Bishwajit Paul

Experienced private sector engagement and CSR specialist with a proven track record in implementing development programs and driving market-based initiatives. Currently contributing to the successful implementation of the USAID Agricultural Infrastructure Development Activity in the Southwest region of Bangladesh at Amentum USA. Previously served as a consultant for SMK, a renowned development organization, leading various training, workshop, and research activities to assess alternative livelihood opportunities, market assessment, private sector engagement, and entrepreneurship development. Throughout my career, worked in different development sectors and private sectors, implementing market and livelihood-based programs, women economic development initiatives, market and supply chain development projects, and entrepreneurship capacity development training for both communities and staff members. Prior to that, headed the Business Development Department at Fanam Group, a renowned multi-sectorial business group of industries within Prabashi Polli Group. In this role, generated new business ideas, promoted product brands, led e-commerce initiatives, managed various CSR programs, and developed partnerships with development sectors. Additionally, held positions as AGM-Sales & Marketing at Toggi World and Ultimate Fun Factory under Bashundhara Group. Excelled in sales and marketing strategies, brand management, business development, and overseeing operations. With over 22 years of work experience in sales, program management, economic development, brand management, market and business development, financial inclusion, CSR, and project management in both rural and urban areas. Successfully led activities with entrepreneurs to grow their businesses under various projects funded by organizations such as Canadian CIDA, DFID (UK Aid), CARE-USA collaboration project (USAID funded), CARE Bangladesh's Private Sector Engagement Team (funded by CARE International), DFID & GoB funded Urban Partnership for Poverty Reduction project. Also conducted assessments and capacity-building training for entrepreneurs on supply chain management and business development services in various geographical locations including Cox's Bazar. During tenure as a focal point for private sector development at Sida-Swedish Embassy, successfully led projects such as UNIDO-PRAN, ILO skill development initiatives in the RMG sector as well as ADB and World Bank-financed projects.

• Online e-commerce courses.
• Attended 4 days’ workshop on financial inclusion arranged by CARE USA at Nairobi, Kenya in 2016.
• Attended DCED Seminar & Realworld Evaluation training at Bangkok in 2016.
• Attended 10 days orientation training at Stockholm, Sweden arranged by Sida & Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2015.
• Attended 21 days Management and Implementation of Development Programs at AIT, Bangkok in 2011.
• Attended workshop on Professional Success Paradigm and Leadership & Management by CARE and Facilitated by Oracle Management System, Mumbai, India in 2008.
• Completed ToT on Creative Sales & Marketing Mgt. organized by CARE and Facilitated by Oracle Management System, Mumbai, India in 2008.
• Attended 07 days’ workshop in Nairobi, Kenya on Building Effective Social Enterprise Managers organized by CARE Enterprise Partners of CARE- Canada, CIDA & AUS aid in 2006.
• Attended workshop on understanding of M4P and BDS organized by CARE & Lotus Opportunities, Nepal in 2005.
• Completed ToT on Value chain analysis workshop on Business Service Development organized by Action for Enterprise, USA and CARE Bangladesh in 2005.
• Successful completion of five days long workshop on Executive Management conducted by Bangladesh Institute of Management in 1998.
• 03 months Internee at AMAM Seafood Ind. Ltd. on finding alternate market for exporting Bangladeshi shrimp.