Program Officer (Consultant)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Date of Announcement: July 12, 2024

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Informed by 70 years of experience and deep local knowledge, our work is focused on governance, climate action, gender equality, education and leadership, inclusive growth, and international cooperation. We work in more than 20 countries through our 17 permanent country offices and programs across Asia and the Pacific, supported by a headquarters in San Francisco and an office in Washington, DC. Our funding comes from a diverse array of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.

The Asia Foundation (the Foundation) invites applications from interested candidates to provide comprehensive support for the implementation of USAID Civil Society and Media Program (CSM) projects in Madhesh & Lumbini Province.

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Program Officer (Consultant)

CONTRACT PERIOD: August 2024 to December 2024 (with the possibility of extension)

UNIT: Nepal Office

REPORTS TO: Program Manager

SUPERVISES: NA

LOCATION: Lumbini (Butwal) and Madhesh (Janakpur) - One for each.

1. SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Officer (Consultant) will provide comprehensive support for the implementation of projects in Madhesh province (Janakpur) and Lumbini province (Butwal) under USAID Civil Society and Media Program (CSM). This includes identifying emerging issues and program opportunities, assisting with program design and implementation, and acting as the point of contact for assigned implementing partner organizations.

The Program Officer (Consultant) will also be responsible for building and maintaining strategic partnerships, cultivating, and supporting formal and informal networks, and managing Challenge Fund recipients, and service providers. They will facilitate workshops, training, or other on-demand services either directly or through other external technical resources, and ensure activities are accessible, equitable, and inclusive for targeted groups. They will keep track of implementing partners’ requests for support, organize training, conduct one-on-one sessions, and link individuals with coaches and mentors, as needed.

The Program Officer (Consultant) will be responsible for supporting the small grants and challenge fund processes, which include initiating ideas/concepts, preparing solicitations for the call for applications, facilitating the evaluation process, and co-creating and preparing program descriptions and giving shape to projects. They will also be responsible for exploring the areas of interventions through small grants that address the pressing issues pertaining to Women, Youth, and Marginalized communities, initiating, and leading the entire process of small grants adhering to the compliances of grants and finance.

2. RELATIONSHIPS

Internal

Close contact with the Partnership and Challenge Fund team and with all staff within the provincial office based in Janakpur and Butwal as well as at the Foundation’s country office in Kathmandu.

External

Regular contact with grantees, independent contractors, government officials and agencies, bilateral and multilateral development agencies and donors, business sector and civil society organizations, media, professional organizations, and academic and other local institutions.

3. REQUIREMENTS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in development studies, sociology, public policy, law, political science, economics, international development, international relations, or other relevant fields.

Experience

Minimum five years of relevant experience in development assistance, civil society, and nongovernmental institutions. Three years of relevant experience will be adequate for candidates with a master's degree. Proven project design and management skills and experience, with strong problemsolving ability. Experience in report writing, monitoring, and financial and grants management.

Other

Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of Nepal’s political, economic, and social context along with the knowledge of civil society, media, and education landscape in the country. Knowledge of regional and provincial development, local governance, and social initiatives in Madhesh and Lumbini provinces will be integral to the position and highly valued. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in both English and Nepali, (Proficiency in a local language spoken in the Madhesh and Lumbini provinces is preferred). Ability to harmoniously interact with people from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. Familiar with the latest developments in communication channels across online and offline platform. Ability to conduct thorough need assessments to gauge training requirements. Proficient in Microsoft suite (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Internet. Ability to prioritize and critically analyze information. Willingness to travel to districts across the respective provinces. Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment.

4. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Support and Management

• Work closely with the partnership and challenge fund team, Program Managers (Madhesh Province and Lumbini Province) and respective provinces team to provide overall support for the implementation of CSM Program and help establish synergies and coherence between the different components of the Program.
• Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of program activities, ensuring alignment with program objectives and timelines.
• Identify and curate training and skills development programs tailored to address the needs and skill gaps of program partners and Challenge Fund recipients.
• Support partners in enhancing their operational capabilities, organizational development, monitoring, governance, leadership skills, and organizational management.
• Assist partners in report writing and documentation of program impacts, ensuring highquality outputs.
• Be informed and knowledgeable on the array of toolkits and resources available to strengthen skills and share such resources with partners and Challenge Fund recipients, especially those from Women Youth & Marginalized (WYM) communities.
• Support the establishment of strategic partnerships with media, civil society, academic and research institutions, business entities, and development partners.
• Identify and engage with non-traditional organizations and those led by or representing WYM communities to broaden the program’s impact.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to build and maintain relationships that advance program goals.
• Provide technical inputs for activities that promote Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) at the national and subnational levels.
• Conduct research and prepare briefing notes, presentations, and other relevant materials to support program activities.
• Contribute to the development and dissemination of high-quality knowledge products through analytical inputs and critical reviews.
• Support the design and delivery of training and orientation sessions to disseminate knowledge products effectively.
• Track ongoing activities of partners/grantees and ensure that timely updates and reports are received from partners/grantees.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all the Foundation and donor policies, procedures and practices when carrying out all activities.
• Explore the areas of interventions for small grants in response to the pertinent issues related to WYM communities, initiating, and leading the entire process of small grants adhering to the compliances of grants and finance.
• Support for the process of challenge fund, drafting of concepts, preparing of solicitations for call for application, co-ideating, and preparing of program descriptions.

Financial Management

• Assist in conducting due diligence of potential partners/grantees in coordination with Finance & Grants unit.
• Assist potential partners/grantees to develop their budget, monitor their expenditures, and ensure that they are within approved budgets, and that spending targets are met.
• Ensure all financial documentation related to project activities is prepared, updated, and settled, including supporting documents, in accordance with Foundation’s policies.

Representation

• Participate in the Foundation’s or other meetings, professional forums, and events with development partners, governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to writing articles, other written materials, and documentation for publication by the program or the Foundation.

Other Responsibilities

• Provide support to other ongoing programs and activities of the Foundation as required.
• Support fundraising and bid proposal development as assigned.
• Perform other tasks as required and consistent with these responsibilities and as assigned by the Country Representative or designate.

Applicants are requested to read through the job descriptions above for the position. Job shall be applied through the Foundation Online Job Application form HERE by July 21, 2024. Please attach your Curricular Vitae (CV) along with a cover letter describing suitability for the position in the Job Application form. In case of any technical difficulties, queries can be forwarded to country.nepal.jobs@asiafoundation.org. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Telephone calls will not be entertained.

The Asia Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive office environment. Women and people from economically and socially excluded groups, especially from Madhesh province and Lumbini province are encouraged to apply.