Swisscontact was established in 1959 as an independent foundation by notable figures from the worlds of commerce and science in Switzerland. It is exclusively involved in international development co-operation and has carried out its own and mandated projects since 1961. Based in Zurich, Swisscontact currently employs over 1,100 staff worldwide and manages projects in 41 countries on behalf of public and private donors.

Swisscontact is inviting applications from experienced development professionals to lead an anticipated project, which focuses on Locally Led Cooperation for Climate Migrants in Bangladesh.

The project is a pioneering pilot that seeks to strengthen the capacity of secondary towns—starting with Jashore Municipality—to plan for and respond to climate-related migration. By embedding inclusive planning tools, strengthening institutional coordination, and supporting service co-creation with local actors, the project aims to establish a scalable model of Climate Resilient Municipality (CRM) governance. The project addresses critical challenges at the intersection of climate change, displacement, and urbanisation, while promoting gender-responsive and socially inclusive systems. Drawing on evidence and learning from the field, the project will also contribute to national policy dialogues and lay the groundwork for long-term systemic change in how urban areas manage climate mobility in Bangladesh.

Purpose of the Job

The Team Leader (TL) is responsible for leading all aspects of the implementation of the project. This includes strategic guidance, overall management, and coordination with national and local stakeholders, as well as ensuring effective delivery, adaptive learning, and visibility of project results. TL will steer the piloting of the Climate Resilient Municipality (CRM) approach and the locally led cooperation (LLC) model within Jashore Municipality, guiding the team to deliver high-quality outputs aligned with the project's goals and donor expectations. S/he must ensure that the project remains relevant, inclusive, evidence-based, and aligned with Swisscontact’s mission and values. The TL will represent the project at strategic levels and ensure timely and compliant reporting to donors and government bodies.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Implementation and Stakeholder Management

• Develop and lead operational strategies to implement and adapt the CRM approach in Jashore Municipality.
• Guide the co-creation and operationalisation of municipal tools such as the Municipal Adaptation Plan (MAP), Local Climate Adaptation Coordination Unit (LCAC), and Multi-Stakeholder Working Groups (MSWGs).
• Facilitate coordination and capacity building of municipal institutions, civil society, and service providers to deliver inclusive and climate-responsive services.
• Work with public and private actors to co-design and test innovative service delivery models in areas such as WASH, health, education, and livelihoods.
• Provide leadership and strategic guidance in the generation and communication of project learnings, particularly in developing context-specific tools, templates, and evidence for scale-up.
• Engage with think tanks, policy institutions, national ministries, and media for advocacy on inclusive urban adaptation and institutionalisation of CRM practices.
• Engage and collaborate with national and regional elements on replication of CRM model and gaps in climate financing.
• Ensure the integration of gender equality, social inclusion, conflict sensitivity, and environmental sustainability across all components of the project.
• Establish adaptive management processes based on evidence and feedback from the MRM system.
• Review progress regularly using MRM data and facilitate strategic reflection and course correction.
• Promote collaboration and knowledge exchange with other Swisscontact projects and partners.

Staff Management and Capacity Building

• Maintain a coherent team structure with staff from diverse backgrounds and expertise for effective project delivery.
• Ensure that staff are gender sensitive and promote an inclusive work culture.
• Mentor and coach project staff on technical and management issues relevant to the project.
• Create a learning-oriented team environment and implement a structured staff development plan.
• Ensure that Swisscontact’s Code of Conduct is well understood and followed by all project staff and partners.

Financial Management and operations

• Establish operational and administrative systems in line with Swisscontact’s policies.
• Ensure timely preparation and approval of annual budgets and quarterly forecasts.
• Ensure efficient and transparent use of project resources within the approved budget.
• Maintain financial controls and ensure compliance with Swisscontact and donor regulations.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to donors and government bodies.
• Manage fiduciary risks and ensure proper due diligence processes are followed.

Communication, Knowledge Management and Reporting

• Lead communication with the donor (SDC) and other key stakeholders.
• Oversee the preparation of technical progress reports and learning products.
• Support the organisation of dissemination events, workshops, and learning exchanges.
• Represent the project in national and international forums relevant to climate migration and urban governance.
• Guide the development of communication materials that document project tools, findings, and impact.
• Support curation and communication of project lessons within and outside Swisscontact.

Skills and Experience

The individual must conform to the following qualifications and expertise:

• Master’s degree in Economics, Social Science, Development Studies, or a relevant field.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience, with 5 years in leadership roles.
• Proven experience in managing urban governance, migration, or resilience-focused development projects.
• Strategic leadership experience in international development programmes.
• Experience working with municipalities, government ministries, and donor agencies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; proficiency in Bangla is preferred.
• Excellent computer literacy in MS Office programmes (specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook);
• Works with trustworthiness and integrity and is committed to Swisscontact's core values; and
• Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to gender and diversity (including sensitivity towards differently abled individuals).

Technical Expertise

• Understanding of climate migration, urban resilience, and municipal planning systems.
• Understanding of the global and regional policy dialogues and debates on climate and migration, climate financing and relevant topics.
• Knowledge of local government and municipality system and relevant policies, departments and directives. learning methods.
• Experience applying gender-responsive, inclusive, and participatory planning approaches.
• Familiarity with DCED-aligned Monitoring and Results Measurement systems.
• Experience with donor reporting, knowledge management, and public policy engagement.

Project Management

• Proven experience of large-scale project budget preparation and management is mandatory.
• Experience in applying adaptive management tools and processes for systemic results.
• Excellent analytical, negotiating, problem solving and decision-making skills; and
• Good understanding of working principles and methods of SDC will be valuable.

People Management

• Strong partnership building skills and work experience with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in mentoring and coaching team of young professionals; and
• Experience in managing working relationships with public agencies, private sector stakeholders and donors.

Physical Demand

Field visits play a large part in the incumbent’s activities; as such, it is expected that the incumbent is willing and able to take part in such activities, as needed and sometimes under short notice.
                                                                                                          

Working Conditions and Environment

This will be applicable in accordance with the Swisscontact Staff Manual.

If you believe you are a strong fit for this position, please submit your updated CV and a motivation letter, including your expected gross monthly salary, to bd.recruitment@swisscontact.org by 19 August 2025. The exact subject line of the email must be

“Application for Team Leader at Swisscontact Bangladesh”.

Swisscontact is an equal opportunity employer.
We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

            
www.swisscontact.org/bangladesh