Deputy Program Director

Job Description

Summary

The Deputy Program Director is responsible for the day-to-day management and operational aspects of The Asia Foundation-Australian Government Partnership on Subnational Governance in Nepal. Core responsibilities include producing high-quality progress reports including budget and expenditure data; providing oversight to cross cutting themes such as communications, risk management, and GESI mainstreaming; ensuring sound financial and budget management including grants management; and maintaining effective coordination and work relationships amongst program areas/team members. The position is also expected to support  establishment of high-level strategic partnerships with government, civil society, academic and research institutions, business associations, and development partners. S/he will ensure the use of a politically informed, flexible, iterative programming approach. Furthermore, s/he will participate in regular field visits to program locations to monitor program activities, identify issues and challenges, and develop and recommend solutions. The Deputy Program Director will report to the Program Director while working closely with all team members within the Foundation’s Kathmandu Office.

Requirements

Education

Master’s or advanced degree in management or business administration, political sciences, public policy, international development, economics, social science, or a related field of study. 

Experience

Essential: Minimum of 7 years’ professional experience in management, operations, international development and/or foreign affairs in Asia with private, public, bi-lateral or multi-lateral development institutions and/or non-profit organizations. Minimum three years of demonstrated progressive management and budget oversight responsibilities for program implementation. Minimum of five years’ experience in financial and grants management, and report writing. Experience in managing international donor-funded projects. Proven track record of managing and implementing political and/or economic governance programs with a  national/subnational/local emphasis in Nepal. Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of Nepal political, economic, and social context.

Desired: Experience in leading governance programming in Nepal. Fluency in any other local languages of Nepal. Knowledge in gender equity and social inclusion programming approaches. Strong monitoring and evaluation skills. Experience with proposal writing and fundraising, preferred. Non-Nepal experience in South Asia and/or external to Asia preferred. Demonstrated knowledge base in one or more of TAF’s thematic technical areas preferred.  

Other

Excellent communication (verbal and written) in English and Nepali, and interpersonal skills of a level that enables candidate to independently interact at professional level with people from a variety of cultural and professional backgrounds. Proven management, analytical, and research skills, with strong problem-solving ability. Ability to prioritize and critically analyze information. Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, internet). Ability to work under pressure. Willingness to travel to districts across the country. Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment. Open-minded and demonstrated learning approach to embrace new business models for sound development programming

Job Functions

Program Management

• Provide management expertise in program operations including progress reporting, contracting and administration, human resources, financial management, work-planning, and other compliance requirements for the program.
• Coordinate and lead the preparation of annual workplan and budget, progress reports and other reporting requirements through consolidation and synthesis of inputs/information from team members.
• Provide oversight of crosscutting areas of program delivery (i.e. communications, risk monitoring and management, and gender equality and social inclusion mainstreaming).
• Review concept notes, proposals, and workplans submitted for funding support or collaboration and ensure compliance to program and financial requirements.
• Maintain effective coordination and synergies between different team members and program areas or components of the program.
• Ensure effective mainstreaming of gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) throughout all activities as well as implement targeted activities to promote GESI across all economic and political processes in subnational governance in Nepal.
• Support proposal writing and proposal budget preparation.
• Conduct regular field visits and establish good working relationship with communities and national, provincial and local level authorities.
• Network and facilitate meetings with donors, civil society and government agencies for potential complementarities in work and identify and liaise with relevant stakeholders to facilitate project implementation as and when required.
• Conduct thorough analysis and research of the political, social and economic situation in the country to inform program design and implementation in governance and capacity development.
• Keep abreast of technical issues related to the themes of the sub-national governance and operational matters related to Foundation’s programs and advise partners accordingly.
• Ensure compliance requirements are communicated and adhered to by all partners and consultants.
• Provide inputs or advisory support to similar thematic initiatives at the global and regional levels.
• Contribute to donor and other internal reporting process as well as efforts to enhance coherence and impact of all Partnership activities.
• Compliance with all Foundation and donor policies, procedures and practices when carrying out all activities.

Financial Management

• Work closely with the Program Director and Finance team on budget management, expenditures, expenditure projections related to assigned tasks.
• Following Foundation policies and practices, ensure that all financial documentation related to project activities is prepared, updated and settled, including supporting documents.
• Support regular due diligence processes and refresher courses for project team to maintain optimal levels of financial management.

Human Resources Management/Supervision

• Provide oversight in monitoring the program team staffing complement, to ensure work and policy accountability.
• Lead the recruitment and hiring processes, as required, and serve on selection committees.
• Supervise and mentor Senior Program Officers, Program Officers and other team members.
• Conduct periodic performance review of supervisees.
• Manage conflict and stress, remaining composed and working as a mediator in crisis or antagonistic situations.
• Supportive, holistic approaches to professional development of team members.

Representation

• Support the Program Director to build and manage high-level strategic partnerships through intensive relationship building and frequent liaison with government agencies and officials, parliamentarians, civil society, the INGO community, media, academia, private sector and other development partners.
• Participate in Foundation and other relevant professional meetings, forums and events with development partners, governments, and civil society organizations, sharing knowledge and experience from within and outside the organization.
• Develop messages on key thematic issues and ensure appropriate visibility for Foundation’s programs, towards donors, Nepali counterparts and communities.
• Contribute to articles, blog, written materials, and documentation for publication.

Other

• Provide support to other on-going programs and activities of the Foundation as may be necessary
• Other duties as assigned by the Country Representative, Deputy Country Representative, and the Program Director.

Apply Instructions

Applicants are requested to read through the position description uploaded at http://116.66.198.226:8080/and email their CV along with a cover letter describing suitability for the position by 5:00 pm 20 November 2019 to country.nepal.jobs@asiafoundation.org referencing the position title "Deputy Program Director" in the subject line. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Telephone calls will not be entertained.

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