Team Leader, Building State Effectiveness and Accountability (BSEA) Program

Regular•San Francisco, CA

32d

About The Position

The Team Leader will provide overall strategic, technical, and managerial leadership of the six-year Building State Effectiveness and Accountability (BSEA) Program, implemented by The Asia Foundation (TAF) in partnership with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). BSEA is deliberately designed to depart from conventional public sector reform efforts, applying issue-based programming, adaptive management, and politically informed approaches to support locally led reform priorities and strengthen durable “pockets of effectiveness” within the Bangladeshi state. Based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the Team Leader will hold overall accountability for program performance, donor liaison, and contractual compliance. The role requires an accomplished leader with a strong track record managing complex governance programmes and exercising judgment in politically dynamic environments, including sustained engagement at senior levels of government and with development partners. Reporting to the Country Representative, Bangladesh, and working closely with FCDO counterparts, the Team Leader will lead a multidisciplinary team and network of downstream partners to deliver flexible, evidence-informed initiatives that measurably strengthen institutional performance, accountability, and public service delivery in Bangladesh.

Requirements

Minimum bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, public policy, law, international development, or related field.
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience managing complex development programs, including senior leadership roles.
Proven experience leading donor-funded programmes, with strong capabilities in adaptive management, strategic planning, financial management, staff supervision, risk management, and reporting.
Deep understanding of Bangladesh’s governance, institutional, and political economy context.
Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a relevant discipline.
Prior experience as a Team Leader or equivalent on programmes funded by FCDO or other major bilateral or multilateral donors.
Experience applying adaptive and politically informed approaches to governance and public sector reform.

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for BSEA, ensuring delivery of high-quality results aligned with program objectives, FCDO priorities, and TAF’s mission.
Serve as the principal interlocutor with FCDO on all strategic, programmatic, and contractual matters, maintaining a trusted and constructive partnership.
Represent TAF in program governance and oversight forums, including the Joint Steering Committee, Programme Coordination Committee, and engagements with the Independent Strategic Advisory Panel.
Lead the design and implementation of adaptive, politically informed programming that responds to locally identified priorities and opportunities for reform.
Ensure strong integration of political economy and gender equality and social inclusion considerations across program activities.
Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes to support accountability, continuous learning, and evidence-informed adaptation.
Ensure robust program management, including financial oversight, procurement, risk management, safeguarding, and timely delivery of all reporting and contractual obligations.
Lead, mentor, and supervise senior program staff, fostering strong performance, collaboration, and professional development.
Oversee the identification, selection, and management of domestic and international implementing partners, ensuring technical quality, effective coordination, and compliance with program requirements.
Build and sustain high-level relationships with senior government officials, civil society, academic institutions, the private sector, and development partners to support reform coalitions and program impact.