TITLE: Program Assistant 
UNIT: Nepal office
REPORTS TO: Program Officer

1. SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Assistant (PA) is responsible for supporting the implementation of The Asia Foundation (the Foundation)’s “Strengthening Local Data Ecosystems at the Provincial and Local Spheres to support the use of Evidence for Development.”

2. RELATIONSHIPS

Internal

Extensive interaction with members of the governance team, governance partners, consultants, and other program units within the Foundation, as well as with the Finance and Administration units of the Foundation.

External

Regular contact with government officials, development partners, private sector and civil society organizations, professional organizations, and academic and other local institutions.

3. REQUIREMENTS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in development studies, law, public policy, public administration, political science, economics, statistics, international development, social sciences, or any other relevant field.

Experience

At least one year of experience working in the development field in the areas of program administration and operations. Relevant experience working on governance and understanding of information technology is preferred.

Other: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in English and Nepali, and the ability to harmoniously interact with people from a variety of cultural and professional backgrounds. Time management skills, ability to work under pressure, and multi-task. Willingness to travel to districts across the country. Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

4. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Support

• Provide administrative and technical support in the overall management of Data for Development (D4D) program
• Support in liaising and coordinating with and between government representatives, civil society organizations, and the private sector working on data and statistics productions.
• Support program team and partners in the research-related activities, and other activities such as organizing meetings, training, workshops, and others.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for the project, that includes drafting contracts, initiating the procurement process, process financial documents, preparing presentation materials, and others.
• Arrange logistics of training, workshops, conferences, and other events. Track and ensure the implementation of events, conferences, workshops, and other events.
• Track ongoing activities of partners/grantees and ensure that timely updates and reports are received from partners/grantees.
• Support the preparation of reporting requirements such as monthly updates, quarterly reports, annual reports, annual work plans, and other documents.
• Contribute to the development of communications strategy and define target audiences for the program.
• Draft and distribute the program-related content that includes press releases, website content, and other materials that communicate the program’s activities and impacts.
• Handle the social media outlets that include Twitter, Facebook, and updating Website, and advise on the best channels to reach a specific audience.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with media/journalists and maintain media database.
• Coordinate all grant administration tasks with the Finance & Grants the unit.
• Coordinate with the administration unit on all logistical requirements.
• Compliance with all the Foundation and donor policies, procedures and practices when carrying out all activities.

Financial Management

• Assist in negotiating program contents and budget allocations with potential partners
• Facilitate grant payments in accordance with monthly spending targets
• Coordinate with program staff and Finance & Grants unit on financial reporting of assigned projects and verification of grantees
• Following Foundation policies and practices, ensure that all financial documentation related to project activities is prepared, updated, and settled, including supporting documents

Other Responsibilities

• Provide support to other ongoing programs and activities of the Foundation as may be necessary.
• Other duties as assigned by the Program Officer or designate.

Applicants are requested to read through the job descriptions above for the position. Job shall be applied through the Foundation Online Job Application form by November 24, 2023. Please attach your Curricular Vitae (CV) along with a cover letter describing suitability for the position in the Job. Application form. In case of any technical difficulties, queries can be forwarded to [email protected]. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Telephone calls will not be entertained.

The Asia Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive office environment. Women and people from economically and socially excluded groups are encouraged to apply.