Deloitte Consulting is the implementing partner for the USAID Urja Nepal Program (Urja Nepal). The purpose of Urja Nepal is to create a financially viable electricity sector that provides affordable, reliable, and secure power for all Nepalese. This program works across the energy value chain to promote sustainable access to energy while also assisting Nepal with its energy transition objectives.

Urja Nepal collaborates with multiple Government of stakeholders, including MoEWRI, DoED, AEPC, NEA, ERC, OIBN, IPPAN, SOPPAN, and other U.S. government agencies.

The program works across four objectives:

1. Utility Performance and Relevant Sector Policies Improved
2. Advanced Energy Systems Deployed
3. Increased Private Sector Engagement
4. Cross-Border Electricity Trade Advanced

Position Description

Urja Nepal is recruiting for an entry-level Project Associate to provide Communications, Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL), and Events Management support based in Kathmandu. This role is perfect for candidates looking to play a central role in the implementation, communication, and reporting of multiple project events and/or activities. As a key member of the Urja Nepal Team, the candidate may be expected to: conduct desk research, draft project communications (social media posts, success stories, reports, 1-page summaries, etc.), track project deliverables, lead and provide logistic support to events, and/or prepare relevant travel documentation. 

The Project Associate will work closely with the Communications and External Affairs Manager, the MEL Specialist, and the Office Manager to ensure the smooth coordination and timely delivery of Urja Nepal program activities. The expectation is that this will be a highly dynamic role that will require proven English writing and project coordination skills. This position will report to the Deputy Chief of Party of Urja Nepal.

Responsibilities: 

Communications:

• Support deliverables including writing, copy editing, formatting, and assessing for compliance with Branding and Marking policies.
• Support development of success stories, social media posts, content drafting, sourcing images, formatting/design, and coordinating distribution.
• Propose, organize, and deliver public events to promote Urja Nepal activities.
• Coordinate among development stakeholders and potential project partners to identify project events and communications.
• Maintain Urja Nepal’s photo bank, including taking photographs and coordinating contracted photographers as needed.
• Draft press releases and other documentation under supervision of project.
• Edit various project communications including reports, Power Point presentations, etc.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL):

• Support internal project M&E requirements including preparation of data for project reporting.
• Maintain existing indicator tracking tools and update additional databases or tracking tools as needed.
• Enter and maintain all required source data and supporting documentation.
• Create and integrate graphics in reports and information products to support data visualizations.
• Support branding and marking checking on all project deliverables.
• Support in tracking Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) targets and assistance to monitor and capture its outcomes.

Administration, Procurement and Logistics:

• Support travel arrangements and logistics, particularly around events.
• Support drafting of travel approvals, purchase request forms, local purchase order forms, and other procurement documentation.
• Perform market research on potential vendors.
• Provide support to event management services and supplies for trainings, workshops, seminars, events, and field visits.
• Support on office vehicle management.
• Support on liaising with vendors for repair and maintenance of office equipment and premises.

Qualifications:

• Fluent in written and spoken English, with a strong emphasis on extraordinary writing skills.
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Communications, Journalism, Media, Advertising, English, Management or related academic disciplines.
• Three or more years of experience in Event Management and Communications for donor funded projects, and preferably with some understanding and experience on MEL.
• Demonstrated knowledge and/or strong interest in energy, climate change with a focus on Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) is a must.
• Prior working experience with donor funded projects required, preferably USAID projects.

Qualities:

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to take direction.
• Keen intuition for project communications, events, and opportunities.
• Strong desire to learn about the power sector, the energy transition, climate change, and GESI.
• Self-starter, willing to take initiative, remain accountable, take ownership of work product, and escalate issues as appropriate.
• Dedicated to professional development, improvement and open to receiving constructive feedback.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with a willingness to take initiative and be proactive to resolve problems and identify solutions.
• Eagerness to learn with a flexible and adaptive personality.