The COP will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for the project’s design, management, implementation, reporting, and evaluation, ensuring high-quality standards throughout. This role will also provide technical expertise in data driven and evidence-based planning to strengthen Nepal’s Disaster Risk Management (DRM) systems. As the main contact for USAID/BHA and key stakeholders in Nepal, the COP will collaborate closely with relevant ministries, government agencies, and partner organizations at local, provincial, and federal levels, focusing on capacity building and contributing to long-term project sustainability.

The COP will oversee the effective management and supervision of project staff, consultants, and sub-grantees, ensuring all program activities are technically sound and relevant. This includes guiding program work planning, performance management, and strategic communication efforts. Acting as a key liaison with USAID, government counterparts, and technical specialists from Handicap International's HQ and South Asia Regional Office, the COP will ensure alignment with national priorities and strict adherence to USAID and Handicap International’s standards and regulation.

Terms & Conditions: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Country Office Kathmandu, Nepal

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Planning:

• Lead the project, providing vision, direction, and high-quality technical guidance in line with USAID/BHA and HI program quality standards.
• Provide technical guidance for the project, ensuring all activities align with the project work plan budget and deliverables.
• Ensure the project planning and processes align with HI’s standard operating procedures, program quality policy (PQP) ensuring compliance with USAID BHA policies and in aligning with national priorities, laws and policies.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate the program team, fostering an environment of respect, inclusivity, and open communication.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation:

• Act as the primary liaison among all project stakeholders, including USAID/BHA Nepal Mission, the Government of Nepal, implementing partners, and community organizations.
• Establish effective coordination and relationships with key line ministries, such as the Ministry of Home, Ministry of Forest and Environment NDRRMA, and Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and relevant local governments ensuring alignment and collaboration across initiatives.
• Support the development of strong M&E mechanisms, tools, and systems to ensure high-quality implementation and data-driven and evidence-based decision-making.
• Lead documentation and dissemination of findings, impact, and lessons learned, using a collaborative and adaptive learning approach to inform future program design and influence policy.

Operational, Financial, and Compliance Oversight:

• Manage operational, financial, and administrative priorities in coordination with HI offices, ensuring adherence to HI program quality framework, DGA guidelines, and program-specific needs.
• Oversee adaptive management of administrative and HR matters, particularly concerning finance and operations.

Safeguarding and Accountability:

• Ensure safeguarding risk assessments, integrating safeguarding activities into program plans to address risks.
• Ensure HI’s Code of Conduct and promote safeguarding practices across all levels of program operations.

Knowledge Sharing and Influence:

• Lead information dissemination efforts to highlight project achievements, aiming to influence decision-makers and policymakers.
• Remain updated on relevant in-country and international programs, integrating best practices into project work to enhance impact.

Required qualifications and experiences:

• Master’s degree in development studies, management, international relations, environmental studies, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible management experience in international humanitarian and development projects in developing countries.
• Strong understanding of Nepal’s DRR governance and planning and its social, political, economic, and cultural context. Proven experience in successful implementation of projects focused on resilience, emergency response, natural resource management, or disaster risk reduction. 
• Strong expertise in Climate change adaptations (CCA), Disaster Risk Financing, anticipatory actions, Resilience, Early Warning (EW) systems, and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) policy and planning. 
• Demonstrated experience in recruiting, developing, and leading teams, alongside expertise in programmatic and financial reporting.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written), with strong oral and written communication, including having intercultural, interpersonal, and negotiation abilities.
• Demonstrated capacity to build and maintain partnerships with governments, donors, other donor-funded projects, local organizations, and partners.
• Proven experience building capacity of local NGOs and government bodies.
• Familiar with USAID funding mechanisms, approaches, and regulations.

To Apply:

Send a motivation letter mentioning position applied for and expected salary and an updated CV including 2 referees with contact number and e-mail address to recruitment@nepal.hi.org (keeping the position applied for in subject of the email) no later than 23rd November 2024. HI Nepal reserves the right to cancel, postpone or modify the whole recruitment process and reject any application without specifying any reasons whatsoever.

Handicap International (HI) is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women, people with disability, and members from disadvantaged communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

HI firmly believes in the importance of inclusion and diversity within our organization. This is why we are committed to a disability policy to encourage the inclusion and integration of people with disabilities. Please indicate if you require any special accommodations, including participation in the first interview.

Candidates applying for a job with HI must be ready to comply with our Child Protection Policy, and Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment. HI Nepal has a zero tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the values and mission of HI, hence, all selected candidates are expected to adhere to these standards and principles.