Introduction

Solidaridad is a global network organization promoting sustainable, resource-efficient, and inclusive supply chains. Through scalable and economically viable solutions, Solidaridad empowers smallholders and workers across agricultural and industrial landscapes, working closely with governments, businesses, and communities. In Bangladesh, the organization also supports strengthening civic space to enhance productivity and inclusivity in commodity and value chains.

Since 2022, Solidaridad has been implementing the ‘SAFAL for Integrated Water Resources Management (SAFAL for IWRM)’ project, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh. The project promotes a community-based water management model to enhance sustainable use, protection, and restoration of micro-watersheds, fostering resilient agriculture through Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in Southwest Bangladesh. It aims to improve and diversify coastal agriculture and dairy farming through innovative ecosystem-based water and land-use planning, increasing climate resilience and economic returns for local communities.

Under this project, Solidaridad supports two large farmers’ cooperatives in Khulna and Jashore districts, which operate various agri-businesses, trade activities, and member-managed savings and credit programs. The project is now seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Programme Officer – Cooperative Business Support to perform the responsibilities outlined in this JD.

Overall Job Description

The Programme Officer will support the cooperative in managing micro-credit and financial services, strengthening member capacity, and overseeing business and trading operations. The role includes facilitating tender participation, ensuring quality supply of materials, identifying new business opportunities, and building the cooperative’s capacity in record-keeping, financial management, and business planning. The Officer will also support cooperative governance, promote inclusive member engagement, organize training and exposure visits, monitor programme delivery, coordinate with partners and project teams, and prepare operational reports to ensure effective and sustainable cooperative performance.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Micro-Credit & Financial Services Responsibilities
   • Support the development and management of cooperative-led micro-credit schemes, revolving funds, and internal loan products for members.
   • Train cooperative staff and Executive Committee (EC) members on all aspects of lending, including loan appraisal, approval, disbursement, repayment tracking, and managing overdue loans.
   • Monitor the performance of loans and maintain an accurate Management Information System (MIS) for credit operations, ensuring transparency and reliability of data.
   • Assist in the collection of member savings, subscription fees, and loan repayments, following proper financial record-keeping procedures.
   • Ensure that all financial activities comply with cooperative policies and responsible lending standards.
   • Facilitate partnerships with microfinance institutions, banks, and insurance providers to expand access to financial services for cooperative members.
   • Provide technical support to strengthen fund management, budgeting, and financial planning at the cooperative level.
2. Cooperative Business Operations, Market Linkages, Trading & Business Expansion
   • Support the Executive Committee (EC) of the cooperative in participating in bidding and tender processes to secure supply orders from development organizations and other buyers.
   • Ensure timely and smooth supply of materials to clients, maintaining the required quality standards and compliance with agreed specifications.
   • Identify potential business opportunities and new trade options suitable for the cooperative, including market assessment, feasibility, and risk analysis.
   • Build the capacity of the cooperative and its members in managing business operations, including record-keeping, order management, financial tracking, and compliance with organizational procedures.
   • Oversee daily trading operations, including procurement, inventory management, logistics, delivery, and payments, troubleshooting challenges to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
   • Conduct market surveys and analysis to recommend strategies for business expansion, diversification, and improved market positioning.
   • Facilitate linkages with buyers, suppliers, and other market actors to strengthen business channels, enhance cooperative revenue, and ensure reliable supply networks.
   • Mobilize cooperative members and farmers to actively participate in trading activities, market-oriented initiatives, and business development efforts.
   • Prepare regular operational and performance reports on business activities, supply fulfillment, and market linkages for management review.
3. Cooperative Governance, Member Engagement & Capacity Building
   • Support and guide cooperative Executive Committee (EC) members and general members to increase engagement in business and trade operations.
   • Build capacity of cooperative members in business management, financial literacy, savings, subscription collection, loan disbursement, and record keeping.
   • Promote inclusive participation, especially of women and youth, in cooperative leadership and business activities.
   • Organize and facilitate training sessions, workshops, and exposure visits to enhance member competencies, and provide support in organizing EC meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
4. Programme Delivery, Monitoring & Partner Support
   • Guide partner organizations to implement programme activities and achieve milestones on time.
   • Ensure quality programme delivery through regular monitoring, field visits, and technical backstopping.
   • Support reporting, documentation, and compliance in line with project standards.
5. Coordination & Team Collaboration
   • Work closely with the project team to ensure alignment and smooth implementation of cooperative business components.
   • Contribute to cross-functional activities with relevant departments (finance, M&E, agribusiness, etc.).
   • Represent the organization in community meetings, training sessions, and local stakeholder engagements.
6. Other Duties
   • Prepare and submit daily/weekly/monthly reports as required.
   • Support product promotional campaigns targeting farmers, input suppliers, and consumers.
   • Perform any other tasks assigned by management according to organizational needs.

Education/Experience and Skills:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Business Administration, Agriculture, Economics, Development Studies, or related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in cooperative development, agri-business operations, or value chain/market systems, including experience with dairy or agricultural commodities.
• Hands-on experience in micro-credit or financial inclusion, including loan appraisal, repayment tracking, MIS-based financial management, and member savings systems.
• Practical experience in business operations, procurement, inventory/logistics management, tender processes, and developing market linkages with buyers and suppliers.
• Ability to conduct basic market assessments, business feasibility analysis, and support business planning and record keeping for cooperatives.
• Experience working with farmers’ organizations, cooperatives, producer groups, NGOs, or private-sector partners, including training facilitation and member capacity building.
• Strong communication, reporting, and stakeholder engagement skills in Bangla and English.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with strong problem-solving, planning, and team coordination skills; commitment to inclusive participation of women and youth.

Candidate’s Competencies & Attributes:

• Must ensure effective team alignment and coordination between operational and support functions to ensure overall performance;
• Ability to work in a team;
• Proven understanding of financial and operational aspects of agri-businesses.
• Proven ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
• Effective and efficient communication skills.

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, your relevant skills and experiences at 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 30 December 2025

Solidaridad strives to be an equal opportunity 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.