Country Liaison & Program Manager - For Solidar Suisse - Job ID: 1430535

Solidar Suisse is looking for Country Liaison & Program ManagerJob Description / ResponsibilityJob overview/summary:Solidar Suisse is a non-profit civil society organisation based in Switzerland, active in the areas of development cooperation and humanitarian aid, which fights for decent work, democratic participation, and social justice worldwide. Solidar Suisse presently has projects running on three continents. Its Asia programme focuses on ‘decent work’, including vocational training and education, climate change and environmental protection. It is currently active in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand.Solidar Suisse is looking for a Country Liaison & Program Manager who will serve as the primary point of contact between the organization and all stakeholders in Bangladesh, includinglocal authorities, NGOs, implementing partners, donors, and local communities under the lead of the Regional Representative. In parallel, the role leads the supervision, monitoring, and evaluation of the organization’s program in Bangladesh, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, compliance with local and Solidar’s regulations, and measurable impact. The programme supervision comprises the coordination of two projects, implemented by local partner organizations. The focus lies on strengthening local Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to engage as actors of good governance and development in building a sustainable leather sector, addressing child labour, support for most vulnerable communities and refugees, and promoting climate change, environmental protection and disaster risk reduction in Bangladesh. Active contributions to design of project proposals for the acquisition of new projects is expected.Position: Country Liaison & Program Manager, under supervision of the Regional RepresentativeLocation: Dhaka, with occasional travel to partner sitesStart date: Immediate/ upon agreementType of contract: Employment contractScope of services: 100%Contract duration: until 31.12.2026, with the possibility of extension.Major responsibilities:Stakeholder Management & LiaisonMaintain strong relationships with local authorities, regulatory bodies, local NGOs, community leaders, and donor representatives.Represent, in close coordination with the Regional Representative, the organization at meetings, workshops, and conferences, highlighting program outcomes.Maintain best possible relations with relevant local authorities and ensure Solidar registration, permits, and clearances are all up to date and enable effective program implementation.Facilitate visits by donors, team members and others, as requested.Facilitate communication between regional team, regional representative, head quarters, and local partners to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated actions.Program LeadershipEnsure that the program achieves its stated objectives, addresses the needs of beneficiaries, and is implemented to the highest standards, on time, and within budget.Supervise and monitor projects implementation and finances. Identify issues that could affect program delivery, advise on risk mitigation and adjustments as needed to stay on scope, schedule, and budget.Provide support and guidance to project partners, including advice on efficient monitoring practices, coherent result-oriented reporting, budget planning, and project implementationParticipate in research, strategy and knowledge development as well as capacity building workshops of project implementation partners and of consortium partners and donors. Oversee procurement, logistics, and supply chain activities in compliance with both internal policies and local regulations.Ensure regular, timely and high-quality reporting for internal reports and donor reports, monitoring indicators, and ensuring accountability. Financial & Administrative OversightManage the country-level operating budget; approve expenditures and ensure financial controls are adhered to.Coordinate with Finance team (local and regional) to guarantee timely and accurate reporting to donors and auditors.Proactively identify and mitigate financial risks, ensuring optimal and efficient use of resources.Oversee legal and contractual matters, including registration, licensing, and compliance with labor laws.Audit & ComplianceEnsure the organization adheres to local laws, regulations, and local norms.Coordinate any external audit or spot check.OtherMonitor political, economic, social and security developments that could affect program delivery; advise on risk mitigation.Perform other duties, as assigned by the Regional Representative.Educational RequirementsUniversity degree in International Relations, Development Studies, Public Policy, Business Administration, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.Experience RequirementsAt least 5 year(s)The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s):NGOAdditional RequirementsEssentialUniversity degree in International Relations, Development Studies, Public Policy, Business Administration, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.5+ years of progressive experience in international development, humanitarian / development aid, or related sectors; including management of budgets, monitoring, compliance with donor regulations, and with different local partner organizations.Skilled in networking, representation, and coordination with stakeholders and key actors at various levels, and adept at fostering partnerships across sectors including public institutions, NGOs, donors, and civil society.Proven experience in development and humanitarian cooperation in Bangladesh.3+ years managing multi‑stakeholder projects at country level.Fluency in Bengali (Bangla) and English (written & spoken).High proficiency in MS Excel is a must.String negotiation, diplomacy, and networking abilities.Excellent written and oral communication.Willingness to travel domestically (up to 20 % of time).Ability to work independently and as part of a team.Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.DesiredRisk Management: Proactive identification and mitigation of political, security, and operational risks.Results Orientation: Track record of delivering measurable outcomes within budget and timeline constraints.Successful track record in project acquisition.Bangladesh Nationality or valid work permit.Job LocationDhaka