Role Profile Ref no: 17/02/159. Strategic Business Unit Libraries Unlimited Location Dhaka, Bangladesh

Transcription

1 Role Profile Ref no: 17/02/159 Job Description Job Title Senior Project Manager, Libraries Unlimited Strategic Business Unit Libraries Unlimited Location Dhaka, Bangladesh Reports to Deputy Director Bangladesh Pay Band 8 Duration of job Until 31 December 2020 PURPOSE OF JOB The post holder will ensure managing the overall project, taking direct responsibility for overall project design and delivery, financial reporting and will provide the necessary strategic leadership to the Libraries Unlimited Project Management Team. S/he will be responsible for setting up and maintaining the strategic direction of the project, in agreement with all necessary stakeholders adhering British Council s standards for project, contract and financial reporting together with the appropriate key stakeholder management especially in relation to the relevant ministries of the Government of Bangladesh. CONTEXT AND ENVIRONMENT The British Council The British Council is the UK s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We create friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and other countries. We do this by making a positive contribution to the UK and the countries we work with changing lives by creating opportunities, building connections and engendering trust. We work with over 100 countries across the world in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society. Each year we reach over 20 million people face-to-face and more than 500 million people online, via broadcasts and publications. Founded in 1934, we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public bod Country Operation British Council has been operating in Bangladesh for over 60 years and has established deep trust and credibility with the government and many other organisations. These relationships put us in a strong position to build effective co-ordination and collaboration among different government departments and other stakeholders. Politics Politics of Bangladesh takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with a Prime Minister as the head of government, and a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament. The three major parties are the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the Awami League (AL) (the current government) and the Jatiya Party. The BNP finds its allies among some Islamist parties like Jamaat-e-Islami. The Awami League aligns itself traditionally with leftist and secularist parties. The AL-BNP rivalry has been bitter and punctuated by protests, violence and murder. Student politics is particularly strong in Bangladesh, a legacy from the liberation movement era. Almost all parties have highly active student wings, and students have been elected to Parliament. In January 2014, Prime Minister Sheika Hasina of the Awami League was returned to power, but this election was boycotted by the BNP, the main opposition party. Sheikh Hasina and the AL are firmly in power and are popular with the electorate because of investment in public services and economic growth though there are growing concerns about shrinking democratic space as the AL consolidates power. One of the most important political acts during this period is bringing the 1971 Rajakars (defined literally as Volunteers, the term is used to describe war criminals who collaborated with Pakistani forces against Bangladesh and her people during the 1971 Liberation Page 1 of 7 Recruitment Team Feb 2017

2 War) to face justice and the major perpetrators have been executed over the last few months. Population Bangladesh is a large and densely populated country, approaching 165 million. It is the 8th most populous country in the world, after Pakistan. However, in terms of land mass, Bangladesh is only the 94th largest country in the world with an area smaller than England & Wales combined. That converts to almost 2,500 people per square mile and it makes the country the 9th largest in terms of density alone. The majority of the population are Muslims (90%) and Islam is the state religion. Economics Bangladesh is defined as a low income country by the World Bank but with a fast growing economy and it aspires to becoming a middle income country by The IMF and WB definition of a middle-income country is primarily one that has a per capita gross national income of between $1,036 to $4,035, in the context of a growing economy. Currently, Bangladesh s per capita income is $1,190 and its economic growth rate stands at 6.1% per annum with foreign direct investment flows amounting to $1.5bn per annum. Bangladesh is also meeting other criteria to be classified as a middle-income country, with its rising levels of life expectancy (71 years), literacy (64% male and 56% female), universal primary education, industrialisation, export diversification and integration into the region and global economy and international financial system (i.e. cross-border movement of people, capital and goods). Primary school drop-out rate is 33% with a 50/50 gender split. International trade plays a vital role in the economy. The Bangladesh textile industry is one of the largest in the world, employing 13 million people and generating over $25 billion in foreign exchange. Other major exports include rice, jute, fruit, tea, software, seafood, leather goods, ceramics, electronics and ships. There are substantial reserves of natural gas and coal, with further exploration planned in the Bay of Bengal. The service sector accounts for 50% of GDP and Bangladesh is one of the fastest growing telecommunications markets in the world. The development of banking and financial services, including mobile banking and microfinance, has greatly contributed to economic growth. Bangladesh infrastructure investment is also substantial though sizeable shortages still exist with regard to highways, rail transport, deep water seaports and energy security. Security Since the terrorist shooting of an Italian national in the diplomatic area of Dhaka a year ago, the security situation across the country steadily worsened with a spate of killings targeting religious minorities, secular bloggers, the LGBT community, scholars and westerners alike. This culminated in the tragic terrorist attack at the Holey Bakery in July 2016 where 20 hostages and 2 police officers were killed by terrorists affiliated to Daesh (ISIL). This resulted in Bangladesh being categorised as an FCO CFS 4 post and the withdrawal of all school age children over the age of 3 and restrictions on movement with most public places, shops, restaurants and supermarkets out of bounds. These restrictions mean social life is restricted to a small number of embassy/high commissions clubs. The British High Commission has a club (bar, café/restaurant, gym, tennis courts, swimming pool) and commissariat (selling a range of everyday items and alcohol) open to all British Council UKA staff. This situation is kept under constant review. The UK Department for Transport (DfT) recently carried out assessments of security at Dhaka International Airport. Following this, the DfT has assessed that security at Dhaka airport does not meet some international security requirements. The UK government is working to support the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure that all international aviation security requirements are met. Bangladesh has a fragile relationship with Pakistan, centred on their shared history and perceived Pakistani support for extremists, travel between the two countries has become extremely difficult. Libraries Work in Bangladesh Both globally and regionally, the British Council have extensive experience of managing substantial Library Information Services and programmes. British Council s longstanding international network of libraries has played a vital role in education and generation of leaders and, in South Asia, in particular, the libraries continue to be integral parts of the communities we serve. The British Council first began to offer library services in Bangladesh in 1954, in what was then known as East Pakistan. The British Council later expanded from one library in Dhaka to run branch libraries in the regional cities of Chittagong and Rajshahi. Today, there are British Council libraries in Dhaka and Chittagong. Libraries Unlimited addresses the urgent need in Bangladesh for greater access to information for all citizens. In particular, there is a lack of access to basic information for self-improvement to health, literacy, education, housing and government services. Additionally citizens have little access to information to improve their livelihood options and professional growth in terms of skills for employability, business opportunities and even entrepreneurship. Communities lack designated spaces that provide opportunities to participate in collective educational and cultural Page 2 of 7 Recruitment Team Feb 2017

3 activities To address this challenge, Libraries Unlimited will improve access to information and knowledge in Bangladesh. The programme has been designed based on the findings of the Library Landscape Assessment in Bangladesh (LLAB) published in June 2015 (the research report can be found here: Libraries will help millions of people in Bangladesh learn their way out of poverty. To achieve this, the current library structure needs to go through a radical process of transformation, upgrading infrastructures, services and resources to meet the needs of 21 st century societies. The intervention proposed through Libraries Unlimited will trigger and help sustain this process of transformation. The three core areas of action are: Creating, through policy dialogues, advocacy and outreach to key stakeholders, a momentum to support the process of modernisation of libraries in order to meet the needs of the information poor Developing a number of model libraries in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh and NGO stakeholders, including improvement of infrastructure and technological upgrade An extensive nationwide training programme for government officials and library staff The core purpose of the Libraries Unlimited Project Management Team The Project Management Team in Bangladesh will be responsible for the overall implementation of the project, including the recruitment of relevant staff, the creation of the Project Management Team and the management of the budget. The Project Management Team will oversee the delivery of all activities related to the project, including the design and implementation of model libraries and professional development. It will also manage critical relationships with the relevant ministries of the Government of Bangladesh as well as key stakeholders from the non-government sector. The Team will also oversee the monitoring and evaluation process. Staff Management The Senior Project Manager is expected to directly line manage the following: Component lead for Training and Capacity Building Component lead for Model Libraries Component lead for Monitoring & Evaluation Component lead for Advocacy and Policy Finance and Admin Manager Project Coordinator ACCOUNTABILITIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND MAIN DUTIES 1. Libraries Unlimited Strategic Leadership and Project Management Provide the necessary strategic leadership for Libraries Unlimited in order to drive forward the change required across the public library infrastructure, evolving the project design to ensure successful implementation to achieve project objectives. Lead the strategic planning and design of the project, and adhere to British Council s standards for project, contract and financial reporting. Develop and manage the project through the use of project management methodologies, such as Waterfall, Agile, etc., as appropriate. Develop and maintain project schedules using project management software, such as Microsoft Project. Report to Project Senior Reporting Officer, Project Board and Steering Group. 2. Operational Management of Libraries Unlimited To lead, motivate, develop and manage the Project Management Team Recruit relevant staff to create the Project Management Team and oversee performance management of all project staff, consultants and suppliers 3. Quality Assurance and Knowledge Management Ensure robust monitoring and evaluation processes and procedures are put in place to ensure the full impact of the project is measured and is reported as required. Page 3 of 7 Recruitment Team Feb 2017

4 Take informed and considered decisions on risks and issues which have been escalated by team members Ensure that adequate programme management and quality assurance measures are in place to deliver the programme Work with the marketing and communications manager to oversee and provide leadership and guidance of programme level knowledge management, communication and visibility 4. Finance, contract and risk management Ensure sound financial management, planning and reporting of the project, working with the Finance and admin Manager to oversee internal and external reporting, budget management, regular forecasting and meeting all the necessary British Council and possible external reporting standards Ensure all contractual and financial requirements are met, working with the Deputy Director to ensure coordination within the team and provide input on any necessary stakeholder reporting, ensuring inputs from the project team are timely, quality assured and that submission deadlines met Proactively capture, analyse and mitigate project risks and issues and assume full responsibility for any corporate risk and issues associated with the project. Lead on internal planning and reporting including; risk and issue management, impact reporting and ensuring regional management information requests are met. Provide leadership and guidance of programme level knowledge management, communications and visibility KEY INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS Internal Relationships: Director British Council Bangladesh Deputy Director British Council Bangladesh Assistant Director British Council Bangladesh Head of Business Support Partners British Council Bangladesh Head of Finance British Council Bangladesh Head of IT British Council Bangladesh Library Manager British Council Bangladesh Heads of Strategic Business Units of British Council Bangladesh External Relationships: Key contacts and stakeholders at Department of Public Libraries, Ministry of Cultural Affairs Key contacts and stakeholders at Bangladesh Shishu Academy - Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Key contacts and stakeholders at ICT Division and Bangladesh Computer Council - Ministry of Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology Key contacts and stakeholders at Access to Information (a2i) programme - Prime Minister s Office (PMO) Key contacts and stakeholders at Ministry of Education Key contacts and stakeholders at Non-governmental partners such as BRAC, Bishwa Shahitya Kendro (World Literature Center), Department of Information Science and Library Management, Dhaka University and Rajshahi University, Library Association of Bangladesh etc. Other Important Features or Requirements of the Job We encourage work life balance. However, the post holder may require frequent travel across Bangladesh and some occasional business trips internationally. It will also involve occasional weekend and evening work. Such requirements will be managed and compensated within British Council HR policies. The post holder will understand and make decisions which are affected by our Equality Diversity and Inclusion policy. Additionally s/he will exploit the opportunities brought by diversity and build them into all planning. The post holder will understand the importance of child protection and ensure that policies and processes are in place to offer maximum protection of young people at all relevant events and venues and ensure compliance with British Council Child Protection policies. Page 4 of 7 Recruitment Team Feb 2017

5 If you are currently on a UK contract you will receive the UK home based package (IMP). Applicants employed on another country contract will also receive a mobility package which will depend on a number of factors including their current home location. As a bare minimum, the mobility package will include flight, accommodation and transfer assistance. Applicants will either remain on their home country contract or transfer to the host country contract. *To be eligible for a mobility package or a change to your existing package type, you must be moving location. Please specify any passport/visa and/or nationality requirement. Diplomatic Status Security Clearance Accompanied by Children We will provide support in getting BD visa but final job offer will be dependent on obtaining the visa. No Yes Yes, under the age of three. See notes below. Notes No school age children over the age of 3 permitted at post It is not possible to obtain visas for unmarried or same sex partners This is a tough and demanding post with a wide range of challenges. Bangladesh is an important country for the UK and the post holder must be very comfortable in dealing with a wide range of external UK and international stakeholders and partners as well as maintaining excellent relations with Bangladeshi government, civil society and the donor. Long and irregular hours of work may be required. The British Council believes that all children have potential and that every child matters - everywhere in the world. The British Council affirms the position that all children have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse as set out in article 19, UNCRC, 1989 The British Council is committed to a policy of equal opportunity. Our policy aims to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion or marital status. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria Page 5 of 7 Recruitment Team Feb 2017

6 PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential Desirable Assessment stage Behaviours Please see The Behaviours Dictionary for behaviour definitions and levels Behaviours assessed during interview stage of recruitment process Working Together (Most demanding): Creating the environment in which others who have different aims can work together. Making it Happen (Most demanding): Achieving stretching results when faced by challenge, uncertainty or major obstacles. Being Accountable (Most demanding): Showing real dedication to the long-term mission of the British Council or the team. Behaviours not assessed during recruitment process Creating Shared Purpose (Most demanding): Inspiring others to want to take a specific role as part of a shared purpose Connecting with others (More demanding): Building trust and understanding with people who have very different views. Shaping the Future (More demanding): Exploring ways in which we can add more value. The position holder will be required to demonstrate all six behaviours, on the job. These will be assessed during year end performance evaluations. Behaviours to be assessed during the interview stage of recruitment are mentioned. Skills and Knowledge See The Core Skills Dictionary for details CORE SKILLS Managing People (Level 4: Leads a large and varied team Manages a substantial group to deliver annual business objectives. The team includes different professions, cultures and/or areas of business, and may cover multiple locations. Managing Projects (Level 4: Leads larger projects Analyses requirements with the sponsor/ stakeholders, defining the specification with awareness of equality and diversity impact, planning, revising, implementing and evaluating on medium-tolarge and/or high risk projects, coordinates a diverse team with awareness of equality and diversity impact as part of the project specifications and handles changes in specification or plan to meet unexpected circumstances Communicating And Influencing (Level 4: Uses influencing techniques) Uses formal and informal negotiating and motivation techniques to influence others behaviour and persuade them to think and act differently, while respecting difference of view and culture) Managing Finance And Resources (Level 4: Plans and deploys resources) Negotiates and agrees the resources for a defined area as part of forward Shortlisting and Interview Page 6 of 7 Recruitment Team Feb 2017

7 Essential Desirable Assessment stage planning, monitoring progress and adjusting resources or priorities to meet goals. OTHER SKILLS: Strong quantitative and qualitative skills including Statistical analytical tools. An excellent understanding of government policy in relation to education and specifically around access to education and public libraries whilst also taking into account privately run libraries or library services. Experience that includes working with Government, and Non-Governmental Organisations Shortlisting and interview Proven experience of: Experience Qualifications Project management for donor agencies, Trusts and Foundations Developing and maintain complex project schedules Operating successfully in large development projects Managing partners and sub-contractors in delivering programme objectives and activities. Stakeholders relationship management including Government Ministries Contract and procurement management Audit Management Graduation in any discipline Project Management qualification at Practitioner level in at least one of the following: PMP Prince2 Agile Professional networks, experience in working with libraries Postgraduate degree in any discipline Shortlisting Page 7 of 7 Recruitment Team Feb 2017