Senior Government Liaison (STTA)

Scope of Work

USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal)

Senior Government Liaison

USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal) will conserve nature, enhance human well-being, and safeguard Nepal’s biodiversity to improve the health of ecosystems, fight environmental crime, and improve the ability of communities to prepare for and adapt to impacts caused by climate change and natural disasters. The activity will achieve measurable conservation targets within the biodiversity-rich, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems in and around the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape, Kailash Sacred Landscape, Terai Arc Landscape, and the proposed Karnali Conservation Landscape while increasing resilience to climate change and contributing to the inclusive and sustainable development of the Nepali people. To accomplish this, USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal) will implement activities aligned with three mutually interrelated and reinforcing objectives: Improve the health of ecosystems (Objective 1), Strengthen environmental crime control and natural resource safeguards (Objective 2), enhance the climate resilience of natural and human systems (Objective 3) and Enhance government collaboration and liaison. 

1.         Objectives of the assignment 

The Ministry of Forest and Environment (MOFE) is the Government of Nepal (GoN) focal ministry for USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal).  The activity is aligned and works closely with MOFE, other relevant ministries and departments, provincial government, and with local government to identify priorities and implement activities. The Senior Government Liaison will support communications, collaboration, and alignment with GoN priorities. S/he will support solutions, provide technical inputs on relevant policies, and provide technical support at national, provincial, and municipal levels. The Senior Government Liaison will ensure effective coordination and collaboration with the GoN for further aligning USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal) with national priorities, fostering ownership at national, provincial, and local levels to promote sustainability through government ownership and system institutionalization.

2.         Tasks & Responsibilities

• At a national level, support USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal) to maintain positive and collaborative relationships with MOFE and other key ministries or departments to ensure smooth communication and coordination.
• Advise the team on emerging issues related to biodiversity conservation such as human-wildlife conflict, the impact of infrastructure development on protected areas, and environmental crime on biodiversity conservation.
• Facilitate workshops, roundtable meetings, or policy dialogues with GON stakeholders and other conservation stakeholders to address these emerging issues mentioned above. 
• In coordination with the DCOP, participate in meetings with USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal) counterpart ministries and departments to support opportunities and needs on policy and institutional development. Support USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal) technical team on strategies for effective collaboration, implementation, and monitoring of activities. 
• Support in convening annual Project Steering Committee (PSC) meetings and to more frequently convene the Project Working Group (PWG).
• Support the USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal) technical team to engage on federal, provincial, and local policy formulation including those related to biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation.  
• Guide USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal) in integrating effectively into government systems and structures to ensure the institutionalization of best practices and legislative support, strengthening systems, and promoting sustainability, particularly at the national and provincial levels.
• Support USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal) to liaise with Ministry of Finance (MoF) on administrative issues and the potential debt swap assessment.    
• Prepare and submit brief monthly reports that summarize key activities, meetings, and functions.

3.         Qualifications 

• At least 15 years of experience, including relevant work in biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation, management, law, public policy, or public administration. 
• Strong knowledge, familiarity, and experience with political, governance, social, economic and cultural context of Nepal.
• Strong facilitation skills to lead workshops and technical discussions between GON, donor government agencies, and projects. 
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain high-level relationships with GoN, facilitate multi-sectoral collaboration, and advocate for project alignment with national priorities while ensuring institutional buy-in and sustainability.
• Knowledge of Nepal’s current federal system and new laws related to management of biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation related practices. 
• Prior work experience with national-level biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation institutions or donors, directly with the Government of Nepal, or retired from senior position of GoN.
• Master’s degree in relevant field required. 
• Excellent communication skills in both English and Nepali are required.

Application Link: 

https://fs23.formsite.com/OLJTgx/9bu0frj11f/index

Application instructions:

Please select the position and location for which you are interested in applying for, fill out the required information and upload your CV. Only shortlisted applicants will receive notifications on the next steps.

Interested candidates should submit their application no later than 1 January 2025. 

Women and persons from excluded groups are encouraged to apply.

DAI promotes workforce diversity and considers excluded groups to include women, Dalits, indigenous ethnic groups, Madhesi, Muslim, persons with disabilities, people living in remote areas, and sexual and gender minorities.