Country manager, Bangladesh

More than half the world lives in poverty. 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.

Already working in international development with another charity or NGO – possibly as a manager or within a team in a similar area – you’ll see this as an excellent opportunity to take a step up. But whatever your background, you’ll be keenly aware of the issues affecting the country and the region and will have proven that you’re a strong team leader. As you’ll be working with a diverse range of people, both within Christian Aid and from outside organisations, you’ll need to be a confident negotiator and articulate communicator. English language is essential for this post and fluency in local language is desirable.

You will need to be able to provide strategic leadership to Christian Aid’s work in, and on, the country, ensuring the country programme and staff contribute to, and are supported by, Christian Aid corporate strategies. You will need to be able to manage, develop and empower staff working for Christian Aid in the country to take responsibility within a devolved and decentralised region or continent, working within the corporate framework, agreed annual plans, budgets and defined delegations of authority. You will lead and manage change, lead advocacy efforts, build strong networks and relationships and resolve conflict. You will have sectoral experience in at least one or more of the following: social development, women’s development, community development, livelihoods, rights-based approaches, emergency response, Disaster Risk Reduction and climate change. You will need experience of gender mainstreaming/social exclusion and of policy development and strategic planning.

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

Describe a time when you anticipated and took steps to address resistance to organisational change. Explain the reactions you anticipated, the steps you took to address resistance and the outcome.

Effectiveness and accountability

Describe a time when you examined ways to improve the delivery of programmes or organisational performance in order to improve impact and / or provide greater value for money. Explain how you identified what improvements to make, the actions you took and the results.

Team work

Describe a time when you partnered your team with a team in another organisation, department or area in order to achieve an organisational or project related goal. Describe the challenges involved and issues faced and how you dealt with them to ensure success.

Operational leadership and management

Describe a time when you were faced with making a difficult decision that carried significant risk for you or your organisation. What was the situation? Explain how you assessed and managed the risks involved.

We value the contribution each person makes to the success of our organisation. So you can expect a wide range of rewards and benefits that will ensure you enjoy a good work/life balance.

Download the role profile (30 KB pdf)

To apply for this post, please download an application pack and email your completed International application form to: drecruitment@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 for an interview. If you have not been contacted by 14 January 2012, please assume that your application was unsuccessful.

Preference will be given to applicants who have current and valid permission to work in Bangladesh.

Job reference: BD/2011/1201

Closing date: 5pm (Bangladesh time) Thursday 21 December 2011

Interview date: Between 16 and 22 January 2012

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 caste, race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief. We actively encourage applications from socially excluded communities, religious minorities, people living with disabilities and especially encourage women candidates to apply.