TITLE: Partnerships, Skills,and Coaching Program Officer 
UNIT: Nepal Office
REPORTS TO: Program Manager
LOCATION: Butwal and Janakpur (one each)
SUPERVISES: N/A

1. SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Partnerships,  Skills  and  Coaching (PSC) Program  Officer at The  Asia  Foundation  (the Foundation)  provides programmatic  support  in  the  overall  implementation of the USAID  Civil Society and Media (CSM) program in their respective provinces. S/he is responsible for supporting the capacity development and professional growth of partners and challenge fund recipients. The PSC  Program  Officer  is  also responsible  for  building  and  maintaining  strategic  partnerships, cultivating  and  supporting  formal  and  informal  networks,  and  managing  Challenge  Fund recipients,  and  service  providers  in  their  respective  provinces. S/he will  facilitate  workshops, training, or other on-demand services either directly or through other external technical resources, and  ensure  activities  are  accessible,  equitable,  and  inclusive  for targeted groups. S/he will  keep track  of  partner requests  for  support,  organize  training,  conduct  one  on  one  sessions,  and  link individuals with coaches and mentors, as needed.

2. RELATIONSHIPS 

Internal
Contact with all staff within the respective provincial offices 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 development assistance, government, civil society,non-governmental or academic institutions. In the case of Master’s degree, three years of relevant experience will suffice. Proven project management skills and experience, with strong problem-solving ability. Experience in 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 civil society, 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 valued. 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. Ability to conduct thorough needs assessments to gauge training needs.Advanced computer skills(Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel,PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet).Ability to prioritize and critically analyze information. Willingness to travel to districts across the respective province.Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment.

4. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Program Support and Management

• Work closely with Inclusive Development and Partnerships Senior Advisor and Province team to  provide  overall  support  for  the  implementation  of CSM Program  and  help  establish synergies and coherence between the different components of the Program.
• Identify and curate training and skills development programs as per the skill-gaps and needs of program partners and Challenge Fund recipients. 
• Support  and  coach  partners  in  developing  quality  personnel for handling  the  day-to-day operations of the organization as well as building leadership skills of partners in areas such as public speaking, mentoring, management and so forth. 
• Provide  substantive  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.
• Develop and plan for activities and ideas to enhance capacity and participation especially of women, youth and marginalized (WYM) communities to engage in CSM opportunities. 
• Be informed and knowledgeable on the array of tool kits and resources available to strengthen skills and share such resources with partners and Challenge Fund recipients, especially those from WYM communities. 
• Support  CSM  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.
• Identify and build partnerships with non-traditional organizations and individuals as well as organizations of any type led by or representing WYM.
• Provide  technical  inputs  to  implement  targeted  activities  for  promoting  Gender  Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in sub-national governance processes in Nepal.
• Guide the provincial team to understand unconscious bias, self-awareness, and psychosocial safety in the workplace; and incorporate these into CSM activities.
• 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.
• Conduct  facilitation  and  technical  presentations  on  issues  of  inclusion  and  diversity  in  civil society, education, and media in different forums, as needed
• Support  the  design  and  production  of  high-quality  knowledge  products  through  analytical inputs, advice, and critical reviews. Ensure their dissemination to appropriate audience through training,orientation or other identified means using accessible channels at sub-national level. 
• Track  ongoing  activities  of  partners/grantees  and  ensure  that  timely  updates  and  reports  are received from partners/grantees
• Monitor  and  ensure  compliance  with  all  the  Foundation  and  donor  policies,  procedures  and practices when carrying out all activities.

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 designer.