Program Associate

Job Description

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Program Associate (PA) provides programmatic support in the overall implementation of The  Asia Foundation (the Foundation) Strengthening Sub-National Government Program (SNGP). The  Program Associate will work closely with the program team to provide overall support for program  management and implementation; will work closely with the Assistant Director of Social  Development Programs and the team to mainstream Gender Equality, Disability, and Social  Inclusion; will participate in regular field visits to program locations to monitor program activities,  identify issues and challenges, and develop and recommend solutions; and will provide support  for activities in other program areas as assigned by the Country Representative or designate. 

2. RELATIONSHIPS  

Internal  

Contact all staff within the Foundation’s Kathmandu office. 

External  

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

3. REQUIREMENTS 

Education  

Bachelor’s degree in gender studies, development studies, international relations, public policy,  political science, economics, law, or other relevant disciplines. Gender studies will be prioritized.  

Experience  

Essential: Minimum three years of relevant experience in gender mainstreaming, development  assistance, government, academia, or the business sector.  

Other: Knowledge of Nepal’s political, economic, and social context. Excellent communication  and interpersonal skills in English and Nepali, and the ability to harmoniously interact with  people from a variety of cultural and professional backgrounds. Proficient computer skills (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, internet). Time management skills.  Ability to work under pressure and multi-task. Analytical and writing skills. Attention to detail. 

Willingness to travel to districts across the country. Ability to work under minimal supervision  as well as an efficient team player. 

4. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Program Support and Management 

• Support Assistant Director of Social Development Programs to mainstream gender, disability,  and, social inclusion programs (GEDSI) in analysis, design, implementation, monitoring and  evaluation, and project reporting under the Strengthening Sub-National Governance Program (SNGP).  
• Work closely with the program team to provide overall support for the implementation of the SNGP program; and help establish synergies and coherence between the different components  of the Program on GEDSI mainstreaming. 
• Support to implement and track the progress of SNGP’s GEDSI Action Plan and strategy.  • Support the GEDSI task force to ensure and track the implementation of the GEDSI Action  Plan of SNGP’s partners.  
• Support to prepare an analysis of progress and challenges in the implementation of GEDSI  Action Plans of the partners.  
• Conduct periodic needs assessments of the SNGP team and partner organizations to organize  periodic learning and sharing workshops on GEDSI including mainstreaming and Do No  Harm.  
• Coordinate with the program team to identify and disseminate progress and updates on GEDSI  on different platforms.  
• Provide administrative and logistical assistance to the SNGP team to implement and monitor  the fellowship program.  
• Draft memos, letters of grants, letters of contracts, presentation materials, speech, etc. • Track the on-going activities of partners/grantees and ensure that timely updates and reports  are received from partners/grantees. 
• Conduct regular field visits to program locations and analyze trends in the program, identify  issues/challenges, and recommend solutions to the program team. 
• Compliance with all TAF and donor policies, procedures and practices when carrying out all  activities. 

Financial Management 

• Assist Program Officers and Finance Unit in conducting due diligence to potential partners/  grantees and ensure that all due diligence documents are completed/ submitted by potential  partners/ grantees. 
• Manage the governance team’s filing system (i.e. consultants’ contracts, grant agreements,  grant/ contract amendments) both in electronic and hard copy format.  
• Following Foundation policies and practices, ensure that all financial documentation related to  project activities is prepared, updated and settled, including supporting documents. 

Representation 

• Organize coordination meetings, communication, and liaison with stakeholders.
• Coordinate field visits of donor agencies, policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders. • Participate in the Foundations’ and other meetings, professional forums, events, civil society  organizations, and other stakeholders. 
• Contribute to written materials, and documentation for publication by the program. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Any other tasks as assigned by the Country Representative or designate.

Required Qualification & Experience

Education 

• Bachelor’s degree in gender studies, development studies, international relations, public policy,  political science, economics, law, or other relevant disciplines. Gender studies will be prioritized.

Experience  

• Essential: Minimum three years of relevant experience in gender mainstreaming, development  assistance, government, academia, or the business sector.
• Other: Knowledge of Nepal’s political, economic, and social context. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in English and Nepali, and the ability to harmoniously interact with people from a variety of cultural and professional backgrounds. Proficient computer skills (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, internet). Time management skills.  Ability to work under pressure and multi-task. Analytical and writing skills. Attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel to districts across the country. Ability to work under minimal supervision as well as an efficient team player.

How to Apply

Applicants are requested to “Click Here“ to read through the Job Descriptions. Job shall be applied either through email by sending a Curricular Vitae (CV) along with a cover letter describing suitability for the position to country.nepal.jobs@asiafoundation.org referencing respective “Job Position” in the subject line or through an online  Job Application form by May 16, 2022.

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 are encouraged to apply.