Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh

Vacancy Announcement
The Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh represents the Swiss Agency for Development and Coopera-
tion (SDC), which is part of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Switzerland.
The Embassy is responsible for the overall coordination of development activities and cooperation in Bang-
ladesh. It supports, coordinates and supervises the Swiss-funded development programs and projects.
To complement its economic development team, the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh is looking for a
Bangladeshi candidate to fill the position of:

Senior Programme Officer, Economic Development

Main responsibilities:
• Manage the project cycle and provide operational support to project partners of ongoing Swiss-
funded projects. Ensure effective monitoring and steering of economic development projects
• Monitor and analyse developments in the vocational skills development sector (VSD), identify op-
portunities for Swiss interventions. Formulate and represent Swiss positions for policy dialogue in
the field of vocational skills development
• Conceptualise new projects and lead through the public tendering and internal approval processes
• Further develop and implement the results monitoring and reporting system
• Contribute to knowledge management on vocational skills development and in particular on ap-
proaches to foster labour-market orientation and private sector involvement in training within SDC
and the Swiss Embassy in Bangladesh.
• Ensure adequate poverty targeting and mainstreaming of issues of social inclusion, gender and
governance within the project portfolio
• Maintain and expand relations with a wide network of relevant stakeholders (such as Government
of Bangladesh, NGOs, other donors, etc.)
Requirements
• Post-graduate degree from a reputed Bangladeshi or foreign academic institution, preferably in
economics or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in the fields of vocational skills development, pri-
vate sector development, financial sector development, with a preference for VSD experience. Ex-
perience in designing and managing workplace-based training initiatives with an implementing or-
ganisation is an asset. Experience in results monitoring and reporting required
• Experience in programme management with a bilateral development partner (donor agency) is a
strong asset. Practical experience (preferably in an implementing organisation) with operational
and financial management of development projects is an asset
• Thematic competencies: expertise in the field of vocational skills development, financial sector de-
velopment / financial inclusion, market development and/or social entrepreneurship. Experience in
VSD preferred. Specific knowledge in the field of VSD in the informal economy, (dual) apprentice-
ships and workplace-based training or private sector participation in VSD is an asset
• Knowledge of policy landscape, main institutions and stakeholders involved in agricultural market
development, financial sector development and vocational education and training in Bangladesh
required. Knowledge of institutions and stakeholders involved in vocational skills development pre-
ferred
• Understanding of political issues and government functioning in Bangladesh. Functional network
within government is an asset
• Ability to think strategically, strong analytical and conceptual skills
• Strong communication skills required; fluency in written and spoken English and Bengali, ability to
draft structured and concise texts in English
• Ability to work autonomously, ability to work effectively in a diverse team
• Readiness to travel to rural regions of Bangladesh regularly

Candidates who fulfill these criteria are invited to download and complete the Application Information
Form and send it, along with a letter of motivation, to the following e-mail address: dhaka.jobapplica-
tion@eda.admin.ch.
The closure date for applications is June 19, 2018. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an as-
sessment (in July) and interview (in August). Women and members of disadvantaged communities are par-
ticularly encouraged to apply for this position.