Job Profile: Programme Support Officer

Project: Green Dairy Partnership in Bangladesh – creating a sustainable and productive dairy value chain model in SW Bangladesh

Introduction

Solidaridad is a global network organization working on sustainable, resources-efficient and inclusive supply chain development. Solidaridad (www.solidaridadnetwork.org) is working for fostering sustainability and empowerment of smallholders and workers, by developing scalable and economically sustainable solutions in the agricultural and industrial landscape in close collaboration with governments, businesses and communities.

Solidaridad in partnership with Arla Foods Bangladesh, PRAN Dairy, Solidaridad, SEGES Innovation, Integrated Dairy Research Network and Danish Agricultural and Food Council is implementing the Green Dairy Partnership in Bangladesh towards creating a sustainable and productive dairy value chain model in Southwest Bangladesh. The partnership project targeted to implement a visionary and productive dairy operating model for greening the dairy value chain in Bangladesh. Through implementation of a climate-smart and resource-efficient on-farm dairy model, the partnership will develop proof-points towards a green transition of Bangladesh dairy industry. The green dairy partnership will demonstrate pathways for resilient dairy farming, reduction of emissions in the dairy value chain and contribute in policy guidance for sustainable dairy in Bangladesh.

The major outcomes of the project are: 1) Increased resilience of dairy farming households (Resilience will include increase in income for dairy farming households (30%), control of income by female farmers, and climate adaptation (30%)); 2) Sustainable and Viable private sector led green dairy value chain in Bangladesh (this will include a business case for green dairy farming, GHG emission reduction in the value chain, a model developed for private sector and government to scale the green dairy initiatives.

Overall Job Description:

The Programme Support Officer is mainly responsible for ensuring financial, administrative, procurement, and logistic support for the effective implementation of the project. This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to join Solidaridad Network Asia, Bangladesh which contributes from national to international context through market-oriented approach, innovation, evidence, and learning.

The Programme Support Officer will work under the supervision of Programme Manager-Green Dairy Business and in collaboration with the departments including Finance and Administration of Solidaridad and will undertake the tasks and duties to assist the project team.

The position will be based in Khulna with frequent field visits to the project implementing areas.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Regular update, periodical review and maintain books of accounts.
• Assist in the development of project budgets and financial plans and track the project expenditures to ensure they stay within budget.
• Review and process invoices, receipts, and expense claims towards maintaining accurate records of all project-related expenses.
• Review bill vouchers to ensure compliance before submitting for the payment.
• Make timely payments to vendors and consultants and salaries to the staff.
• Monitor banking activities of the project.
• Contribute to financial planning and forecasting for the project's financial needs.
• Prepare periodical internal and external financial reports (monthly, quarterly, half yearly, and year end procedures).
• Maintain spreadsheets showing spend against budget, monitor, analyze, and present periodical control reports to support decision-making.
• Assist in the statutory audit and audit of financial reports to donors and share a periodical report on audit observations and queries and action taken on them
• Coordinate procurement processes, including obtaining quotes, prepare comparative statements, purchase orders, and tracking deliveries.
• Arrange accommodations and travel logistics for project staff, consultants, and stakeholders, when required.
• Provide support to organize project meetings, workshops, and other events as required.
• Liaison with logistics suppliers such as venue booking, catering, rent a car, materials preparation, etc.
• Coordinating and maintaining the database of all the vendors & suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with financial and administrative policies and procedures in all aspects of the project.
• Visit the field at Khulna and Satkhira, when required.
• Provide administrative and financial training and support to project staff, if necessary.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisors and the management from time to time.

Education/Experience and Skills

• The candidate must have at least a Bachelor of Business Administration degree or any relevant subject. Candidate having a Master of Business Administration/ equivalent degree is preferable.
• At least 2-3 years’ working experience with the INGOs/NGOs/ relevant organizations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate both verbally and in writing, coupled with the professional credibility required to influence and motivate others.

Candidate’s Competencies & Attributes

• Have knowledge about accounting software like Tally.
• Well-oriented with MS Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent leadership skill and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a team and contribute to enhance team spirit.
• Ability to communicate and negotiate with government and private stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work in an intercultural environment.
• Effective and efficient communication skills.
• Proficient in English language.

Employment Type
Project-based fixed term

Salary & Other Benefits

Solidaridad offers an attractive compensation and benefits package in line with Solidaridad Asia’s pay scales and Service Rules. The benefits package includes a provident fund, one festival bonus, gratuities, and medical insurance as per the organizational policy.

Apply Instructions

To apply, please send a CV (3 pages max.) and a cover letter (1 page) explaining your desire, relevant skills, and experiences to recruitment.hrsna@gmail.com. The position applied for should be clearly mentioned in the subject line of the email. Only short-listed candidates will be called for an interview.

Closing date of the application is January 31, 2025.

Solidaridad strives to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to equality of opportunity and to non-discrimination for all job applicants and employees, and we seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce regardless of gender, race, religious beliefs, nationality, ethnic/national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, and disability.