Apply for the BRAC BRIDGE Returnship Programme 2026 – Reignite Your Career

BRAC is accepting applications for its 2026 BRIDGE Returnship Programme. The BRIDGE Returnship Programme is a specialized, six-month professional re-entry initiative launched by BRAC, one of the world’s leading non-governmental development organizations. This program is strategically designed to address the systemic challenges faced by women who have taken a voluntary or involuntary break from their professional careers and now seek to reintegrate into the formal workforce.

Recognizing that career interruptions often due to maternity, eldercare, family relocation, or health reasons can create significant barriers to re-employment, BRAC created BRIDGE as a practical solution. The program operates on the core belief that a career break does not diminish a woman’s talent, skill, or potential. Instead, it provides a structured, supportive “bridge” back to professional life.

The program’s holistic approach combines several key elements:

• Real-World Work Assignments: Participants are integrated into live BRAC projects and departments, gaining hands-on experience in areas such as project management, monitoring & evaluation, research, communications, and finance.
• Skill Refreshment & Development: The curriculum is designed to update participants on current industry tools, digital literacy, and professional best practices that may have evolved during their absence.
• Confidence & Identity Rebuilding: Through coaching and peer support, the program focuses on restoring professional self-assurance and helping women reclaim their career narratives.
• Mentorship & Networking: Each participant is paired with an experienced mentor from BRAC’s leadership or a partner organization. The program also facilitates connections with a broad network of professionals across the NGO, corporate, and development sectors in Bangladesh.

The ultimate goal of BRIDGE is twofold; to empower individual women with the tools and confidence for sustained career success, and to encourage a broader cultural shift among employers in Bangladesh to recognize and value the unique strengths and experiences of returning professionals.

Eligibility Criteria

The BRIDGE Returnship Programme has established specific criteria to ensure it serves its target demographic effectively. Applicants must meticulously review and meet all the following conditions:

1. Gender & Career Status: The program is exclusively for women who are currently on a career break and are not engaged in full-time formal employment at the time of application.
2. Career Break Duration: Applicants must have had a continuous break from formal employment for at least one (1) year. This break should be clearly identifiable on their career timeline.
3. Professional Experience: Candidates must possess a minimum of three (3) years of cumulative professional work experience prior to their break. This experience must be from a recognized and verifiable organization (corporate, NGO, development agency, etc.).
4. Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree from a university accredited by the relevant government authority is a mandatory requirement. The field of study may vary.
5. Commitment & Availability: Applicants must be able to commit fully to the entire six-month, full-time duration of the program in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This includes all in-person trainings, work assignments, and networking events.

Program Requirements & Expectations

Upon selection, participants enter into a mutually committed partnership with the BRIDGE programme. The following are the core requirements and expectations:

• Full-Time Engagement: Participants are expected to treat the returnship as a full-time professional commitment, adhering to assigned schedules and project deadlines.
• Active Project Participation: Participants will be placed within specific BRAC programmes or support divisions and are required to contribute meaningfully to ongoing work, delivering on assigned tasks and project objectives.
• Mentorship & Learning Sessions: Regular attendance and active participation in all scheduled mentorship meetings, workshops, soft-skills training, and professional development seminars are mandatory.
• Networking and Community Involvement: Participants are expected to engage proactively in organized networking events and community-building activities with fellow returners, BRAC staff, and partner professionals.
• Final Presentation & Portfolio: At the conclusion of the program, participants will typically be required to present a summary of their key learnings, project contributions, and a personal career roadmap.

Who Can Apply: Ideal Candidate Profile

The BRIDGE programme is designed for a diverse group of talented women whose careers have been paused. Ideal candidates include, but are not limited to:

• Professionals from Various Sectors: Women with prior experience in development, banking, finance, education, IT, marketing, communications, human resources, public health, or project management.

Reasons for Break: Those who paused their careers for:

• Family & Caregiving: Maternity, child-rearing, or caring for elderly or sick family members.
• Personal Development: Pursuing further studies, personal health reasons, or sabbaticals.
• Relocation: Moving due to a spouse’s job transfer or other family reasons.
• Workplace Challenges: Facing unsupportive work environments, burnout, or a lack of growth opportunities.

Personal Motivation: Women who are now driven by a strong desire to:

• Regain financial independence and professional purpose.
• Update their skills and reconnect with the professional world.
• Build a sustainable, long-term career path.
• Serve as role models and contribute their expertise to societal development.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying to the BRIDGE Returnship Programme is conducted entirely online. Follow these steps to ensure a complete application:

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to the dedicated BRIDGE Returnship application website
2. Review Information Thoroughly: Carefully read all program details, FAQs, and testimonies from past cohorts to ensure the program aligns with your goals.
3. Prepare Required Documents: Before starting the application, prepare digital copies (scans or clear photos) of the following:
4. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV): Clearly indicating your career timeline, including the period of your break.
5. Academic Certificates: Copies of your Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts.
6. Experience Certificates: Proof of your minimum three years of prior professional experience.
7. National ID Card or Passport: A copy for identification purposes.
8. A Personal Statement (if required): Be prepared to write a brief essay on your career break, motivation for returning, and aspirations.

4. Complete the Online Application Form: Fill in all sections of the form accurately. This will include personal details, educational background, work history, details of your career break, and your motivations for applying.
5. Upload Documents: Attach all the prepared documents in the specified formats and file sizes.
6. Review and Submit: Double-check all entered information and uploaded files for accuracy before final submission. You should receive an automated confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your application.

Click here to apply

Application Deadline & Important Dates

• Application Opening Date: The application window is now officially OPEN.
• Final Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted electronically no later than 11:59 PM (Bangladesh Standard Time) on Wednesday, 21 January 2026. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

Next Steps Post-Deadline:

• Screening & Shortlisting: Applications will be reviewed after the deadline. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage, which may include assessments or interviews.
• Interview Period: Interviews for shortlisted candidates are anticipated to be held in February 2026.
• Final Selection & Onboarding: Final selections will be announced, and the six-month program is expected to commence in Spring 2026.

Applicants are strongly advised not to wait until the deadline day to submit, to avoid last-minute technical issues or internet connectivity problems.