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Concern Universal Bangladesh Country Director


Concern Universal (CU) seeks a dynamic, high calibre, motivated and high achieving individual to fill this key role in the organisation.
Building on almost twenty years of experience in Bangladesh, Concern Universal is working to build resilience to the country’s many natural hazards, to improve food security and health, to increase the respect for human rights and to build local organisational capacity. We are currently working throughout Bangladesh; in the coastal cyclone belt, in flood-prone areas in the north, in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and in Dhaka city. Our organisational development unit is also working regionally and has strengthened the disaster preparedness capacity of local NGOs in Nepal, India, Bhutan and China. In 2011-12 we spent approximately £2 million implementing community-based interventions.
The Country Director (CD) will be responsible for a motivated and experienced staff team of around 25.
CU operates a decentralised structure and the CD will be expected to take a lead role in managing and developing the Bangladesh programme with line management support from CU’s International Director based in the UK.
Our relationships with partners, in-country donors and governments in Bangladesh are paramount to our work and the CD plays a pivotal role in nurturing and growing these important relationships. Our key current donor partners in Bangladesh are the European Commission, ECHO, DIPECHO, Cordaid, UNDP and DfID.
The CD will be based in Dhaka. Substantial local and occasional international travel will be required.
A suitable candidate will have:  Excellent understanding of international development issues (ideally including disaster risk reduction)  Proven leadership, representation and communication skills  All round programme development and management skills  Proven experience of multiple donor grant management and reporting to major donors  At least a postgraduate degree level qualification in a relevant discipline
Background: CU is an international development and relief organisation established in the UK in 1976. Our vision is a world where justice, dignity and respect prevail for all. Our mission is to work in partnership to challenge poverty and inequality. We support practical actions that enable people to improve their lives. We value human dignity, community focus, integrity and partnership. Our strategic objectives for 2009-14 are (i) enabling community-led development (improving food security and sustainable livelihoods, health, respect for rights, and skills and reducing vulnerability) and; (ii) inspiring and influencing others.
How to apply:
Application Process: All applicants must complete an application form. For an application form and other information about CU and its programme in Bangladesh, please visit our website www.concernuniversal.orgPlease submit completed application forms to Olivia Sawyer at the following address: olivia.sawyer@concern-universal.org Closing date: Sunday 17th February 2013
Initial telephone interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place 20 February 2013 followed by a panel interview and written exercise for the final shortlisted candidates on 1 March 2013.