Province Field Coordinator

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Province Field Coordinator

No. of Position: 1

Location: Deukhuri (Lumbini Province)

Full-time

Position: Province Field Coordinator

Duration: 12 months

Reporting to: Project Manager

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 Province Field Coordinator will be instrumental in ensuring the effective on-the-ground implementation of the program. This role involves serving as a key liaison between provincial government officials, stakeholders, and project teams. The Coordinator will oversee field operations, ensuring the seamless execution of project activities, and will facilitate collaboration among key stakeholders at both the provincial and municipal levels. A primary focus of the role will be to ensure the timely and successful implementation of policy interventions aimed at strengthening the business enabling environment (BEE) for MSMEs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Coordination and Implementation:

• Oversee day-to-day implementation of project activities in Lumbini Province, ensuring alignment with the overall project plan and timeline.
• Act as the primary point of contact between GovLab, provincial government officials, and other stakeholders, including SMEs and business membership organizations.
• Coordinate field visits, workshops, stakeholder consultations, and training sessions, ensuring high participation and engagement from relevant actors.

2. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with provincial ministries, particularly the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, and Transportation (MoITT), Ministry of Agriculture, Land Management, and Cooperatives (MoALC), and Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation (MoEWRI).
• Engage local government officials, SMEs, industry leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to gather input and foster collaboration on policy reforms and capacity-building initiatives.
• Facilitate the organization of multi-stakeholder dialogues, provincial symposiums, and policy consultation workshops.

3. Support to Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) Team:

• Work closely with the RRI team to define specific policy problems related to the agribusiness MSME sector and develop action plans for implementation.
• Provide logistical and operational support to the RRI team, ensuring that the 100-day action plan is effectively executed, and outcomes are achieved.
• Coordinate with RRI team members and provincial officials to ensure that progress reviews, adaptations, and evaluations are conducted in a timely manner.

4. Capacity Building:

• Assist in organizing and delivering capacity-building activities, including fellowships, and training programs for provincial government officials on SME policy, governance, and economic management.
• Support the Executive Policy Leadership Course and other training initiatives by ensuring that provincial officials receive the necessary resources and follow-up support.

5. Monitoring and Reporting:

• Monitor the progress of field activities and provide regular updates to the project management team on key milestones, challenges, and successes.
• Prepare and submit detailed field reports, including summaries of stakeholder consultations, training sessions, and policy outcomes.
• Track project indicators, assess the impact of policy interventions, and suggest corrective actions if necessary.

6. Logistical and Administrative Support:

• Manage logistical arrangements for field activities, including coordination of travel, meeting venues, and resource materials.
• Ensure proper documentation of all field-level activities, including attendance, meeting notes, and action plans.

Deliverables

1. Field Reports:

• Comprehensive reports summarizing the progress of project activities, including stakeholder engagement, capacity-building efforts, and policy implementation updates.
• Documentation of consultations and key findings from dialogues and workshops.

2. Event Coordination:

• Successful coordination of provincial symposiums, policy leadership courses, policy dialogues, and fellowships with detailed post-event reports.

3. Monitoring Data:

• Regular updates on field-level progress and performance, including key performance indicators (KPIs) related to policy reform, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement.

4. Support for Policy Documents:

• Contribute to the drafting and review of policy documents, such as SME policy reform recommendations, action plans, and productivity-linked subsidy frameworks.

Requirement:

• Master’s in Public Policy, Development Studies, Economics, or other related fields.
• At least 3 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. 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/afrySqeqmZRTdy5U8

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.