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.
The Promoting Green Growth in the Ready-Made Garments Sector through Skills (PROGRESS) is a four-year (2022–26) project funded by the Embassy of Sweden and the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh and implemented by Swisscontact.
PROGRESS aims to foster an inclusive, environmentally responsible, and competitive RMG sector in Bangladesh by increasing worker skills and productivity, and supporting factories to advance on environmental and social compliance (ESG). The project collaborates with RMG factories and local technical consultancy providers to implement in-house training systems, enhance productivity, and promote greener practices.
Swisscontact invites applications for the following position under the PROGRESS (Promoting Green Growth in the Ready-Made Garments Sector through Skills) project.
Position: Officer / Senior Officer, Programme, PROGRESS
Location: Dhaka, with frequent field visits around the project locations
Reports to: Coordinator, Programme, PROGRESS
Purpose of the Job
To support the effective implementation of both the Skills & Productivity and the Environmental & Social Compliance components of PROGRESS. The Officer/Senior Officer will work across components as assigned, ensuring interventions are aligned with project objectives, timelines, and quality standards.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Contribute to planning, execution, and monitoring of factory-based productivity improvement, worker skills development, and ESG compliance interventions.
- Support Local Capacity Development in ESG compliance by engaging and strengthening Local Technical Consultancy Providers.
- Support in facilitating collaboration with academic institutions to promote research, curriculum development, and training aligned with ESG standards in the RMG sector.
- Explore and pursue new intervention ideas and partnership opportunities across the RMG supply chain and relevant manufacturing sub-sectors.
- Support delivery and quality assurance of training programmes—from worker upskilling to ESG practices—ensuring inclusivity and gender sensitivity.
- Coordinate with consultancy service providers and implementation partners; manage logistics and technical needs across both components.
- Conduct regular field visits to factories and partner organisations; facilitate interventions, gather feedback, and troubleshoot on-site issues.
- Collect, analyse, and report data on productivity outcomes, compliance metrics, and worker performance to inform adaptive management.
- Contribute to technical reports, case studies, and communication materials showcasing cross-component impact and learnings.
- Act as a primary liaison between assigned factories, consultancy service providers, associations, and the PROGRESS team to ensure smooth implementation.
- Organise workshops, training sessions, and stakeholder engagements across both thematic areas.
- Provide inputs to strategy design, risk mitigation, and action plans based on field learnings and emerging trends.
- Support internal knowledge sharing and integration of cross-cutting issues such as gender, inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
- Collaborate closely with Knowledge Management, Communications, and Monitoring & Results Measurement (MRM) teams for evidence-based decision-making.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
The individual must conform to the following qualifications and expertise:
- Bachelor’s degree in development studies, Business Administration, Economics, Environmental Science, Industrial & Production Engineering or a related field (master’s degree will be treated an additional qualification).
- 1-3 years’ relevant experience in programme implementation, preferably in skills & productivity development, private sector engagement, RMG supply chain, or sustainability/ESG will be a value addition.
- Strong communication skills in Bangla and English; ability to engage with private sector partners and public institutions.
- Demonstrated analytical, coordination, and planning skills; proficiency in MS Office; familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools is an advantage.
- Excellent negotiation, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills; commitment to gender equality, inclusion, and safeguarding.
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 Bangladesh Business Administration Manual.
Application Instructions
If you believe you are a strong fit for this position, please submit your (1) updated CV and (2) a motivation letter, including your expected gross monthly salary, to bd.progress@swisscontact.org by 5 October 2025. The exact subject line of the email must be “Application for Officer/Senior Officer, Programme (PROGRESS)”.
No late submission will be accepted. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the final selection process.
Swisscontact reserves the right to accept or reject any of all application without assigning any reason whatsoever.
Swisscontact is an equal opportunity employer
We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
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