attention to detail
  6. Ability to multitask, manage processes, and successfully complete projects on tight deadlines independently and with minimal supervision
  7. Willingness to work hard, be self-motivated, learn, and adapt quickly
  8. Willingness to work with individuals located in different time zones

Preferred:

  1. Experience in research grant-managing facilities
  2. Ability to understand academic research and synthesize research findings
  3. Skills in organizing high-profile events with international stakeholders
  4. Ability to understand and communicate how rigorous research can influence policy decisions
  5. Excellent communications skills in Bangla and English

Reporting and Base: The position will report to the Research Director, BIGD and will be based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Eligibility: BIGD will recruit one individual with the right to work in Bangladesh. BIGD recognises the value that diversity brings to the organisation in terms of experience, skills, talent, and cultural perspectives. The organisation is committed to building an environment and culture where all staff feel valued, are treated fairly, and are respected. BIGD is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all current and prospective staff members and will not discriminate on grounds of sex (female, male or other) race, age, gender, sexual orientation, citizenship, medical condition (with certain exceptions based on job role), class, caste, ethnicity, disability, location, pregnancy, maternity or paternity, or religion. BIGD’s commitment to equal opportunity covers all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, selection, compensation, promotion, professional development, termination, and participation in BIGD-sponsored employee activities.

Application Instructions: Please send your resume (not more than three pages) along with a cover letter, clearly explaining your interest in and qualifications for this position. Your resume must include the names of at least two references who can speak about your credentials in project management. Apply online at this link: https://forms.gle/zcy8gTBNH25R7wVb6“ Application for the position: Program Coordinator/Senior Program Coordinator” in the subject line. Applications that do not comply with the instructions will not be considered.

Last Date of Application: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until December 31, 2023.

The selected candidate will be offered a competitive compensation package.