Country office manager, Bangladesh

Poverty is an outrage against humanity. It robs people of dignity, freedom and hope, of power over their own lives. Christian Aid has a vision – an end to poverty – and we believe that vision can become a reality. We are striving to bring lasting change to the lives of the poorest communities. We work wherever there is great need, helping people to find their own solutions to the problems they face, irrespective of their religion, caste or creed. If you’re passionate about positive change across the world, then this job might be for you.

Christian Aid is seeking a motivated Country Office Manager for our Bangladesh country programme based in Dhaka. The role will be responsible for managing, maintaining, developing and implementing administrative and finance systems within a country to enable the team to function smoothly and effectively. You will be responsible for accurate maintenance of financial data, including quarterly reporting and fulfillment of all Christian Aid financial requirements andfor compliance with country-specific legal laws, Christian Aid and donor requirements, procedures and processes, especially in the area of finance, proactively taking responsibility for making things work, for example managing the relationship and performance of external stakeholders. You will contribute to the development of Christian Aid policy and strategy in the country and to making decisions regarding the day to day running of HR, administrative and financial functions within the country office. You will provide basic employment, health and safety, finance and IT advice relating to relevant legislation and Christian Aid policies and procedures.

We are looking for candidate with a degree in a business administration, commerce or a management discipline, with at least three years of administration or management experience at a senior position in reputed organizations. The person should have working knowledge and experience withGO and NGOs.Other essentials are demonstrated experiences in establishing and maintaining effective office systems and procedures, including budget preparation; proven skills to act rapidly and flexibly to the urgent needs and to seize the opportunity; to work independently and prioritize competing demands; ability to research and introduce and monitor new systems and procedures; and excellent IT skills and language skills in English.

Please show your suitability for this post by giving answers to the following questions: Using the guidance notes may help you formulate your answers.

Innovation and creativity

What is the most creative solution or option you have developed in response to a problem?

What was the situation?
What solution or option did you develop?
How did you apply it to the problem?
Was it successful?
How?

Effectiveness and accountability

Describe a time when you examined ways to improve the services or products in your area, while taking into consideration the longer-term and broader corporate perspective. Describe an example of a time when you did this.

What improvements did you identify?
What actions did you take?
What were the results of your actions?

Or

Tell us about a situation where the workload was too much for you to carry alone.

What was the situation?
What did you do to meet the demands of the workload?
How did you ensure that quality and amount of delegation was appropriate for the individual(s) chosen?
What were the results?

Communication and interaction

We’ve all had occasions when we misinterpreted something that a colleague has told us, like a due date, complicated instructions etc. Can you give me examples of when this has happened to you?

Or

Describe a time when your ability to communicate effectively in a highly sensitive situation helped to produce a successful outcome.

Operational leadership and management

In the past, how have you monitored the activities of your team to ensure they were consistent with the broader vision of the unit/organization?

Describe the situation, including your role
What monitoring mechanisms did you use?
How did you apply them?
What did you do to get the team back on track or to keep them on track?

Or

Team work

Describe a time when you had to work with a colleague who had a different perspective from yours on an issue which you both had to work through. How did you handle this and what was the outcome?

We value the contribution each person makes to the success of our organization. That’s why you can expect a wide range of rewards including generous holidays, PF, medical reimbursement, health insurance and gratuity as per law, and flexibility that helps you enjoy a good work/life balance.

Download the role profile (28 KB pdf)

To apply for this post, please download an application pack and email your completed International application form to: dhakarecruitment@christian-aid.org (quoting the reference number). Alternatively, your completed application form can be printed out and posted to us at:

Christian Aid
Bangladesh Country Office
10/17 Iqbal Road (4th floor)
Mohammadpur
Dhaka 1207

Please note that CVs will not be accepted and that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

If you have not been contacted by 15 September 2011, please assume your application was unsuccessful.

Job reference: CABD/2011/0801

Closing date: Wednesday 7 September 2011

Interview date: Week commencing 12 September 2011

Christian Aid values diversity and aspires to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.We encourage applications from socially excluded communities, religious minorities, people living with disabilities and especially encourage women candidates to apply.