TITLE: Technical Coordinator (Consultant)
UNIT: Nepal office, Lumbini Province
REPORTS TO: Program Manager

1. SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Technical Coordinator is responsible for the overall coordination within the project, relationship building and networking with key stakeholders, activity implementation and management and partner management for [FCDO funded Collaborative Governance Design Pilot project at Lumbini Province]. The Technical Coordinator will manage the day-to-day management and operations of project activities in the province. The Technical Coordinator is expected to support the establishment of partnership with government, civil society, media and other stakeholders at provincial level and some at local level. He/She will ensure the use of politically informed, flexible, iterative programming approach in activity implementation. He/She will be based in Lumbini and will participate in regular field visits to project areas including Karnali and Kathmandu to monitor interventions, identify learnings and challenges and develop and recommend solutions. His/Her core responsibility will be to regularly liaise with government ad non government stakholders at province and local levels and program implementing partners to ensure timely and smooth implementation of planned activities. They will also provide technical inputs to the subnational government and program implementing partners to ensure smooth implementation of the services and quality control conducted.

2. RELATIONSHIPS

Internal

Contact with all staff within the Foundation's Kathmandu office.

External

Regular contact with project partners, 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:

At least Bachelor's Degree in development studies, law, public policy, public administration, political science, economics, international development, social sciences, or other relevant field. In the case of Master’s degree, three years of relevant experience will suffice.

Experience and Skills:

Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of Nepal’s political, economic and social context. Minimum five years or more of relevant professional experience of stakeholder liason and networking particularly in provincial and local governance in Nepal. Minimum five years of relevant experience in supporting implementation of development activities for government, civil society, non-governmental or academic institutions. 

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in English and Nepali (and local languages spoken in 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. Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet). Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and critically analyze information. Willingness to travel to districts across the province. Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment.

SUMMARY OF POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Regular liaise with provincial government and local governments (where needed) and program implementing partners to ensure timely and smooth implementation of planned activities.
• Provide tailored technical inputs to identify strategic entry points for program implementation in municipalities
• Provide tailored technical inputs to the province and program implementing partners to ensure smooth implementation of the services and quality control conducted by project partners.
• Coordinate and conduct stakeholder consultation meetings and learning sessions to meet the project’s learning objectives.
• Provide weekly updates and monthly progress report on ongoing support activities including key learnings, challenges, and ways forward.
• Support project team to coordinate between provincial and/or local governments and non-government stakeholders and vice-versa
• Support program team to conduct deliberative process and hearings around identified key issues and/other decisions
• Support the Program Manager to implement challenge fund activities.
• Manage strategic meetings between project team and local implementing partners with local and provincial government officials, and with identified political and CSO leaders.
• Coordinate meetings with concerned stakeholders in the province and/or municipalities during various research and learning work by project team and partners
• Identify key issues and work areas for short term technical advisors and carry out necessary coordination for their work implementation.
• Prepare briefing notes, presentations, and other relevant materials, as necessary.
• Ensure to mainstream Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) strategies/activities identified by the project are being applied at the implementation level.
• Coordinate and communicate with other BEK projects and other similar programs in the area to identify opportunities for collaboration with other partners and new interventions.

Applying Procedure

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 October 23, 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.