iDE is a leading international nonprofit organization dedicated to combating poverty through market-driven solutions that empower rural households. With 40 years of experience and operations in 11 countries across Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central America, iDE's mission is to catalyze the power of entrepreneurship to enable millions of people to lift themselves out of poverty.
Established in Bangladesh in 1983, iDE is the longest-standing NGO specializing in market systems in the country. Our diverse portfolio includes programs in agricultural markets, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), renewable energy, and climate-smart technologies.
The Director of Programs (DoP) plays a pivotal leadership role within iDE Bangladesh, overseeing the strategic direction of the country program. The DoP will lead the implementation of iDE Global's new 10-year Impact Strategy. This role involves managing a diverse, multi-million-dollar portfolio and collaborating closely with the Finance and Operations unit, supported by the senior management team and iDE Global's technical and management teams.
The DoP will supervise and manage a multicultural project leadership team, providing high-quality coaching and mentoring to enhance their performance and leadership skills. This position is central to the organizational growth strategy and will be a key member of the business development team, leading the technical component. As a senior management team member, the DoP is expected to provide overall organizational and governance support and leadership, aligned with the vision and mission of iDE.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Planning:
- Collaborate with the Country Director and Senior Management Team (SMT) to develop and deploy country strategies aligned with iDE’s global priorities, including the ambitious goals of the 10-year Impact Strategy.
- Lead the design and development of annual program strategies, ensuring equitable participation from internal and external stakeholders.
- Drive the implementation of the 10-year Impact Strategy, focusing on empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering community prosperity.
- Oversee the Program Quality Assurance function to ensure all programs meet internal and external quality standards.
- Coordinate with iDE Global units to secure technical and management support as required.
- Develop strategic partnerships to augment the impact, reach, and scale of iDE’s programs.
- Continuously evaluate program strategies, making necessary adjustments to meet evolving goals and conditions.
Program Implementation:
- Supervise the programs team, including Associate Directors and Project Managers, to ensure effective project implementation.
- Collaborate with the SMT to design and implement a fiscally sound country program budget.
- Mentor and coach technical teams to strengthen their management and leadership skills.
- Analyze program trends, identify issues, and develop solutions in consultation with the Country Director and SMT.
- Oversee the recruitment strategy to expand staff, including interns, volunteers, and national and international personnel.
- Ensure iDE’s market-driven approach and gender equality principles are operationalized across all programs.
- Provide technical support to projects through training, cross-learning exchanges, and information sharing.
- Collaborate with finance and administrative staff to ensure compliance with donor and iDE policies.
- Support Program Managers in budget management through regular reviews and follow-up actions..
Program Innovation and Development:
- Identify and develop innovative program models that can be scaled nationwide, leveraging market-based solutions.
- Lead research and development efforts to explore new sectors, technologies, and approaches to enhance iDE’s impact.
- Oversee the integration of new technologies and methodologies into program design and implementation.
Business Development and Organizational Growth:
- Collaborate with the Country Director and iDE Global team to design and implement organizational growth strategies.
- Lead business development teams to meet strategic and tactical targets.
- Represent iDE in national, regional, and global forums to highlight iDE’s achievements.
- Support the development of technical products to showcase iDE’s innovations and achievements.
- Ensure visibility of iDE Bangladesh programs and influence the operational context through participation in relevant forums.
- Lead efforts to secure funding by identifying new opportunities and developing strong proposals.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with key donors to ensure their needs and expectations are met.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL):
- Ensure robust MERL systems are in place to enable data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Promote a culture of learning within program teams, encouraging the sharing of insights and lessons learned.
- Oversee the dissemination of program results and learnings to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Financial Management and Accountability:
- Oversee the financial management of all programs, ensuring compliance with budget and financial requirements.
- Work closely with the finance team to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
- Implement strong financial controls to prevent fraud and ensure efficient resource use.
Risk Management:
- Identify and mitigate potential risks to successful program implementation.
- Develop and implement contingency plans to address emerging risks.
- Lead efforts to ensure the safety and security of program staff and assets, particularly in high-risk areas.
Capacity Building and Staff Development:
- Invest in the professional development of program staff through ongoing training and mentorship.
- Promote a culture of excellence, encouraging ownership and continuous improvement.
- Ensure staff are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their roles.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development:
- Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and civil society organizations.
- Represent iDE Bangladesh in high-level meetings and forums, advocating for the organization’s mission and achievements.
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships to enhance the impact and sustainability of iDE’s programs.
Governance and Relations:
- Ensure strong cooperation with partners, donors, and key stakeholders to build and maintain a sustainable program.
- Promote collaboration among field staff and between iDE HQ and the country office.
- Contribute to building a vibrant civil society sector through participation in relevant forums.
- Maintain and expand senior external relations with government, community, civil society, and private partners.
- Support the development of new opportunities and identify entry points for iDE to engage in systems-building conversations.
Requirements
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
- Education: Relevant postgraduate qualification in business development studies, management, agriculture, WASH, technology, or equivalent experience.
- Experience:
- Minimum of eight years of management experience in development programs or related sectors.
- At least five years of senior management experience with an international NGO.
- Prior work experience in Bangladesh is required.
- Strong understanding of donor procedures and policies.
- Experience leading and managing a diverse portfolio of projects and staff.
- Demonstrated experience in business development and working with market actors, including the private sector and foundations.
- Technical Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of market-based systems and/or private sector approaches in sectors such as agriculture, food security, nutrition, WASH, and clean energy.
- Required: Experience managing a portfolio that includes women’s entrepreneurship and upskilling initiatives.
- Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects in challenging environments.
- Excellent project management skills, with a track record of delivering projects on time, within scope, and on budget.
- Strong understanding of monitoring and evaluation methodologies and quality assurance practices.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strong facilitation and consensus-building skills.
- Experience in financial management and budgeting for large-scale projects.
- Proficiency in Google Suite and Windows Office; familiarity with internet-based software.
BEHAVIOURS & VALUES
- Demonstrates empathy, humility, authenticity, and respect in the workplace
- Willingness to ask questions and seek feedback
- Excellent problem-solving and creative thinking abilities
- Ability to work independently and prioritize effectively
- Desire to work in fast-paced environment and across multiple time zones and languages
- Excellent verbal, intercultural and interpersonal communication skills
- Enthusiastic with a sincere interest in the mission of the organization
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Work is performed primarily in an office environment
- Approximately 30% time commitment for domestic and international travel may be required
- Normally required to see at far and close range, and communicate verbally through listening and speaking
Benefits
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary and benefits for this position are competitive and aligned with the national salary scale.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter to Workable by October 10th, 2024.
Department: Program Management Unit
Reports To: Country Director - Bangladesh
Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh (National Position)
Start Date: December 2024
