Program Coordinator (Consultant)

About this role

Since late 2022, GiveDirectly has been working closely with the government’s a2i program to utilize machine learning and phone data to improve the targeting of humanitarian aid in Bangladesh. With funding from USAID and Google.org and technical assistance from the University of California Berkeley’s Centre for Effective Global Action (CEGA), we have remotely identified vulnerable Rohingya refugee hosts and impacted communities and delivered cash transfers through mobile money. This transformational approach predicts the poverty status of individual mobile phone users based on their patterns of phone usage

We have also recently launched an innovative climate crisis-responsive cash project to address key questions relevant to anticipatory action efforts globally in partnership with Google Flood Forecasting Initiative and researchers from the University of Oxford and BRAC Institute of Governance and Development to generate further evidence on providing anticipatory vs. post-disaster cash assistance.

GiveDirectly is looking for a Program Coordinator in a contractual role until the end of the year (with the opportunity to extend depending on funding availability and performance) to manage the implementation of the pilot initiative in Bangladesh. They will work closely with the program partners and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the smooth delivery of cash transfers to the targeted recipients. We are looking for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit who is excited to work in a fast-paced environment. 

Reports to: Interim Country Director – Bangladesh

Level: Coordinator (Consultant)

Length of Contract: 15 April to 31 December, 2024

Travel Requirement: The position will be based in Dhaka but requires significant travel, up to 30%, to project locations outside of Dhaka.

What you’ll do:

The Program Coordinator will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, which include but are not limited to: 

• Contribute significantly to the overall vision of the program, working with the country team to resolve issues. 
• Manage the day-to-day ground operations of the implementation and ensure the program is on track to achieve its targets on time 
• Assist in the preparation of periodic updates and reports to donors 
• Strengthen community sensitization efforts and manage stakeholder relationships with government counterparts and other relevant stakeholders 
• Work closely with mobile financial service providers for the disbursement of cash transfers
• Anticipate areas of risk and develop risk mitigation plans 
• Support the team responsible for recipient safeguarding as and when required 
• Manage the follow-up with recipients to confirm receipt of payment, identify any issues, and collect data on impact 
• Generate content for recipient stories and case studies

What you’ll bring:

• Exceptional alignment with GiveDirectly Values and active demonstration of our core competencies: emotional intelligence, problem solving, project management, follow-through, and fostering inclusivity. We welcome and strongly encourage applications from candidates who have personal or professional experience in the low-income and/or historically marginalized communities that we serve.
• At least 2 years of experience, preferably in the NGO sector. 
• A general level of understanding of how cash transfers work. 
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and organizational skills; these will be required to work with community leaders and community members, key public and private partners, as well as manage upwards. 
• Great communication skills to be able to explain the program to potential recipients and answer questions from communities and community leaders. 
• Fluency in English and Bengali 
• Fast learner to understand the complexities of our program