- Sat Nov 22, 2025 9:50 pm#9044
Prepare for the Programme Coordinator – Nutrition role at Concern Worldwide by following a structured, step‑by‑step plan that covers research, documentation, skill refinement, interview readiness and practical logistics.
1. Understand the position in depth
• Read the job description several times and highlight the core responsibilities: technical leadership for health‑nutrition‑food‑security integration, programme planning and budgeting, risk management, partnership and localisation, learning and innovation, external coordination and team management.
• Match each responsibility with any past experience you have and note gaps that need to be addressed in your preparation.
• Identify the key competencies highlighted by Concern: self‑management, planning and decision‑making, individual leadership, creativity and innovation, communication and teamwork, influence and advocacy, delivering results and change.
2. Research Concern Worldwide and the Cox’s Bazar context
• Study Concern’s vision, mission, values and the “Reaching the Furthest behind First” principle. Understand the organisational structure, especially the Strategy, Advocacy and Learning (SAL) unit in Dublin and how it links to country operations.
• Familiarise yourself with the Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya refugee response, the UN‑led sector strategy on integrated Health and Nutrition, and the latest UN‑H6 and Nutrition guidelines.
• Gather recent situation reports, assessment findings and programme evaluations for Cox’s Bazar, focusing on nutrition‑specific interventions (IYCF, CMAM) and nutrition‑sensitive activities (food security, livelihoods, mental health).
• Map the major stakeholders: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission, UN agencies (WHO, UNICEF, WFP), NGOs and community‑based organisations.
3. Align your experience and evidence
• Create a two‑column table on paper (or in a simple spreadsheet) with “Job Requirement” on the left and “Your Relevant Experience” on the right. Fill in concrete examples for each requirement, using quantitative results where possible (e.g., “Managed a $5 million nutrition portfolio serving 120 000 beneficiaries”).
• Prepare a concise narrative (150‑200 words) that explains why you are the ideal fit, linking your master’s degree in nutrition/public health, the eight years of humanitarian experience, and specific senior‑level achievements to the role’s expectations.
4. Update and tailor your CV and application form
• Use a clean, chronological format with clear headings: Personal Details, Professional Summary, Key Achievements, Relevant Experience, Education, Certifications, Languages, Professional Memberships.
• For each role, list achievements that demonstrate the priority competencies – for example, “Led a cross‑functional team of 15 to redesign a CMAM protocol, reducing case processing time by 30 %”.
• Include any exposure to the Rohingya response, familiarity with CHS, P4, FCRM, safeguarding and PSEA policies, and experience with donor reporting and proposal development.
• Attach scanned copies of National ID, TIN, all educational certificates, and a professional photograph as requested.
5. Prepare supporting documents and references
• Gather signed reference letters from previous supervisors who can attest to your technical leadership, partnership management and risk‑mitigation skills.
• Prepare a brief portfolio (PDF) of relevant reports, proposals or briefing notes you have authored, anonymised if necessary, to showcase writing quality and analytical capacity.
6. Develop STAR examples for competency‑based interviews
• Select at least two real situations for each of the eight competency areas. Structure each story with Situation, Task, Action, Result, and emphasise measurable outcomes.
• Practice delivering each story aloud, aiming for a concise 1‑2 minute response.
7. Refresh technical knowledge
• Review the latest WHO and UNICEF nutrition guidelines, especially those related to emergency settings, IYCF in crises, and CMAM protocols.
• Study the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and the Feedback, Complaints and Response Mechanism (FCRM) framework, preparing to discuss how you have integrated them into programme design and monitoring.
• Refresh budgeting and financial management concepts relevant to fixed‑term humanitarian contracts, including budget revisions, cost‑effectiveness analyses and donor compliance.
8. Plan for the interview logistics
• Confirm the interview date, time and platform (in‑person, Zoom, Teams). Test your internet connection, camera and microphone beforehand.
• Choose professional attire that respects both the organisational culture and the local context of Cox’s Bazar.
• Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the interview panel, such as: “How does Concern measure the impact of integrated health‑nutrition interventions in the refugee camps?” or “What are the current priorities for localisation in the nutrition sector?”
9. Engage in networking and information gathering
• Connect with current or former Concern staff on professional networks, requesting insights about the organisational culture, recent challenges and success stories in Cox’s Bazar.
• Attend any webinars or public briefings on the Rohingya response to stay updated on emerging issues and sector coordination dynamics.
10. Prepare psychologically and logistically for the role
• Reflect on the emotional demands of working in a high‑stress humanitarian environment and develop personal coping strategies (mindfulness, regular exercise, peer support).
• If you are not already based in Cox’s Bazar, research accommodation options, safety considerations and local transport.
• Familiarise yourself with Bangladesh’s visa, work permit and tax regulations, ensuring you can meet the contractual requirements for the two‑year fixed term.
11. Final checklist before submission
• Completed application form with all required fields filled accurately.
• CV and cover letter tailored to the role, free of spelling or grammatical errors.
• All supporting documents scanned clearly (ID, TIN, certificates, reference letters, portfolio).
• Email subject line includes the exact position title as instructed.
• Email body is brief, stating your interest and confirming attachment of all required files.
By systematically researching the organisation, aligning your experience with the job’s technical and managerial demands, polishing your documentation, and rehearsing evidence‑based interview responses, you will present yourself as a well‑prepared, competent candidate ready to lead Concern’s nutrition programme in Cox’s Bazar. Good luck!
1. Understand the position in depth
• Read the job description several times and highlight the core responsibilities: technical leadership for health‑nutrition‑food‑security integration, programme planning and budgeting, risk management, partnership and localisation, learning and innovation, external coordination and team management.
• Match each responsibility with any past experience you have and note gaps that need to be addressed in your preparation.
• Identify the key competencies highlighted by Concern: self‑management, planning and decision‑making, individual leadership, creativity and innovation, communication and teamwork, influence and advocacy, delivering results and change.
2. Research Concern Worldwide and the Cox’s Bazar context
• Study Concern’s vision, mission, values and the “Reaching the Furthest behind First” principle. Understand the organisational structure, especially the Strategy, Advocacy and Learning (SAL) unit in Dublin and how it links to country operations.
• Familiarise yourself with the Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya refugee response, the UN‑led sector strategy on integrated Health and Nutrition, and the latest UN‑H6 and Nutrition guidelines.
• Gather recent situation reports, assessment findings and programme evaluations for Cox’s Bazar, focusing on nutrition‑specific interventions (IYCF, CMAM) and nutrition‑sensitive activities (food security, livelihoods, mental health).
• Map the major stakeholders: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission, UN agencies (WHO, UNICEF, WFP), NGOs and community‑based organisations.
3. Align your experience and evidence
• Create a two‑column table on paper (or in a simple spreadsheet) with “Job Requirement” on the left and “Your Relevant Experience” on the right. Fill in concrete examples for each requirement, using quantitative results where possible (e.g., “Managed a $5 million nutrition portfolio serving 120 000 beneficiaries”).
• Prepare a concise narrative (150‑200 words) that explains why you are the ideal fit, linking your master’s degree in nutrition/public health, the eight years of humanitarian experience, and specific senior‑level achievements to the role’s expectations.
4. Update and tailor your CV and application form
• Use a clean, chronological format with clear headings: Personal Details, Professional Summary, Key Achievements, Relevant Experience, Education, Certifications, Languages, Professional Memberships.
• For each role, list achievements that demonstrate the priority competencies – for example, “Led a cross‑functional team of 15 to redesign a CMAM protocol, reducing case processing time by 30 %”.
• Include any exposure to the Rohingya response, familiarity with CHS, P4, FCRM, safeguarding and PSEA policies, and experience with donor reporting and proposal development.
• Attach scanned copies of National ID, TIN, all educational certificates, and a professional photograph as requested.
5. Prepare supporting documents and references
• Gather signed reference letters from previous supervisors who can attest to your technical leadership, partnership management and risk‑mitigation skills.
• Prepare a brief portfolio (PDF) of relevant reports, proposals or briefing notes you have authored, anonymised if necessary, to showcase writing quality and analytical capacity.
6. Develop STAR examples for competency‑based interviews
• Select at least two real situations for each of the eight competency areas. Structure each story with Situation, Task, Action, Result, and emphasise measurable outcomes.
• Practice delivering each story aloud, aiming for a concise 1‑2 minute response.
7. Refresh technical knowledge
• Review the latest WHO and UNICEF nutrition guidelines, especially those related to emergency settings, IYCF in crises, and CMAM protocols.
• Study the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and the Feedback, Complaints and Response Mechanism (FCRM) framework, preparing to discuss how you have integrated them into programme design and monitoring.
• Refresh budgeting and financial management concepts relevant to fixed‑term humanitarian contracts, including budget revisions, cost‑effectiveness analyses and donor compliance.
8. Plan for the interview logistics
• Confirm the interview date, time and platform (in‑person, Zoom, Teams). Test your internet connection, camera and microphone beforehand.
• Choose professional attire that respects both the organisational culture and the local context of Cox’s Bazar.
• Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the interview panel, such as: “How does Concern measure the impact of integrated health‑nutrition interventions in the refugee camps?” or “What are the current priorities for localisation in the nutrition sector?”
9. Engage in networking and information gathering
• Connect with current or former Concern staff on professional networks, requesting insights about the organisational culture, recent challenges and success stories in Cox’s Bazar.
• Attend any webinars or public briefings on the Rohingya response to stay updated on emerging issues and sector coordination dynamics.
10. Prepare psychologically and logistically for the role
• Reflect on the emotional demands of working in a high‑stress humanitarian environment and develop personal coping strategies (mindfulness, regular exercise, peer support).
• If you are not already based in Cox’s Bazar, research accommodation options, safety considerations and local transport.
• Familiarise yourself with Bangladesh’s visa, work permit and tax regulations, ensuring you can meet the contractual requirements for the two‑year fixed term.
11. Final checklist before submission
• Completed application form with all required fields filled accurately.
• CV and cover letter tailored to the role, free of spelling or grammatical errors.
• All supporting documents scanned clearly (ID, TIN, certificates, reference letters, portfolio).
• Email subject line includes the exact position title as instructed.
• Email body is brief, stating your interest and confirming attachment of all required files.
By systematically researching the organisation, aligning your experience with the job’s technical and managerial demands, polishing your documentation, and rehearsing evidence‑based interview responses, you will present yourself as a well‑prepared, competent candidate ready to lead Concern’s nutrition programme in Cox’s Bazar. Good luck!
- By bdchakriDesk