TITLE: Program Associate 
UNIT: Nepal Office
REPORTS TO: Senior Program Officer 
SUPERVISES: N/A

THE ASIA FOUNDATION NEPAL CORE VALUES

At The Asia Foundation, we are committed to the following core values:

1. Caring Trust: To foster and promote healthy relationship among team members,
2. Open Communication: To uphold trust and actively increase it among ourselves and our partners,
3. Inclusive Community: To ensure acknowledgement of and respect for our diversity,
4. Ownership: To provide the freedom to define the right approach and be genuine with each other about ideas, learning and responsibilities,
5. High Quality Effective Work: To work intentionally in the focus areas of our country strategy while maintaining high quality technical and professional standards in our fields with maximum efficiency and agility.

We seek candidates who bring not only the required skills and experience but also demonstrate a deep alignment with our core values.

1. SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Associate (PA) will primarily support the Subnational Governance Program (SNGP) program in implementing its stability outcome including, but not limited to, intergovernmental relations (IGR), evidence-based dialogues and research. The PA will support implementing mainstream gender equality, disability and social inclusion, monitoring and reporting program activities related to intergovernmental coordination and policy dialogues. The PA will also support in reporting, logistical, administrative, and financial aspects of the program and grant management.

2. RELATIONSHIPS

Internal

Regular contact with Governance Director, Deputy Program Director, Senior Program Officer and other relevant staff within the Foundation’s Kathmandu office.

External

Regular contact with grantees, independent contractors, and agencies in Nepal, and civil society organizations, professional organizations, academia, media and other local implementing partners. Maintain relationship with the provincial and local level officials.

3. REQUIREMENTS

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy, law, development studies, international relations, political science, or other relevant discipline.

Experience

Minimum of three years of relevant experience in assisting development programs, government, academia or private sector.

Other

Knowledge of Nepal political, economic, and social context. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in English and Nepali, and ability to harmoniously interact with people from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. Report writing and Analytical writing skills Proficient computer skills (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, internet). Time management skills. Ability to work under pressure and multitask. Attention to detail. Willingness to travel to districts across the country. Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

4. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Programs Support

• Support in managing the program/ project to strengthen vertical and horizontal collaboration and relation, and evidence-based policy dialogues to create coherence through implementation, monitoring and project reporting under Subnational Governance Program.
• Work closely with the stability pillar of SNGP to provide support for the implementation of programs and support to manage partners, consultants, monitor program implementation and prepare program reports.
• Support to prepare workplans, quarterly, annual, and internal reports for the Foundation and its donors.
• Assist to draft letters of grants, contracts, presentation materials, concept notes, memos speeches with maintaining The Asia Foundation (TAF) compliance. (e.g. coordination with the experts, contract management, report collection and writing, event organizing, documentation, and travel arrangements)
• Work closely with the Gender Equality, Diversity and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) team to mainstream GEDSI across SNGP programs.
• Support and coordinate with the program team to document progress of IGR across all outcomes areas and develop progress and updates on vertical and horizontal coordination, evidence policy dialogues on different platforms.
• Support to track the ongoing activities of partners/grantees and ensure timely updates and reports are received from partners/grantees. Support the program team to monitor reporting schedules and due dates of consultant contracts, grant agreements, grant reports (narrative and financial).
• Provide support to organize field visits to program locations and analyze trends in the program, identify issues/challenges, and recommend solutions to the program team as required.
• Compliance with all TAF and donor policies, procedures and practices when carrying out all activities.
• Provide logistics support to the program team to organize events and workshops.

Financial Management and Compliance

• Assist Senior Program Officer, Program Officer and Finance & Grants Unit in conducting due diligence of potential partners/ grantees and ensure that all documents are completed/ submitted by potential partners/ grantees/ contractors, including Child Protection Policy (CPP) and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse & Harassment (PSEAH)
• Develop and process procurements and payment requests with proper documentation.
• Assist in filing system (i.e. consultants’ contracts, grant agreements, grant/contract amendments) both in electronic and hard copy format.
• Follow the Foundation’s policies and practices, ensure that all financial documentation related to project activities is prepared, updated and settled, including supporting documents.
• Support partners/ grantees/ contractors to ensure values and compliances of the Foundation.

Representation

• Participate in the Foundations’ and other meetings, professional forums, events, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to written materials, and documentation for publication by the program.

Other Responsibilities

• Any other tasks as assigned by the Country Representative 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 HERE by September 15, 2024. 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.