TITLE: Challenge Fund Program Officer 
UNIT:Nepal Office
REPORTS TO: Program Manager
LOCATION: Butwal and Janakpur (one each)
SUPERVISES: N/A

1. SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Challenge Fund Program Officer at  The  Asia  Foundation  (the  Foundation) will provide programmatic support in the overall implementation of the USAID Civil Society and Media (CSM) program  in their  respective  provinces. S/he  will  work  with  the  management  team  to support Challenge Fund implementation and help establish synergies and coherence between the different components of the program. The Challenge Fund Program Officer is expected to use principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) when identifying potential Challenge Fund (CF)participants, preparing CF  processes  and selection  criteria, working  with CF  partners, and during monitoring and evaluation processes. S/he will participate in regular field visits to program locations to monitor program activities, identify issues and challenges, and recommend solutions.

2. RELATIONSHIPS 

Internal
Contact with all staff within the respective province office based in Butwal and Janakpur as well as at the Foundation’s office in Kathmandu.

External
Regular  contact  with  grantees,  independent  contractors,  government  officials  and  agencies, bilateral  and  multi-lateral  development  agencies  and  donors,  business  sector  and  civil  society organizations, professional organizations, and academic and other local institutions.

3. REQUIREMENTS

Education
Bachelor’s  degree in  development  studies, public  policy, law, political  science,  economics, international development,international relations,or other relevant fields.

Experience

Minimum five years of   relevant   experience in   implementing   development   activities for government,  civil  society,non-governmental or  academic  institutions. In the  case of Master’s degree,  three years of relevant  experience  will  suffice. Proven skills  and  experience in project management report writing, editing and financial and grants management.

Other
Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of Nepal’s political, economic, and social context along with the  knowledge  of  media  and  education  landscape  in  the  country.  Knowledge  of  regional  and provincial  development,  local  governance,  and  social  initiatives  in  Madhesh  and/or  Lumbini Province will  be integral  to  the  position  and  highly valuable.Excellent  communication  and interpersonal  skills  in  English  and  Nepali  (and  a  local  language  spoken  in  either  Madhesh  or Lumbini province is preferred), and the ability to harmoniously interact with people from a variety of cultural and professional backgrounds. Up to date with latest developments in communication channels  using  online  and  offline  platforms. Advanced computer skills(Microsoft  Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint,  Outlook, Internet).Ability  to  work  under  pressure,prioritize  and critically analyze information. Willingness to travel to districts across the province.Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment.

4. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Support and Management

• Work closely with the Challenge Fund Technical Officer and Province team to provide overall support  for  the implementation  of  the Civil  Society  and  Media Program  and  help  establish synergies and coherence between the different components of the Program.
• Identify  areas  of  possible  intervention  through  different  models  for  implementing  the Challenge Fund in various thematic areas. 
• Develop and plan for Challenge Fund activities and ideas to enhance participation especially of women, youth and marginalized (WYM) communities in coordination with team members.
• Provide  technical  inputs  to challenge  fund implementation partners to  incorporate Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in their processes, activities, and reports.The person is responsible for ensuring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the program
• Track  ongoing  activities  of partners  and  ensure  that  timely  updates  and  reports  are  received from partners
• Support the program to establish strategic partnerships with media, civil society, academic and research  institutions,  business  institutions  and  development  partners  through  relationship building and frequent liaison with stakeholders.
• Track ongoing developments with the government at both national and sub-national levels and provide regular feedback to the team on contextual issues impacting program implementation. 
• Undertake  research,  study,and  prepare  briefing  notes,  presentations,  and  other  relevant materials, as needed.
• Coordinate  with  the  program  team  members  to  compile,  maintain,  and  report  on  program statistics to prepare reports for donors and the Foundation Headquarter
• Provide inputs,  coaching,  and  assistance  to  partners/grantees  as  they  plan  for,  design,  and implement project activities, write reports, and document the impact of program activities.
• Monitor  and  ensure  compliance  with  all  the  Foundation  and  donor policies,  procedures  and practices when carrying out all activities.
• Track ongoing developments with the government at both national and sub-national levels and provide regular feedback to the team on contextual issues impacting program implementation. 

Financial Management

• With Finance & Grants unit, assist in conducting due diligence to potential partners/grantees.
• Assist  potential  partners/grantees  develop  their  budget  proposal,  monitor  their  expenditures, and ensure that they are within approved budgets, and that spending targets are met.
• Following the Foundation  policies  and  practices,  ensure  that  all  financial  documentation related to project activities is prepared, updated and settled, including supporting documents.

Representation

• Participate  in  the  Foundation’s  or  other  meetings,  professional  forums,  and events  with development partners, governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders
• Contribute articles, written materials, and documentation for publication by the program or the Foundation.

Other Responsibilities

• Provide  support  to other  ongoing  programs  and  activities  of  the  Foundation  as  may  be necessary.
• Support fundraising and bid proposal development as assigned.
• Any other tasks as assigned by the Country Representative or designate.