Field Associate

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Field Associate

Number of Positions: 1

Location: Deukhuri (Lumbini Province)

Full-time 

Position: Field Associate

Duration: 12 months

Reporting to: Province Field Coordinator

Partner Organizations: Governance Lab (GovLab) at Daayitwa Abhiyaan, CASA Program

Location: Lumbini Province, Nepal

1. Background

Governance Lab Pvt. Ltd. (GovLab) at Daayitwa Abhiyaan brings together policy-making researchers, leaders and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and advocate for evidence-based policymaking to achieve sustainable development in Nepal. 

GovLab has conducted policy research that aligns with government priorities in areas of youth employment, women’s economic empowerment, access to investment, entrepreneurship ecosystem, and governance reform. Some of our highlighted research work include ‘Insights from Nepal on UN High-Level Panel’s 7 Drivers of Change for Women’s Economic Empowerment’ (in partnership with Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens) and ‘Evaluation of Microenterprise Graduation in Lumbini and Madhesh Provinces’ (in partnership with Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies).

In partnership with CASA, GovLab is working to enhance the capacity of provincial government officials in Lumbini Province. This initiative focuses on improving the business environment for MSMEs in Lumbini Province by strengthening provincial governance systems, with a particular emphasis on agribusiness policy reforms. It  equips public officials with the tools and knowledge necessary to improve the business environment for SMEs in agricultural value chains. By offering capacity-building initiatives on industrial policies, economic management, and SME development—leveraging expertise from academic institutions and international organizations—GovLab aims to support provincial ministries, including the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, and Transportation (MoITT), the Ministry of Agriculture, Land Management, and Cooperatives (MoALC), and the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation (MoEWRI), in making more informed policy decisions that foster agribusiness growth and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

2. Job Description

The Field Associate will play a key role in supporting the successful implementation of project activities focused on enhancing the business enabling environment (BEE) for MSMEs in Lumbini Province. Collaborating closely with the Province Field Coordinator, the Field Associate will assist in stakeholder engagement, field operations, data collection, and reporting. Field Associate will help manage field-level activities, ensuring seamless coordination between local stakeholders and project teams. Additionally, the Field Associate will provide support to the Province Field Coordinator in executing and monitoring project interventions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Coordination

• Support in planning and execution of project activities, ensuring alignment with the overall objectives of strengthening the business-enabling environment (BEE) for MSMEs in Lumbini Province.
• Monitor project timelines and milestones to ensure activities are completed on schedule in coordination with the Project Lead, Province Field Coordinator, and relevant stakeholders.
• Support in document progress, ensuring that the project is on track, and provide regular updates to the Project Lead.

2. Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with government officials from the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, and Transportation (MoITT), Ministry of Agriculture, Land Management, and Cooperatives (MoALC), and other key ministries.
• Coordinate multi-stakeholder consultations to gather insights from MSMEs, business membership organizations (BMOs), local governments, and other relevant actors.
• Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to ensure effective communication and collaboration throughout the project.

3. Capacity Building

• Assist in organizing orientations and training sessions aimed at empowering government officials and MSMEs in policy development and implementation.
• Support the Governance Fellows and other team members in carrying out research and drafting reports or policy briefs as needed.

4. Research and Analysis

• Conduct research on policy frameworks, existing challenges, and opportunities in the agribusiness sector, and assist in the development of policy recommendations.
• Assist in drafting and editing policy documents, reports, and presentations for both internal and external use.

5. Event Coordination

• Organize and coordinate policy leadership, courses, dialogues, and symposiums, including the Provincial Governance Symposium, which brings together key MSME stakeholders and provincial government representatives.
• Support the preparation and management of events, ensuring all logistical needs are met.

Requirement: 

• Master’s in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Agriculture, Economics, or other related fields. 
• At least 1 years of experience working in a project or program setting. Proven track record in coordinating projects at the local or federal level. 
• Experience in relevant Provinces would be an added advantage. The candidate should also have technical, supervisory, and management experience in governance and social system strengthening programs of a similar scope and scale.
• Understanding of social issues related to youth employment, youth entrepreneurship, and community-driven development.
• Recognized expertise in rural development, community engagement, government collaboration and private sector development.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a diverse, team-oriented environment.
• Strong motivation, self-starter, and organizational/time management skills. 
• Proven ability to handle multiple tasks at a time within deadlines.
• Willingness to learn and work hard. A growth mindset is key.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills in English and Nepali.

3. Application Procedure and Additional Information

Compensation: GovLab will provide compensation on a monthly rate basis. The rate will be mutually agreed upon, commensurate with the level of the required deliverables, the qualifications and experience of the candidate. 

If you're keen on this position, kindly complete the form below by 26th January 2025. To access the page, please click on the provided link and right-click to go to the link.

https://forms.gle/2oNP8TnZmEUsbaaj8

In the subject line, please include the “Job Title followed by your first and last name (e.g., “XXX – Sabina Nepali)”. Attach the following documents in a single PDF file, maintaining the specified order:

• Cover letter (one page max)
• CV 
• Academic transcripts/certificate for most recent qualification

Deadline: 26th January 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The vacancy may be closed prior to the deadline if a suitable candidate is found.

Governance Lab is committed to promoting workforce diversity and actively encourages applications from individuals belonging to marginalized and discriminated groups, including women, Dalit, Janajati, Madhesi/Terai, and other minority communities. The organization values inclusive representation and strives to create a diverse and equitable working environment.