TITLE: Program Consultant (Education)
UNIT: Nepal office
REPORTS TO: Senior Advisor, Media
LOCATION: Kathmandu
SUPERVISES: N/A
PERIOD OF CONTRACT: March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability

1. SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Consultant (Education) at The Asia Foundation (the Foundation) will provide technical support in the overall implementation of the USAID Civil Society and Media (CSM) Program in Nepal. S/he will oversee the implementation of education-related activities and support its documentation and reporting to the Senior Advisor, Media. As part of a dynamic team, the Program Consultant (Education) will work closely with the Challenge Fund Officers, Partnerships, Skills and Coaching Program Officers, Program Managers and Program Director. The Program Consultant (Education) will also work closely with partners and provide input into Challenge Funds. S/he will be responsible for managing, coordinating, monitoring, and providing technical assistance for CSM’s activities related to the education sector at both the national, provincial and local levels. S/he will work closely across a wide range of implementing partners, including government counterparts, and coordinate with consultants, field-based staff, and relevant Program Officers to develop and implement demand-driven education-related activities that especially serve women, youth, and marginalized (WYM) communities in the provinces.

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 multilateral development agencies and donors, business sector and civil society organizations, professional organizations, and academic and other local institutions.

3. REQUIREMENTS

Education

Master’s degree in education, public policy, development studies, political science, economics, international development, or a relevant field.

Experience

Minimum five years of relevant experience in the education sector ranging from policy, program management, development assistance, government, civil society, or academic institutions. 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 knowledge of the education system in the country. Knowledge about the major education reform programs implemented by the Government of Nepal (GoN) with support from development partners over the last two decades, key actors involved in those reform programs, and their linkages with the ongoing education reform initiatives is desirable. Knowledge of regional and provincial development, local governance, and social initiatives in Madhesh and/or Lumbini Province will be valuable. 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 the latest developments in communication channels using online and offline platforms. Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experience in creating digital media content. 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

• Lead the implementation of CSM education-related activities through strategic partnerships, activity design, and supervise the execution of education-related activities at the province level targeting non-traditional USAID partners and organizations led by or representing WYM communities.
• Identify and build partnerships with organizations, individuals, or associations that work in the education sector in Nepal, especially at the local levels.
• Manage the partners/grantees implementing education-related activities.
• Contribute to the Challenge Fund, from ideation, implementation, monitoring and learning to create innovative approaches to strengthen the school education system, especially those affecting WYM communities. Manage sub-awards and partnerships with education-focused partners in the province. 
• Be informed and knowledgeable on the array of toolkits and resources available to strengthen skills and share such resources with partners and Challenge Fund recipients, especially those from WYM communities.
• Track ongoing developments, with particular focus on education sector, with the government at both national and sub-national levels and provide regular feedback to the team on contextual issues impacting program implementation.
• Initiate and manage research and studies, conduct facilitation and technical presentations on the education sector and its issues of representation, inclusion and diversity in different forums, as needed. Coordinate and provide support to scoping activities and studies related to the education sector.
• Work with MERL (monitoring, evaluation, research and learning) team to identify education results and outcomes and ensure these are captured accurately and reported in quarterly and annual reports.
• Contribute to quarterly and annual reports documenting education results and outcomes.
• 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.
• Provide technical inputs to implement targeted education activities for mainstreaming gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) in program activities.
• Guide partners to build the capacities of existing and emerging networks, associations, coalitions of civil society, media, academics especially from WYM communities to strengthen the education sector.
• Willingness and ability to travel to the two provinces up to 50% of the time. 

Financial Management

• Support the Finance and Grants unit to conduct due diligence for potential partners and grantees.
• Assist potential partners/grantees to develop their budget proposals, 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. 

Program Communications and Outreach

• Work closely with the Strategic Communications Officer and province-based Media Officers to formulate and implement innovative outreach activities that advance program reach and visibility.
• Coordinate with the program team members to compile, maintain, and report on program statistics to prepare reports for donors and the Foundation Headquarters.
• Support in the documentation drafting process – presentation materials, briefing notes speeches, press releases, and other relevant communication materials.

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 designate.

Applicants are requested to read through the job description above for the position. Job shall be applied through the Foundation Online Job Application form HERE by February 4, 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.