Project Associate | The Asia Foundation

Position: Project Associate, Business Development

Location: The Asia Foundation, Bangladesh Office
Reports to: Project Manager
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week (periodic field visits to program implementation areas required)

Background
The Asia Foundation is implementing a project titled “Waste into Resource: Tannery Solid Waste (TSW) Byproduct Entrepreneurship Model” in Bangladesh. The project aims to transform tannery solid waste management into an environmentally compliant, hazard-free, and economically viable model. It will pilot sustainable byproduct enterprises, foster Public-Private Dialogue (PPD), and support policy and certification readiness to promote circular economy practices, women-led enterprises, inclusive growth, and export diversification.

Within this framework, The Asia Foundation seeks a Project Associate to provide essential technical, operational, and coordination support for the smooth implementation of project activities, focusing on enterprise development, compliance facilitation, market linkage, and knowledge generation.

Purpose of the Position
The Project Associate will play a key role in facilitating business case development, enterprise support, stakeholder coordination, event organisation, and monitoring. The role bridges technical assistance to pilot enterprises and the operational execution of project deliverables, ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with the project’s results framework. The Project Associate will report directly to the Project Manager and work closely with the MEL, Finance, and Communications teams of The Asia Foundation. The incumbent will also liaise with implementing partners and technical consultants to coordinate implementation and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Support daily implementation, event organisation, partner coordination, and documentation to ensure timely and compliant delivery of activities.
• Assist pilot enterprises in developing business cases, financial models, and investment briefs; facilitate linkages with investors, buyers, and regulators to strengthen market access and certification readiness.
• Contribute to assessments, data collection, and performance tracking; provide inputs for reports, case studies, and knowledge products in collaboration with MEL and Communications teams.
• Support budgeting, procurement, and financial tracking of activities and sub-grants in line with organisational policies and procedures.
• Contribute to stakeholder engagement, outreach, and reporting.

Required Qualifications and Competencies

• Relevant degree in Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, Development Studies, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• 2–3 years of experience in business development, SME support, or private sector engagement within development projects.
• Experience in enterprise development, market linkage, or value chain facilitation—preferably in manufacturing, green industry, or circular economy sectors.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills with proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint).
• Fluency in Bangla and English.

How to Apply
Applicants should submit:

• A CV (maximum of four pages)
• A cover letter (not more than one page) detailing experience and suitability for the role

Please send your application to [email protected] with the subject line “Application for the position of Project Associate, Business Development.”

Applications that do not follow the guidelines or fail to address the candidate’s suitability for the position will not be reviewed. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Application Deadline: 25 October 2025

The Asia Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, colour, or any other protected class.

Important Notice:
Please be cautious of fraudulent activities. The Asia Foundation does not charge any fees at any stage of its recruitment or procurement processes. Do not make any payments or engage in financial transactions related to recruitment with The Asia Foundation.