Head of the Himalayan Office

Norlha Helping People in the Himalayas

Details / requirements:

Norlha is an international NGO supporting remote communities in the Himalayas in sustainable development. It develops integrated projects in food security, income generation and environment protection, which have a strong focus on supporting women. Norlha is a non-profit, non-political, nonreligious association based in Lausanne, Switzerland. It is currently looking for a replacement Head for its office in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Position: Head of the Himalayan Office

Norlha’s primary representative in its chosen region of intervention is the locally employed Head of the Himalayan Office (HHO). From this position she or he provides vision and strategic leadership, ensures the advancement of Norlha’s regional coverage and presence, and creates a favourable environment within which Norlha’s operations and programme can prosper, overseeing the latterprocess. The HHO reports to the Executive Director, functions according to agreed strategic goals, and is a full member of Norlha’s Senior Management Team.

Mission and activities

  • Regional planning and strategic programme development

Lead Norlha programme development and strategy adhering to Norlha's strategic plan, in coordination with Heads of departments and in particular with the Executive Director.
Lead, support, organise and contribute to the design of new programmes in collaboration with implementation partners and in coordination with project formulation officers, thematic experts, and heads of departments (Operations and Partnerships).

  • Coordination & management of operational programmes

Lead and ensure the effective implementation and management of Norlha’s programme in the field. Oversee the overall progress alignment with Norlha strategy.
Supervise and monitor progress. Provide strategic guidance on programme implementation by partners.
Monitor, provide support and review the functioning and achievements of partners engaged in programme implementation.

  • Outreach, networking and partnership building

Represent Norlha in different fora, engage in advocacy; create, explore and develop opportunities in the network of organisations active in development in the Himalayan region and coordinate interventions and build alliances.
Foster discussion and develop strategy and policy with governments and international development organisations in support of Norlha’s programme development, while maintaining sensitivity to political issues.

  • Fundraising support

Prepare, and implement a strategy for programme funds mobilisation at regional level together with the HQ Partnerships department.

Actively support and contribute to funding requests and participate in the subsequent exchanges with funding agencies or partners based especially in Nepal in conjunction with the Partnerships department.

  • Regional Office management and communication with HQ

Recruit, motivate and lead a team of Himalayan development experts focusing on supporting the design, implementation and monitoring of region-specific programmes to ensure the timely delivery of results and impact.
Provide reports on activities and regular updates on the Region-specific political and socio-economic context to Norlha HQ. Keep regular communication with the Executive Director and relevant departments.

  • Finance and administration

Oversee, monitor and ensure correct administrative and financial management for the planned functioning of the Himalayan Office and its alignment with procedures and systems at HQ. Follow development norms, practices, regulatory requirements and laws of Nepal and relevant countries.

  • Capacity Building

In collaboration with the Human resources department, assess the need and organise capacity building for Norlha’s field staff and implementation partners.

Candidate Profile

  • Advanced degree in agriculture, engineering, rural development or other relevant subject;
  • Sound organisational and personnel management experience in an international organisation. Senior management experience in an NGO is a plus;
  • Local government, and stakeholder management experience is necessary;
  • Minimum of ten years’ experience in the development sector including direct field
  • experience; detailed knowledge of the development sector in Nepal or Bhutan is a plus;
  • Experience in networking and establishing lasting relationships; good knowledge of and
  • contacts in international development networks is a plus;
  • Proven ability to lead, manage and motivate paid and volunteer teams;
  • Solid knowledge and up-to-date experience of financial management, budgeting and
  • administration, fluency in English required and command of Nepali a significant asset;
  • Able to demonstrate a commitment to work to reduce poverty within marginalised communities;
  • Hands on manager ready to become involved in detailed work when necessary.

Norlha offers

  • Direct engagement in poverty reduction and development of people in need;
  • Experience in development work and being a part of highly reputable international NGO;
  • Working in an enthusiastic, professional, motivated and cohesive team;
  • High degree of autonomy, good sense of job satisfaction, ample room for initiative;
  • Competitive local salary and benefits.

Duration: Open contract with a minimum commitment of two years required.

Working time: Full time

Location: Norlha Himalayan office in Kathmandu, field visits and regional travel required (maximum 30 days per year) plus possible travel to Switzerland (approximately 14 days per year).

Application: Please send your CV, motivational letter and 3 reference contacts to email join.leadership@norlha.org ref. HHO by 5 August 2017

Expected start date: Autumn 2017.

Job Overview

Category Development and Project
Openings 1
Experience 10+ years
Education Please check vacancy details
Posted Date 06 Jul, 2017
Apply Before 05 Aug, 2017
City Kathmandu