Position: Provincial Finance and Admin Associate
Number of Positions: 1
Programme: Samartha: Enhancing Gender and Human Development Outcomes through Systems
Strengthening
Location: Janakpurdham, Madhesh (with frequent travel to Local governments)
Type: Full-time
Reports to: Province Head, with technical reporting to Finance Manager and Samartha Programme
Management Unit (PMU)
Start Date: 01 August 2025 (subject to funding approval from the donor)
End Date: 31 March 2026

ORGANIZATION PROFILE

Adam Smith International (ASI) is a global advisory firm that works with governments, international development partners and the private sector to deliver long-term, transformative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Operating across more than 30 countries, ASI specialises in governance, economic reform, climate resilience and inclusive development - applying rigorous analysis, technical expertise and locally led strategies to achieve sustainable impact. 

PROGRAMME BACKGROUND

Samartha: Enhancing Gender and Human Development Outcomes through Systems Strengthening is a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funded programme implemented by Adam Smith International. The programme works in close partnership with the Government of Nepal and aims to enhance the capacity of provincial and local level governments to deliver social sector services. This programme will focus on improving the systems and capacity of local government to deliver its social service mandates with a specific focus on improving access to quality health and education services, especially by women, girls and marginalised communities. This will be complemented with national policy support in the Health and Education sectors to ensure sector policies and resource allocations align to support Nepal in building responsive and resilient Health and Education service delivery systems. Through systems strengthening, Samartha aims to enable more equitable, accountable, and inclusive development outcomes.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Finance and Administration Associate based in Madhesh Province will be responsible for ensuring strong
financial management, operational efficiency and administrative support across the programme’s federal and
provincial teams. S/he will lead on budgeting, expenditure tracking, procurement, logistics and compliance—ensuring all programme activities are delivered with financial accountability, cost-effectiveness and timely operational support.

The role requires strong financial, organisational and coordination skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage
resources efficiently while ensuring strict adherence to donor requirements and national regulations. The
Finance and Administration Associate will play a vital role in maintaining financial integrity across all levels of
implementation, with explicit responsibility to prevent, detect and respond to any fiduciary risks. The role further supports the day-to-day functioning of technical teams through responsive logistics and administrative arrangements, contributing to smooth programme delivery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Financial Management and Budget Oversight (40%)

• Lead and manage the programme’s financial systems, including budgeting, forecasting, fund flow and expenditure monitoring across central and provincial operations.
• Support provincial teams in developing and monitoring operational budgets, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and aligned with approved plans.
• Ensure all financial transactions are recorded promptly, accurately and in accordance with accepted accounting principles and ASI financial standards.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of financial reports in line with internal requirements and donor (FCDO) guidelines.
• Ensure processes are in place to reduce financial mismanagement and implement strict controls to prevent, detect and respond to any fiduciary risk.
• Undertake any other tasks as assigned to support the effective delivery of the Samartha programme in Madhesh Province.

Compliance, Audit and Risk Management (20%)

• Ensure programme-wide adherence to ASI’s financial policies, anti-corruption procedures and donor compliance standards.
• Serve as the focal point for financial audits and programme spot checks; prepare required documentation and respond to audit queries.
• Identify operational risks and implement proactive measures to mitigate them, particularly with regards to financial, contractual and administrative compliance.
• Promote and monitor fiduciary discipline across the programme and ensure that no financial irregularities or fraud occur under any circumstance.

Administration and Operational Support (10%)

• Oversee day-to-day administrative operations of the programme in the province and coordinate administrative support across cluster and province.
• Support logistical arrangements including office supplies, communication systems, internal documentation and filing systems.
• Manage the preparation and tracking of staff travel, per diems, timesheets and leave records in collaboration with the line manager.
• Ensure asset inventories (federal and provincial) are accurately maintained, tracked and periodically verified.

Logistics and Event Coordination (20%)

• Coordinate logistics for programme events (e.g., workshops, training, consultations, learning sessions) in collaboration with central and provincial teams.
• Lead procurement and logistics planning to ensure that meetings, learning events and field activities are delivered on time and within budget.
• Manage arrangements for travel, accommodation and equipment for central and field teams as per programme needs.

Procurement and Vendor Management (5%)

• Ensure procurement of goods and services complies with ASI procurement policies and FCDO guidelines on value for money, competition and transparency.
• Maintain and regularly update a database of vetted vendors and service providers; oversee competitive procurement procedures at both central and provincial levels.
• Support provincial teams in local procurement processes, ensuring alignment with central procurement protocols and financial compliance frameworks.

Coordination and Team Support (5%)

• Provide responsive financial and operational support to all thematic and technical teams across health, education, governance and IEL.
• Act as a key liaison for the federal operations unit to ensure consistency, communication and accountability.
• Contribute operational insights to programme planning, implementation reviews and adaptive management processes.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education and Professional Background

• A Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Business Studies, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in financial and administrative management, preferably within development programmes or donor-funded projects in Nepal.
• Demonstrated experience in managing budget planning, financial reporting, procurement, logistics and compliance functions in multi-stakeholder programme settings.
• Prior experience working with Development Partners, or consultancy-based technical assistance programmes will be an advantage.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in financial software and accounting systems and strong command of MS Excel for financial analysis and reporting.
• Solid understanding of financial controls, procurement protocols and budget compliance frameworks, particularly those aligned with international donor (e.g. FCDO) requirements.
• Strong knowledge of logistics coordination, office management and asset and inventory tracking systems.
• Familiarity with Nepal’s tax and labour laws, statutory reporting requirements and government compliance procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to prevent and detect fiduciary risk and to promote transparency and accountability in financial and operational systems.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills in English and Nepali

Other Requirements

• Willingness to be based in the field with frequent travel across municipalities or clusters.
• Excellent communication, analytical and report-writing skills in both English and Nepali; knowledge oflocal languages (e.g. Maithili or Bhojpuri) is a significant advantage
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in dynamic, collaborative settings and to adapt strategies based on real-time feedback and contextual learning.

TERM OF REFERENCE (ToR)

A detailed Terms of Reference outlining the scope of work, responsibilities and expected deliverables will be shared with shortlisted candidates during the recruitment process.

Note: Women, candidates from marginalised communities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.