Programme Manager

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Position Title: Programme Manager
Location: Dhaka
Country: Bangladesh
Deadline Date: 31 January 2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Better Work is a joint programme of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. Established to improve working conditions and drive competitiveness in the garment sector, Better Work operates in 13 countries. The programme mobilizes global brands, governments, factory owners, and workers to create a more equitable and prosperous world. Better Work Bangladesh was launched in 2014 and is part of the ILO Dhaka law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Labour Law and Working Conditions Cluster, aiming for a sustainable transition of tools and frameworks in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector.

Job Overview:
The Programme Manager will oversee all aspects of the Better Work Bangladesh programme, focusing on implementing a sustainability strategy that transitions the programme from factory-specific compliance to a model based on national collective ownership of a compliant and productive RMG sector. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including other Better Work country programmes and the Better Work Global team, to ensure effective implementation and technical oversight of programme components such as compliance assessments, advisory services, training, and policy influencing work. The Programme Manager will also be responsible for managing human resources, ensuring gender equality, and developing staff capabilities, particularly among senior national staff. Additionally, the role involves maintaining effective administrative and financial systems in compliance with ILO regulations, engaging with the Project Advisory Committee, and leading resource mobilization efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the Better Work Bangladesh programme, focusing on change management and transitioning to the next phase of the programme.
• Collaborate with Better Work Country Programmes and the Global team to implement and oversee programme components, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Develop and lead institutional sustainability plans for lasting outcomes, articulating and implementing a country sustainability strategy.
• Manage human resources, focusing on recruitment, gender equality, staff development, and performance management.
• Maintain effective administrative and financial systems in compliance with ILO rules.
• Develop internal systems to support quality service delivery, including data management for monitoring and evaluation.
• Engage with the Project Advisory Committee and facilitate forums with industry stakeholders.
• Develop and implement a local resource mobilization strategy, maintaining relationships with donors.
• Address industry-wide issues through multi-stakeholder dialogues and partnerships. 1
• Collaborate with the ILO CO Dhaka Office and other ILO components to support the Decent Work Country Programme. 1
• Contribute to the global Better Work programme as a member of the Operational Management Team.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in international development, social sciences, or a relevant field. A first-level university degree with additional relevant experience may be accepted.
• At least ten years of professional experience in social dialogue, private sector engagement in developing countries, business and human rights, change management, or project management in a senior position.
• Experience working with key stakeholders, particularly in the garment sector, is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as international development or social sciences. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of professional experience in relevant fields, including social dialogue, private sector engagement, and project management, particularly in a senior role. Experience in the garment sector is highly desirable, along with a proven track record of working with key stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, with a good working knowledge of another official ILO language (French or Spanish) considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for one year, renewable based on funding availability and performance. The ILO values diversity and encourages applications from qualified women and men, including individuals with disabilities. The recruitment process includes an online application, and candidates may be contacted for tests or interviews. The ILO has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse and conducts background checks on candidates. The successful candidate must undergo a medical examination to confirm fitness for the role.