Kathmandu, Nepal
Competitive
Fixed Term
Full Time, 38 hours per week

Role overview

The key task of the Head of Programme – Inclusive Governance is to lead VSO Nepal in effectively delivering an innovative, ambitious, visible, and evidence-based Inclusive Governance programme, in accordance with Nepal’s new political and government context, and to actively participate in country office development and management. VSO’s Inclusive Governance programme is a platform for innovating and piloting methods for improving Nepal’s governance through approaches in gender and social inclusion, resilience, and social accountability – and the Head of Programme will have a background reflecting this. The role will lead on all aspects of the Inclusive Governance programme’s strategic and results-based programming, as well as the capacity strengthening of programme staff. The Head of Programme will also focus on building strong relationships with a range of key partners including line ministries, donors, international and local NGOs, and communities and work towards obtaining external funding for VSO’s programmes.

Skills, qualifications and experience required
Essential: 
Qualification and experiences:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent training in social science, Disaster Risk Management, International Development, or other relevant field. 
  
• Minimum of 8 years of experience (including at least 5 in leadership position) managing project portfolios in Governance, Social Accountability, Resilience, Disaster Risk Reduction, Disaster Risk Management, Urban DRR, Climate Change, or Social Inclusion and Gender. 
  
• Proven track record contributing to or leading business development initiatives targeting institutional, foundation/trust, private sector or other funding sources – USAID, DFID, EU, ADB, World Bank, Nordic donors preferred. 
  

Technical:

• Outstanding technical expertise in Decentralization/federalism, Governance, Social Accountability, Disaster Risk Reduction, Disaster Risk Management, Climate Resilience, or Social Inclusion and Gender. 
  
• Ability to develop and deliver learning and development initiatives. 
  
• Proven understanding of contemporary approaches in participatory development, and gender and social inclusion. 
  
• Knowledge of key requirements for successful engagement of skilled volunteers in development projects.
  

Performance management support:

• Experience of performance management of programme staff at an operational level. 
  
• Ability to lead, develop, motivate, coach and support a high performing team. 
  
• Ability to lead and take difficult decisions. Demonstrable commitment to delivering excellent customer service. 

Financial Management:

• Strong financial management skills, including ability to understand and work with concepts relevant to restricted and unrestricted funding. 
  
• Understanding of financial management policy. 
  
• Excellent budget monitoring and management skills. 

• Excellent teamwork and relationship building skills 
  
• Experience working collaboratively as a member of a Management Team, and of building partnerships in a multi-cultural environment. 
  

Support Services:

• In-depth knowledge of the full range of administrative and logistical services in development, including procurement, compliance, government registration, and other systems and procedures. 
  

Information Technology :

• Good level of computer skills (Windows, Excel, Power Point, Word, Outlook, and Internet). 
  

International Development:

• Understanding of the role of international development, more specifically volunteering in Country. 
  
• Knowledge and experience of local laws governing operations of International Non-Government Organisations, employment of employees and contract. 
  
• Ability to negotiate and maintain positive working relationships with government officials. 
  

Communication Skills:

• Excellent written and spoken English. 
  
• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to influence and coach and ability to build partnerships and relationships in a multi-cultural environment. 
  
• Experience working cross-culturally, and understanding of issues of diversity. 
  

Work Management and Problem Solving:

• Self-organised with ability to manage time and tight schedules, working effectively under pressure 
  
• Ability to work on own initiative, with a creative approach to problem solving. 
  
• Strong level of attention to detail 
  

Commitment to VSO’s values:

• Flexibility to adapt to new situations, with a positive attitude to working in an international organisation. Able to travel occasionally and spend time away from base and home. 
  

Desirable:

• Experience working with International Non-Government Organisations and with Government Officials. 
  
• Knowledge of Country employment laws. 
  
• Project management experience. 
  
• Information Technology networking/ hard and software application installation and troubleshooting. 
  
• Experience of managing change in an international environment. 
  
• Research knowledge and experience on Intimate Partner Violence and on Social Exclusion and Gender Assessments.
  

Eligibility: Nepalese 
Contract: National