Program Coordinator

 ORGANIZATION BRIEF

Nepal Development Society (NeDS) is a leading research & development NGO established in 2013. It has three offices located in Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Kaski districts. It focuses on policy, planning, and development with a focus on social, economic, health, and environmental issues. NeDS has evolved as a multi-disciplinary research and development organization with its innovative, technical, management, and research competencies. It delivers quality services to a diverse spectrum of organizations ranging from Governments, Bilateral Agencies, Multi-lateral Agencies, Development Agencies, I/NGOs, Academic Institutions, Research Firms and Private Sector Organizations.

 JOB SUMMARY

The position of Project Coordinator is of utmost importance in the successful planning, networking, navigation and execution of projects. The incumbent, in collaboration with the Project Manager, will work towards liaising with international partners including La Isla Network, Inc (LIN), USA; Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH), USA; and Nepal Bournemouth University (BU), UK. The Project Coordinator will lead a diverse team consisting of the Program Officer, MEAL Officer, Communication Officer, and part-time/need-based research consultants to ensure effective management of core project operations. The primary objective of the role is to provide continuous mentorship and guidance to the team in implementing project activities aimed at addressing the challenges encountered by Nepali labor migrants. The Project Coordinator will be responsible for fostering and managing partnerships, contributing to strategic project planning, and actively participating in the reporting mechanisms. His/her leadership and coordination skills will be critical in driving the initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Nepali labor migrants.

 REPORTING MECHANISM

 KEY ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Planning & Budgeting

• Support Project Manager with detailed planning processes, ensuring the annual detailed implementation plan and phased budget align with project objectives and budget head.
• Support the Project Manager to allocate funds appropriately, monitor monthly expenses, and take corrective measures, communicating effectively with the finance department.
• Review project Budget vs. Actuals (BVAs) regularly, reporting any discrepancies to the Finance department in coordination with the Project Manager.
  
• Collaborate with the field team, including thematic focal persons, to design robust field visit plans, self-assessments, and monitoring systems.
• Mobilize, activate, and strengthen community groups to design, manage, and sustain project initiatives.

Programme Quality:

• Supervise and guide team members in planning, implementing, and monitoring programs, ensuring adherence to quality benchmarks and standards.
• Ensure understanding and adherence to Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) plans and project log-frames among staff members.
• Oversee the completion of action plans resulting from project reviews, monitoring visits, evaluations, and assessments. 

Programme Operations & Management:

• Ensure programmatic and financial accountability, tracking progress, and budget expenses in alignment with the Annual Plan.
• Coordinate with program/project staff and Operations to ensure synchronized delivery of outputs in the assigned area/s.
• Develop and maintain the Program Operations Manual (POM) and ensure its understanding and implementation by relevant staff.
• Collect project progress information, analyze expenses vs. activity delivery, and submit monthly reports to the supervisor. 
• Ensure programs meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Minimum Operating Standards of key interventions.

Research and Analysis

• Conduct a thorough desk review and analysis of REAL and DEGREE data to inform project planning.
• Undertake an exhaustive situational analysis to identify key factors influencing the project’s scope and objectives.
• Facilitate the formation and coordination of a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to provide expert guidance.
• Establish and manage a Research Action Partner (RAP) Group, fostering collaboration among key stakeholders. 
• Conduct key informant interviews to gather insights and perspectives relevant to the project’s objectives.
• Identify and implement strategies for enhancing the research capacity of the project team and partners.
• Lead the preparation and submission of Institutional Review Board (IRB) documentation, ensuring ethical considerations.
• Develop a map outlining the scope of the trafficking problem to guide project activities.
• Organize and facilitate focus group discussions to gather qualitative data for the research process.
• Conduct in-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders to gain deeper insights into project-related issues
• Evaluate existing safeguards and protections available to migrants abroad, identifying strengths and gaps.
• Lead the design phase of the preliminary intervention model based on research findings and insights.
• Conduct additional analysis of existing projects related to migrant workers to inform intervention design.
• Oversee the implementation of pilot testing for the preliminary intervention model.
• Conduct an evaluation of the pilot testing phase, gathering feedback and insights.
• Refine the intervention model based on pilot testing outcomes, ensuring its effectiveness.
• Organize and conduct training sessions for civil society organizations based on the finalized intervention model.

Team and Stakeholder Management

• Establish and strengthen the capacity of the team and stakeholders in monitoring and evaluation, program implementation, and timely reporting.
• Provide regular support, mentorship, and follow-up for the implementation of project activities.
• Prepare monthly fund requests and monitor budget vs. actual expenditures.
• Ensure timely submission of well-prepared program/project updates and reports to the Consortium Lead in the USA.
• Facilitate planning sessions, capacity building, and field-based advocacy activities.

Relationship Building

• Map and identify potential partners (community-based groups, civil society organizations, and academe) for collaboration.
• Establish and maintain active working relationships with local partners, local government units, and other NGOs in relevant thematic/geographic areas.
• Provide feedback to the Advisor regarding prospective partners and donors, identifying opportunities for resource mobilization.
• Implement local advocacy activities aligned with the national policy agenda, engaging partners and supporting national advocacy efforts.
• Serve as the frontline liaison with regional agencies, provincial government, and partners, facilitating the delivery of project initiatives.
• Consult with government counterparts and experts to identify appropriate strategies and activities.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning

• Assist in the development of the strategic plan, result monitoring plan (RMP), project log frame, and key performance indicators, particularly the targets and measurements including database management.
• Work with MEAL to update the Common Performance Indicator (CPI) document tracking progress against J/TIP indicators
• Support MEAL officer to review and provide input on a pre-analysis plan (PAP) before being posted to the Evidence in Governance and Politics Research Registry.
• Ensure the project utilizes MEAL findings/results to enhance/modify project implementation.
• Facilitate capacity-building activities for the team in consultation with concerned advisors.
• Coach/mentor supervises, providing leadership/technical support to project staff as needed.

Compliance and Coordination

• Assist in the formulation of annual performance objectives, aligning with work unit objectives.
• Support project staff in complying with NeDS policies, including Safeguarding, Anti- Corruption, and Safety and Security policies.
• Ensure project activities align with NeDS policies and procedures.
• Contribute to building a culture of member service and oversee compliance with procurement policies.

Resourcefulness and Troubleshooting

• Employ resourcefulness in project design, implementation, and monitoring.
• Troubleshoot project problems and implement creative solutions.
• Inform relevant stakeholders on project activities and results, maintaining an updated project database for reference.
• Support the communication department with information and materials for marketing and communication.

Reporting and Coordination

• Periodically report, monitor, and facilitate the evaluation of all project components.
• Prepare technical progress reports, ad hoc reports, and draft terms of reference for partnerships and consultants.
• Coordinate and liaise with stakeholders, and national and non-government organizations for effective project implementation.
• Ensure adherence to NeDS rules and regulations for financial and administrative matters.
• Take the lead in organizing conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions, and meetings.

Communication and Language Support

• Draft or translate news releases, official correspondence, statements, speeches, and other public information material into local languages in coordination with the Communication Officer.
• Work closely with the Communication Officer to develop strategies for disseminating preliminary findings to relevant stakeholders.
• Lead the overall dissemination process, ensuring broad outreach and awareness.
• Oversee the publication of research outcomes in reputable journals and relevant platforms.
• Develop policy briefs and layman articles summarizing research evidence for wider accessibility.

Safety and Compliance

• Work closely with the Admin and Logistics Coordinator to monitor the evolving safety and security situation in the project’s geographical location.
• Ensure project operations comply with safety and security guidelines.

General

• Act as a key member of the organization, providing programmatic support across various projects.
• Undertake tasks as assigned by the line manager, which may include specific programmatic-related assignments or broader organizational responsibilities.
• Provide programmatic expertise to strengthen the development of concept notes and proposals for new funding opportunities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Collaborate with colleagues from different departments to ensure effective integration of project objectives across the projects.
• Work collaboratively with the leadership team in organizational discussions to refine and enhance overall project and organization efficiency.

  QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Project Management, International Development, Business Administration, Public Health, Social Work, or a related discipline. 

• At least 5-7 years of progressive experience in project management, with a focus on planning, budgeting, and program quality assurance in national/international NGOs/UN bodies/ Government organizations.
• Experience in managing and implementing projects related to research, analysis, and interventions, particularly in the context of migration and human rights.
• Substantial experience in team and stakeholder management, relationship building, and advocacy activities.
• Proven track record in monitoring and evaluation, accountability, and learning within project settings.
• Background in compliance, coordination, and safety/security aspects related to project operations.
• Experience in resourceful troubleshooting, creative problem- solving, and effective communication.
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills, with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in capacity building, knowledge management, and training programs.
• Demonstrate diplomacy in building relationships and working with diverse cultures, audiences, sensitive situations, and subject matter.

• Strong analytical and strategic planning skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities to ensure the efficient execution of project tasks.
• Leadership qualities with the ability to guide, mentor, and support team members effectively.
• Sound financial acumen and understanding of budgeting processes.
• Exceptional communication skills for effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a dynamic and evolving environment with multi-cultural teams and partners working at a distance.
• Commitment to ethical research practices and understanding of Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes.
• Experience in the internet, MS Office package, and data management tools.
• Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking in Nepali and English language.
• Honesty, transparent, collaborative and learning attitude.

• MPhil and PhD preferred.
• Prior working experience in research-based projects with academic institutions consortium.
• Familiarity with the intricacies of research and analysis methodologies, particularly in the context of migrant workers.
• Familiarity with international and national legal frameworks related to human rights and labor rights.
• Previous experience working on issues related to migrant workers, labor migration, human trafficking and health and safety issues of migrant workers.
• Knowledge of diverse cultures and languages, enhancing effective communication and collaboration.
• Experience in drafting and translating content for various communication materials.
• Understanding of and commitment to safeguarding policies and anti-corruption measures.
• Proactive engagement in networking, resource mobilization, and building partnerships.

• Competitive salary, provident fund, and festival allowance.
• Medical and accidental insurance.
• Career growth opportunity.

 To apply: Please submit your CV and Cover letter, with two references and expected monthly salary at vacancy@nedsnepal.org.np, mention    Position in the email subject
Deadline for applications: 4^th February 2024 5.00 pm. We will only get in touch if you have been shortlisted 

Disclaimer:

Nepal Development Society (NeDS) encourages diversity of genders, races, ethnicities, profiles, and statuses among its human resources. Therefore, it complies with the principle of non-discrimination throughout its recruitment process.

Nepal Development Society (NeDS) will not charge any fees for the recruitment process, including shortlisting, interviews, tests, or training. It reserves the right to accept and reject applications.