Position Description

Cross Border Trade Specialist for Urja Nepal, a five-year USAID funded project, ending 11 Aug 2025. It is anticipated for two more years; however initial contract will be for one year. 

Project Description

The purpose of the USAID Urja Nepal Project is to assist the Government of Nepal (GoN) through its electricity sector administrative bodies, MoEWRI (Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation), DoED (Department of Electricity Development), NEA (Nepal Electricity Authority), ERC (Electricity Regulatory Commission), OIBN (Office of Investment Board of Nepal), and AEPC (Alternative Energy Promotion Center) to create a financially viable electricity sector. The project will work across four primary work streams: (i) improving the legal and regulatory frameworks, (ii) improving the performance of electric utilities, (iii) expanding engagement with the private sector, and (iv) increasing cross-border electricity trade (CBET). 

Cross Border Trade Specialist

Working directly with the Lead Objective -4 and Chief of Party (COP), “Cross border electricity trade (CBET) between Nepal and neighbors advanced:” – and in close collaboration with the Leads for Objectives 1, 2, and 3, the Cross Border Trade Specialist will support and coordinate the implementation of the tasks associated with the delivery of Objective 4, including those activities listed below.

Deliverables, Tasks and/or Outputs

The Cross Border Trade Specialist shall assist the Objective 4 Lead to carry out the following activities related to project planning, counterpart technical assistance, donor coordination, capacity building, project promotion, transactional support, and reporting:

• Prepare and conduct a series of assessment discussions with project counterparts including MoEWRI (Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation), NEA ( Nepal Electricity Authority) , ERC ( Electricity Regulatory Commission), AEPC ( Alternative Energy Promotion Center ) , and OIBN ( Office of Investment Board of Nepal ) to assist with counterpart planning and the coordination of Urja supports
• Support NEA’s development of technical systems and policies for CBET and the establishment of a new, dedicated CBET transaction unit
• Support NEA’s CBET transaction unit to develop technical standards, smart grid systems, and standards for synchronization with neighboring grids
• Assist ERC to develop the legal and regulatory framework it requires to regulate CBET
• Develop and conduct capacity building activities, knowledge exchange visits
• Work closely with the Ministry, NEA, the Power Trading Company of Nepal (PTCN), and the Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal (IPPAN) in the promotion of new projects.
• Assist in the preparation of
    1. Summary reports on work
    2. Contributions to project deliverables
    3. Preparation and Presentation materials for formal trainings 

Qualifications/Requirements and Outputs

The Electricity Sector Specialist should have the following qualifications: 

• Minimum of 5 years relevant progressive experience in the electricity sector
• Experience and in-depth understanding of the development of hydropower projects in Nepal, the licensing regime and the actors involved
• At minimum, a Master’s degree in the areas of engineering, business administration, finance, economics, or other related fields
• In-depth knowledge of power market, intuition, regulator 
• In-depth knowledge of electricity sector regulation generally, and specifically the progress and requirements of ERC
• Experience working with USAID, IFIs, government, and private sector or other donor and multilateral development institutions is strongly preferred 
• Experience and understanding of electricity sector structures and the reform process, both in Nepal and internationally
• In-depth knowledge of South Asian CBET models and internationally and of Nepal’s Power Trading Agreements—existing and under development
• Fluent speaking, reading and writing knowledge of both the English and Nepali languages
• Strong communications and training skills
• Strong Project Management Skill 
• Overall knowledge of Transmission Planning 
• Proactive, self-starter willing to take initiative
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment, including with remote team members
• Willingness to be flexible and responsive in a dynamic work environment 

Application Instruction

Please ensure resume/application DOES NOT INCLUDE personal information such as gender, age, marital status, ethnicity, religion. DCOP LLC is an equal opportunity employer.  This position is open to Nepali nationals only.