HEKS/EPER employs around 600 full-time staff members. Its work is guided by the vision of a just world where peace prevails, the dignity of all people is respected, and natural resources are preserved. HEKS/EPER is active in 25 locations in Switzerland and 30 countries worldwide, running more than 380 programmes and projects with a total volume of 138 million Swiss francs. Within the framework of Agenda 2030, the organisation focuses on four priority themes: "Climate Justice," "Right to Land and Food," "Asylum and Migration," and "Inclusion." HEKS/EPER also provides humanitarian aid to victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts, aiming to bring about change at the social, economic, and political levels. HEKS contributes to improving the living conditions of people both domestically and internationally, advocating for their rights. It raises awareness and mobilises society, politics, business, and churches. In 2023, around 16 million people benefited from the work of HEKS/EPER.
In Bangladesh HEKS/EPER implements Humanitarian Aid Projects in the Rohingya Response including interventions for the Host Community since 2017. The focus of these projects is on construction of shelters in Rohingya camps, Site Improvement and strengthening WASH capacities of in Healthcare Facilities in the host communities. We also respond to rapid onset disasters such as floods, cyclones, landslides and other emergencies when they occur. Projects are mostly directly implemented. Development cooperation in Bangladesh is managed by a separate team based in Dhaka.
We encourage applications from individuals of all genders, especially female, who wish to advance their careers in the humanitarian sector in Bangladesh.
HEKS/EPER is looking for a strong international candidate to fulfil an expatriate position of:
Head of Program Bangladesh, 100%
Your main responsibilities:
- Development of overall humanitarian program/projects, program strategies, overseeing program/projects implementation and management in Cox`s Bazar and beyond (if needed).
- Provide timely technical and managerial inputs to all projects/program’s managers especially Shelter, WASH, Livelihood/Food Security.
- Develop program/project policies, processes, and standards, for proper implementation and management.
- Implement the findings and recommendations from the MEAL unit across all programs.
- Ensure all program/projects meets commitments of gender, safeguarding, inclusion and FCRM agenda.
- Ensure networking and coordination with other humanitarian actors and respective sectors as well as Government representatives.
- Ensure timely and effective spending of program/project budgets, budget tracking and feedback to Program/Project Managers.
- Support Security management, resource mobilization and external relationships.
- Performance management of program/project teams especially Shelter, WASH and Livelihood & Food Security projects.
- Ensure and increase organizational visibility and credibility at all projects level.
- Ensure continued communication and coordination with the logistics, admin, and finance staff to ensure items are procured, transported, stored, managed and accounted correctly.
- Act as HAD during his absence.
To be successful you bring:
- You bring a relevant university degree at master’s level with at least 5 years of work experience in a senior management position in an international NGO. Work experience in Bangladesh is considered as an asset.
- Strong experience in access-hindered environments, with experience in supporting emergency response programming, access negotiation and security management.
- Extensive experience in program development and in managing multi-sector programs by self-implementation, particularly in the sectors of shelter, WASH and livelihoods.
- Track record of successful acquisition and grant management including working with major institutional donors (e.g. ECHO, UN) as well as in-depth knowledge of the key issues and trends in humanitarian aid.
- Talented team manager, you support a constructive atmosphere as a highly motivated, proactive, flexible, resilient, solution oriented and sensitive to cultural values Leader.
- Proficient in English, you offer excellent analytical, conceptual and writing skills.
What you can expect from us:
- An interesting and challenging position in a dynamic international context
- Duty station Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
- A competitive salary package
- A one-year contract renewable
- Starting date: 1st of September 2025