No. of vacancy : 1

Context and Programme: 

Transition to a well-functioning federal system will be a longer-term, organic process. The implementation of the federal Constitution (2015) is not solely a technical but inherently a political negotiation process. Moreover, it is a prerequisite for sustainable development that is an essential part of sustained peace process in Nepal. This requires political sensitivity and continued political engagement, particularly in processes where new inter-governmental relations are concerned. 

The multi-level system of governance as envisaged by the Constitution of Nepal relies on the principles of cooperation, coordination and co-existence among the different tiers of government. Due to the ongoing and still unclear sequencing of federal implementation processes, contributing to the effective inter-governmental relations between vertical and horizontal tiers of government is essential for the consolidation and functioning of federalism. Building of inclusive institutions, governance systems and processes, often being built from zero, will be the major task and challenge for Nepal in the years to come.

Harnessing Switzerland’s long-standing record of cooperation with Nepal and its extensive experience in consensus-oriented, inclusive multi-level governance systems, the Swiss Cooperation Office in Nepal is launching a new Province Support Programme (PSP).  The PSP will be implemented from Feb 2020 till Jan 2024 with the intent to support the Government of Nepal in its transition to federalism at the Province level.  It focuses mainly on institution building in order to enhance the service delivery functions and accountability of new province institutions towards their citizens thus catalyzing more inclusive development and poverty reduction in Nepal. 

The Programme comprises three principal components that include:

• (Outcome 1) strengthening of Province 1’s policy making, administrative, fiscal management and service delivery functions; 
• (Outcome 2) building of inter-governmental strategic partnerships between local and province level authorities through prioritized development projects; and
• (Outcome 3) working with province government and legislative authorities to enhance their accountability towards their constituencies, namely fostering greater inclusion of women and disadvantaged groups in decision making processes. 

While encouraging strong inter-governmental coordination at all levels, PSP’s support activities are concentrated in Province 1 where elected government authorities, line ministries and the Province Assembly will be the programme’s focal institutional counterparts.  Primary engagement modalities of the Program involve provision of targeted technical assistance and hands mentorship support to Province 1’s government (PG) authorities; development and provision of customized capacity/training packages; contribution of seed funding for select PG and Local governments strategic partnerships and natural resource projects; as well as comprehensive budget support for Province 1 related to institution building and service delivery as per its concurrent and exclusive rights.

To ensure the maximum ownership of the programme , OCMCM has established Programme Management Unit (PMU) for day-to-day management and implementation of the Programme.  The PMU is headed by the Secretary of Governance Reform Division of Office of the Chief Minister and council of minister as Programme Director. Government of Switzerland will provide financial and technical assistance to the provincial government through the Programme Management and Implementation Support Consultants (PMISC). The PMISC is attached to the PMU. Team Leader of the PMISC serves as the Programme Manager. S/He executes the programme under the supervision and direction of the Secretary of Governance Reform Division (Programme Director). The PMISC is headed by a Team Leader who supervises five core thematic experts and a pool of technical consultants hired on a as-needed basis.  Strategic steering of the Programme will be guided by higher level Province Steering and other Coordination Committees. 

To assist the implementation of the programme, PSP/PwC is recruiting a team of professional, dedicated, and qualified experts for PMISC. These terms of reference specifically correspond to the specified full-time positions based in Biratnagar, Province 1. 

Duties and Responsibilities :

• Working closely with and under the direction of the PMU, Programme Director, and the Programme Manager, the Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist (GESI) will provide technical assistance (TA) support to province level authorities – OCMCM, line ministries and the Province Assembly on Programme related tasks as follows: 
• Provides technical leadership and ensures the integration of latest cross-cutting GESI tools and methods in programme activities and in their successful implementation;
• Technically assists to the OCMCM, PMU and line ministries in the drafting of GESI sensitive legislation, action plans, public relations/ engagement policies, and establishment of respective institutional GESI focal points; 
• Evaluates existing legislative, regulatory and policy drafts to ensure their compliance with GESI responsive principles;
• Technically assists in the drafting and implementation of the Law on GESI sensitive participatory budgeting, ensuring that 10% of Province 1 budget is allocated to GESI sensitive participatory budgeting;
• Designs and technically assists the PMU, line ministries and Province Assembly in the implementation of light institutional GESI self-assessments (tailored to institutional capacities); based on the latter assists province bodies to develop feasible action plans to address GESI needs;
• Jointly with the Governance & Organizational and IT Systems & E-Governance Specialist contributes to the redesign of the province website per modern GESI and citizen-centric standards ensuring integration of GESI sensitive content;
• Technically oversees the design and implementation of training modules on GESI sensitivity, GESI audits, TAP (transparency, accountability and participation) tools and methods for elected, administrative officials, civil society, thereby supporting skills and knowledge transfer to local staff and institutions;
• Coordinate with and support the Governance and Organizational Systems expert in establishing and implementing GESI sensitive monitoring, evaluation, data collection, learning and reporting systems;
• Develops and implements methods for GESI qualitative and quantitative data aggregation and analysis in the writing and dissemination of GESI reports, impact stories, good practices and knowledge products arising from programme’s activities with SG, local authorities and through programme’s knowledge sharing platforms;
• Assists the PMU to promote and commission local universities, experts, CSOs, students in research and development and/or public awareness activities addressing pertinent GESI issues and needs;
• Ensures that the gender equality and most vulnerable and marginalized populations are represented across all project components, including as staff members, project participants, trainers, facilitators, speakers, evaluators, and so forth;
• Supports other Programme Specialists on GESI related activities and the PM in all administrative and day-to-day management tasks as needed.

Qualifications and Experience :

• Has relevant advanced degree in gender studies, sociology, psychology, human rights, law and public policy, or related social sciences with minimum of ten years of practical experience in implementing, providing technical assistance in GESI programmes/ projects in Nepal. 
• In-depth knowledge on GESI related Constitutional statutes, legislation, regulation and latest GESI mainstreaming tools and methods in development programming. 
• Demonstrated results in developing GESI policies, strategies and action plans, conducting training, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, ideally also at sub-national level. 
• Demonstrated skills in training management, government authorities and civic organisations on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion topics. 
• Skilled in designing, leading and conducting gender and social inclusion analyses (concrete examples to be provided), as well as integrating and implementing findings into program designs.  
• High level of organizational, interpersonal and communication skills with ability to work well in a dynamic, team environment including with civil society organizations, donors, project staff, and other beneficiaries. Demonstrates solid judgement, diligence, performance focus and ability to work independently.  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required.

Terms and Conditions for Employment:

Full-time position contracted for the project period subject to annual renewal with onset 6-month probation period. Competitive salary to be negotiated.