- Sun Dec 14, 2025 10:07 pm#11934
How to Prepare for the Employment Support Officer – 2 Position with DESHA (RAISE Project)
Below is a step‑by‑step guide that will help you move from the moment you read the vacancy to the day you walk into the interview confident and ready. Follow each step carefully and keep a checklist so you do not miss any requirement.
1. Read the Terms of Reference (ToR) Closely
* Identify the four core work streams:
1. Career preparation & counselling
2. Employment & entrepreneurship support
3. Employer & industry engagement
4. Placement tracking & monitoring
* Note the “additional responsibilities” – community outreach, gender equity, data collection, and safeguarding.
* Keep these keywords in mind when you craft your CV and cover letter; the recruiter will be scanning for them.
2. Verify Eligibility Before Investing Time
* Educational criteria – a first‑class/first‑division degree (or equivalent CGPA). No more than one third‑class/division across the whole academic record.
* Experience – minimum 7 years full‑time in development, with at least 3 years in TVET/skills development. Experience in apprenticeship programmes, BTEB, NSDA, or large‑scale work‑based learning is a plus.
* Age – you must be 45 years or younger on the last application date (22 December 2025).
* Additional assets – own motorcycle with a valid driving licence, and preferably a background in gender‑responsive programming.
If any of the mandatory criteria are not met, consider whether you can obtain a waiver (very unlikely) or look for a different opening.
3. Research DESHA and the RAISE Project
* Visit the official website (www.desha.org.bd) and read recent press releases, annual reports, and project documents.
* Understand the partnership with PKSF, the budget size, and the geographic catchment area.
* Identify key stakeholders: local governments, MCPs, POs, BTEB, NSDA, private sector employers, and finance institutions that DESHA works with.
* Note any recent success stories or case studies – you can refer to these in your interview to demonstrate alignment.
4. Gather All Required Documents
* Updated Curriculum Vitae – maximum two pages, formatted in reverse chronological order.
* Tailored Cover Letter (max one page) that directly references the four core work streams and highlights at least three achievements that match the duties.
* Two recent passport‑size colour photographs.
* Scanned copies of: National ID, birth certificate, academic transcripts and degree certificates, professional certificates (e.g., TVET facilitation, project management), and any training on gender equity or safeguarding.
* Driving licence copy and motorcycle registration (if you own one).
Save all files as PDFs with clear names: “YourName_CV.pdf”, “YourName_CoverLetter.pdf”, etc.
5. Polish Your CV for This Role
*Header* – Name, phone, e‑mail, address, LinkedIn (if professional).
*Professional Summary* – 3‑4 lines summarizing 7+ years in development, expertise in TVET management, and a proven record of linking youth to jobs or enterprises.
*Key Competencies* – List exactly the terms used in the ToR (Career counselling, Business plan development, Employer engagement, Placement monitoring, Gender‑responsive programming, Safeguarding).
*Relevant Experience* – For each role, use bullet points that start with an action verb and quantify outcomes:
- “Delivered 48 life‑skills and entrepreneurship workshops to 1,200 urban youth, achieving a 78 % post‑training employment rate.”
- “Negotiated MoUs with 15 local employers, resulting in 250 on‑site interview slots per quarter.”
- “Managed a database of 2,500 apprentices, conducting monthly follow‑up calls and achieving 92 % retention.”
*Education* – Include degree, university, year, CGPA/grade, and note “First Division – eligible”.
*Additional Skills* – Proficiency in MS Office, data‑management tools (e.g., KoBoToolbox, Excel), basic accounting, and any local language proficiency beyond Bangla.
*References* – Prepare two professional references, but do not list them on the CV unless asked.
6. Write a Targeted Cover Letter
1. Opening paragraph – State the position you are applying for, where you found the vacancy, and a one‑sentence hook about why you are the ideal candidate.
2. Body paragraph 1 – Summarise your experience in career counselling and apprenticeship support, citing specific figures.
3. Body paragraph 2 – Highlight your track record in employer outreach, job fairs, and matchmaking, referencing any MoUs or recruitment events you led.
4. Body paragraph 3 – Demonstrate your commitment to inclusion (girls, PWDs, minorities) and safeguarding, perhaps by describing a gender‑equitable initiative you supervised.
5. Closing – Express enthusiasm for contributing to the RAISE project, mention your willingness to travel extensively, and state that you have attached the required documents.
Keep the tone professional yet personable; avoid generic statements.
7. Prepare for the Written/Online Assessment (if any)
*Potential topics*:
- Basics of TVET, apprenticeship models, BTEB standards.
- Job market analysis tools, labour market information (LMI) sources in Bangladesh.
- Designing a career‑counselling session (agenda, activities, evaluation).
- Gender‑responsive programming and safeguarding principles.
*Study resources*: DESHA’s project reports, PKSF guidelines, BTEB curriculum outlines, recent labor market surveys from Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, and UNDP/ILO guides on youth employment.
Practice answering short essay questions within 500 words and perform a quick data‑interpretation exercise using sample tables.
8. Interview Preparation
A. Know Your Stories – Prepare 4–5 STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) examples that cover:
- Facilitating a life‑skills workshop that led to job placement.
- Negotiating partnership with a private firm for apprenticeship slots.
- Conducting a gender‑sensitive outreach campaign that increased female participation by at least 20 %.
- Managing a large database and reporting on placement outcomes to donors.
B. Technical Knowledge – Be ready to discuss:
- The structure of Bangladesh’s TVET system, the role of BTEB, NSDA, and the apprenticeship policy framework.
- How you would design a “Recognition of Prior Learning” (RPL) pathway for informal sector workers.
- Methods for financial literacy training for micro‑entrepreneurs.
C. Situational Questions – Practice answers for scenarios such as:
- An apprentice drops out after two weeks; how would you re‑engage them?
- An employer requests fewer candidates than expected; how do you handle the mismatch?
D. Soft Skills – Emphasise communication, empathy, negotiation, and data‑driven decision making.
E. Logistics – Confirm you have a valid driving licence and a functional motorcycle; be ready to discuss how you will manage extensive field travel and safety precautions.
9. Final Checklist Before Submission
- [ ] Eligibility confirmed (age, education, experience).
- [ ] CV edited and tailored to the ToR.
- [ ] Cover letter completed and proof‑read.
- [ ] Two passport‑size colour photos scanned.
- [ ] National ID, birth certificate, academic certificates, and licences scanned.
- [ ] All files named correctly and combined into a single zip (if emailing) or attached individually (if sending by post).
- [ ] Application address written clearly: Deputy Director (HRD & Admin), DESHA, DESHA Tower, Upazilla More, Kushtia‑Jhenaidah Highway, Kushtia.
- [ ] Email drafted to deshakushtiahr@gmail.com with subject line “Application – Employment Support Officer‑2 – YourFullName”.
- [ ] Sent before 23 December 2025 23:59 BST.
10. Post‑Application Follow‑Up
* Email a brief thank‑you/confirmation note 24 hours after submission, stating you have sent all required documents and are available for any further information.
* Mark 1 week and 2 weeks on your calendar to follow up if you have not received an acknowledgement.
* Keep copies of all communications and be ready to provide additional documentation (e.g., salary slips, reference letters) if requested.
Key Tips to Stand Out
* Use numbers to quantify impact – recruiters love percentages, headcounts, and cost savings.
* Align your language with the ToR; repeat exact phrases such as “career preparation & counseling,” “employment & entrepreneurship support,” and “gender equity.”
* Highlight any experience working directly with PKSF, BTEB, or NSDA – these are preferred stakeholders.
* Demonstrate field‑readiness: mention your motorcycle, familiarity with the Kushtia‑Jhenaidah corridor, and strategies for safe travel.
* Show a growth mindset – discuss a lesson learned from a past project and how you applied it to improve subsequent outcomes.
What to Expect After the Interview
1. Shortlist – you may be asked to submit a brief project proposal (e.g., a 2‑page plan for a youth job‑fair).
2. Reference Checks – ensure your referees are prepared to speak about your TVET and employment‑support experience.
3. Offer – the salary is a fixed Tk. 47,000 per month inclusive of tax; clarify any additional benefits (transport allowance, health insurance, professional development).
Final Thought
Treat this application as a consultancy pitch. You are selling yourself as the solution to DESHA’s need for a dynamic professional who can bridge youth skills with the labour market while championing inclusion and safeguarding. By following the steps above, you will present a coherent, evidence‑based profile that aligns perfectly with the role’s expectations. Good luck!
Below is a step‑by‑step guide that will help you move from the moment you read the vacancy to the day you walk into the interview confident and ready. Follow each step carefully and keep a checklist so you do not miss any requirement.
1. Read the Terms of Reference (ToR) Closely
* Identify the four core work streams:
1. Career preparation & counselling
2. Employment & entrepreneurship support
3. Employer & industry engagement
4. Placement tracking & monitoring
* Note the “additional responsibilities” – community outreach, gender equity, data collection, and safeguarding.
* Keep these keywords in mind when you craft your CV and cover letter; the recruiter will be scanning for them.
2. Verify Eligibility Before Investing Time
* Educational criteria – a first‑class/first‑division degree (or equivalent CGPA). No more than one third‑class/division across the whole academic record.
* Experience – minimum 7 years full‑time in development, with at least 3 years in TVET/skills development. Experience in apprenticeship programmes, BTEB, NSDA, or large‑scale work‑based learning is a plus.
* Age – you must be 45 years or younger on the last application date (22 December 2025).
* Additional assets – own motorcycle with a valid driving licence, and preferably a background in gender‑responsive programming.
If any of the mandatory criteria are not met, consider whether you can obtain a waiver (very unlikely) or look for a different opening.
3. Research DESHA and the RAISE Project
* Visit the official website (www.desha.org.bd) and read recent press releases, annual reports, and project documents.
* Understand the partnership with PKSF, the budget size, and the geographic catchment area.
* Identify key stakeholders: local governments, MCPs, POs, BTEB, NSDA, private sector employers, and finance institutions that DESHA works with.
* Note any recent success stories or case studies – you can refer to these in your interview to demonstrate alignment.
4. Gather All Required Documents
* Updated Curriculum Vitae – maximum two pages, formatted in reverse chronological order.
* Tailored Cover Letter (max one page) that directly references the four core work streams and highlights at least three achievements that match the duties.
* Two recent passport‑size colour photographs.
* Scanned copies of: National ID, birth certificate, academic transcripts and degree certificates, professional certificates (e.g., TVET facilitation, project management), and any training on gender equity or safeguarding.
* Driving licence copy and motorcycle registration (if you own one).
Save all files as PDFs with clear names: “YourName_CV.pdf”, “YourName_CoverLetter.pdf”, etc.
5. Polish Your CV for This Role
*Header* – Name, phone, e‑mail, address, LinkedIn (if professional).
*Professional Summary* – 3‑4 lines summarizing 7+ years in development, expertise in TVET management, and a proven record of linking youth to jobs or enterprises.
*Key Competencies* – List exactly the terms used in the ToR (Career counselling, Business plan development, Employer engagement, Placement monitoring, Gender‑responsive programming, Safeguarding).
*Relevant Experience* – For each role, use bullet points that start with an action verb and quantify outcomes:
- “Delivered 48 life‑skills and entrepreneurship workshops to 1,200 urban youth, achieving a 78 % post‑training employment rate.”
- “Negotiated MoUs with 15 local employers, resulting in 250 on‑site interview slots per quarter.”
- “Managed a database of 2,500 apprentices, conducting monthly follow‑up calls and achieving 92 % retention.”
*Education* – Include degree, university, year, CGPA/grade, and note “First Division – eligible”.
*Additional Skills* – Proficiency in MS Office, data‑management tools (e.g., KoBoToolbox, Excel), basic accounting, and any local language proficiency beyond Bangla.
*References* – Prepare two professional references, but do not list them on the CV unless asked.
6. Write a Targeted Cover Letter
1. Opening paragraph – State the position you are applying for, where you found the vacancy, and a one‑sentence hook about why you are the ideal candidate.
2. Body paragraph 1 – Summarise your experience in career counselling and apprenticeship support, citing specific figures.
3. Body paragraph 2 – Highlight your track record in employer outreach, job fairs, and matchmaking, referencing any MoUs or recruitment events you led.
4. Body paragraph 3 – Demonstrate your commitment to inclusion (girls, PWDs, minorities) and safeguarding, perhaps by describing a gender‑equitable initiative you supervised.
5. Closing – Express enthusiasm for contributing to the RAISE project, mention your willingness to travel extensively, and state that you have attached the required documents.
Keep the tone professional yet personable; avoid generic statements.
7. Prepare for the Written/Online Assessment (if any)
*Potential topics*:
- Basics of TVET, apprenticeship models, BTEB standards.
- Job market analysis tools, labour market information (LMI) sources in Bangladesh.
- Designing a career‑counselling session (agenda, activities, evaluation).
- Gender‑responsive programming and safeguarding principles.
*Study resources*: DESHA’s project reports, PKSF guidelines, BTEB curriculum outlines, recent labor market surveys from Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, and UNDP/ILO guides on youth employment.
Practice answering short essay questions within 500 words and perform a quick data‑interpretation exercise using sample tables.
8. Interview Preparation
A. Know Your Stories – Prepare 4–5 STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) examples that cover:
- Facilitating a life‑skills workshop that led to job placement.
- Negotiating partnership with a private firm for apprenticeship slots.
- Conducting a gender‑sensitive outreach campaign that increased female participation by at least 20 %.
- Managing a large database and reporting on placement outcomes to donors.
B. Technical Knowledge – Be ready to discuss:
- The structure of Bangladesh’s TVET system, the role of BTEB, NSDA, and the apprenticeship policy framework.
- How you would design a “Recognition of Prior Learning” (RPL) pathway for informal sector workers.
- Methods for financial literacy training for micro‑entrepreneurs.
C. Situational Questions – Practice answers for scenarios such as:
- An apprentice drops out after two weeks; how would you re‑engage them?
- An employer requests fewer candidates than expected; how do you handle the mismatch?
D. Soft Skills – Emphasise communication, empathy, negotiation, and data‑driven decision making.
E. Logistics – Confirm you have a valid driving licence and a functional motorcycle; be ready to discuss how you will manage extensive field travel and safety precautions.
9. Final Checklist Before Submission
- [ ] Eligibility confirmed (age, education, experience).
- [ ] CV edited and tailored to the ToR.
- [ ] Cover letter completed and proof‑read.
- [ ] Two passport‑size colour photos scanned.
- [ ] National ID, birth certificate, academic certificates, and licences scanned.
- [ ] All files named correctly and combined into a single zip (if emailing) or attached individually (if sending by post).
- [ ] Application address written clearly: Deputy Director (HRD & Admin), DESHA, DESHA Tower, Upazilla More, Kushtia‑Jhenaidah Highway, Kushtia.
- [ ] Email drafted to deshakushtiahr@gmail.com with subject line “Application – Employment Support Officer‑2 – YourFullName”.
- [ ] Sent before 23 December 2025 23:59 BST.
10. Post‑Application Follow‑Up
* Email a brief thank‑you/confirmation note 24 hours after submission, stating you have sent all required documents and are available for any further information.
* Mark 1 week and 2 weeks on your calendar to follow up if you have not received an acknowledgement.
* Keep copies of all communications and be ready to provide additional documentation (e.g., salary slips, reference letters) if requested.
Key Tips to Stand Out
* Use numbers to quantify impact – recruiters love percentages, headcounts, and cost savings.
* Align your language with the ToR; repeat exact phrases such as “career preparation & counseling,” “employment & entrepreneurship support,” and “gender equity.”
* Highlight any experience working directly with PKSF, BTEB, or NSDA – these are preferred stakeholders.
* Demonstrate field‑readiness: mention your motorcycle, familiarity with the Kushtia‑Jhenaidah corridor, and strategies for safe travel.
* Show a growth mindset – discuss a lesson learned from a past project and how you applied it to improve subsequent outcomes.
What to Expect After the Interview
1. Shortlist – you may be asked to submit a brief project proposal (e.g., a 2‑page plan for a youth job‑fair).
2. Reference Checks – ensure your referees are prepared to speak about your TVET and employment‑support experience.
3. Offer – the salary is a fixed Tk. 47,000 per month inclusive of tax; clarify any additional benefits (transport allowance, health insurance, professional development).
Final Thought
Treat this application as a consultancy pitch. You are selling yourself as the solution to DESHA’s need for a dynamic professional who can bridge youth skills with the labour market while championing inclusion and safeguarding. By following the steps above, you will present a coherent, evidence‑based profile that aligns perfectly with the role’s expectations. Good luck!
