TITLE: Senior Program Officer, Policy and Coalitions 
UNIT: Nepal Office
REPORTS TO: Program Director
LOCATION: Kathmandu
SUPERVISES: N/A

1. SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Policy and Coalitions Senior Program Officer (SPO) at The Asia Foundation (the Foundation) will lead the implementation of activities contributing to an enabling environment for civil society and media under the USAID Civil Society and Media (CSM) Program. S/he will monitor and track the policy environment, as well as engagement platforms, approaches and opportunities for civil society to engage. S/he will be responsible for considering when and how to apply policy analyses for gender, social and disability inclusion. This position will also oversee policy-related partners and provide substantial input in policy reform related Challenge Funds. The Policy and Coalitions SPO will liaise with key Government of Nepal (GoN) institutions at both Federal, Provincial and local levels. S/he will provide technical input and support for training programs for partners and collaborate with donor agencies in program development. S/he will be responsible for managing, coordinating, monitoring, and providing technical assistance for CSM’s activities on civil society, formal/informal coalitions and alliances, and policy reform.

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 public policy, law, political science, economics, development studies, international development, international relations, or other relevant fields. 

Experience

• Minimum seven years of relevant experience in development assistance, government, civil society, non-governmental 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 the knowledge of civil society, media and education landscape in the country. Knowledge of regional and provincial development, policy environment, local governance, and social initiatives in Madhesh and/or Lumbini Province will be integral to the position and highly valued. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in English and Nepali (and local languages 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. Ability to conduct thorough needs assessments to gauge training needs. Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet). Ability to prioritize and critically analyze information. Willingness to travel to districts across Lumbini and Madhesh provinces. Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment.

4. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management

• Work closely with Inclusive Development and Partnerships Senior Advisor and Program Managers at the provincial offices to design activities that contribute to creating an enabling environment for civil society and media.
• Manage, coordinate, monitor and provide technical assistance for all CSM activities on civil society, coalitions, alliances and policy reform. 
• Monitor and track the policy environment as well as engagement platforms, approaches, and opportunities for civil society to engage.
• Conduct thorough analysis and research of the political, social and economic situation to inform program design and implementation. 
• Oversee partners working in policy reform and provide substantial input to Challenge Fund activities working in similar thematic areas.
• Identify coalitions, associations and networks working in strengthening civil society, media and education and find ways to engage and support them.
• Provide substantive inputs, coaching, and assistance to partners/grantees in undertaking policy review, assessment and drafting policy briefs.
• Provide technical input and support in running training programs on political economy analysis, power analysis and influence, coalition building, development entrepreneurship etc.
• Collaborate with donor agencies in program development, preparation of work plans, coordination and support. 
• Conduct field visits and establish good working relationships with government offices at federal, provincial and local levels and their programs. 
• Be informed and knowledgeable on the array of toolkits and resources available to strengthen coalition-building skills and share such resources with partners and Challenge Fund recipients, especially those from WYM communities.
• 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.
• Collect necessary data/information for reporting requirements, monitoring and evaluation of the program interventions and ensure linkages between contributions of program/component and annual outcome and output indicators. 
• Undertake research, study and prepare briefing notes, presentations, and other relevant materials, as needed.
• Coordinate with the program team members to compile, maintain, and report on program statistics to prepare reports for donors and the Foundation headquarters.
• Support the design and production of high-quality knowledge products through analytical inputs, advice, and critical reviews. Ensure their dissemination to appropriate audience through training, orientation or other identified means using accessible channels at the sub-national level.
• Track ongoing activities of partners/grantees and ensure that timely updates and reports are received from partners/grantees.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all the Foundation and donor policies, procedures and practices when carrying out all activities.

Financial Management

• With Finance & Grants unit, assist in conducting due diligence for potential partners/grantees.
• Assist potential partners/grantees develop their budget proposal, 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. 

Representation

• Participate in the Foundation’s or other meetings, professional forums, and events with development partners, governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Develop messages on key thematic issues, areas for policy reform and ensure appropriate visibility for Foundation’s programs towards donors, Nepali counterparts and communities.
• 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.