Sr. Policy and Program Advisor

Sr. Policy and Program Advisor

Effective with the release of this position announcement, Winrock International is recruiting applicants for the Sr. Policy and Program Advisorfor the KISAN II Project; responsibilities, duties and qualifications are described in the attached position description.

GENERAL:

Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works with people in the United States and around the world to increase economic opportunity, sustain natural resources, and protect the environment. Winrock matches innovative approaches in agriculture, natural resources management, clean energy, and leadership development with the unique needs of its partners. By linking local individuals and communities with new ideas and technology, Winrock is increasing long-term productivity, equity, and responsible resource management to benefit the poor and disadvantaged of the world.

SALARY:

The annual salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

APPLICATIONS:

Applicants must submit a cover letter and current CV to jobs.KISAN@winrock.org . Applicants should reference Sr. Policy and Program Advisor KISAN II by September 30, 2017 .

Winrock International is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

POSITION TITLE: Senior Policy and Program Advisor

LOCATION: Kathmandu, Nepal

REPORTS TO: Chief of Party

BACKGROUND:

The USAID/Nepal-funded KISAN II project is improving food security in twenty Hill and Terai districts in the Western, Mid-Western and Far-Western regions of the country and four districts in the Central region. The purpose of the project is to increase resilience, inclusiveness, and sustainability of income growth in the Feed the Future Zone of Influence. KISAN II will help lead firms, input suppliers, and private sector change agents catalyze agricultural productivity, competitive market systems, a stronger enabling environment, and business and literacy skills for households in two Zones of Influence.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

KISAN II aims to strengthen the enabling environment for agriculture growth and competitiveness. The project will support public-private sector collaboration to align Government of Nepal policy, regulations, administrative procedures, and investment strategies to support this objective.  The Sr. Policy and Program Advisor will serve as the primary project focal point with the Government of Nepal. Specific responsibilities include:

• Foster and maintain alliances with KISAN II government counterparts at the municipality, provincial and national levels. Develop internal mechanisms for ensuring the government at all levels is informed of project developments and feels a sense of ownership related to KISAN II work.
• Keep apprised of government developments, priorities, and interests particularly during the decentralization process, and advise KISAN II leadership on how to respond to those changes.
• Identify “champions” at each level of government, and work closely with them build their interest and buy-in for KISAN II activities. Work with them to identify capacity gaps and needs that can be addressed by the project.
• Ensure KISAN II’s reports to GON and presentations to GON are in-line with GON reporting standards and formats
• Work with KISAN II technical teams to ensure close coordination with GON at all levels. This includes schedules and formats of joint monitoring visits.
• Point person for KISAN II in all matters related to the Steering Committee, chaired by the Secretary MOAD and which provides oversight to KISAN II.
• Work with KISAN II technical teams to develop an implementation approach on how to KISAN II activities can leverage and sequence GoN programs.
• Identify KISAN II activities that can be adopted and scaled by GoN. Link GoN, and particularly champions within GoN, to KISAN II’s learning agenda to support this objective.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQURIEMENTS:

Education: Masters degree in relevant field, PhD preferred.

Experience: The ideal candidate will have the following experience:

• At least 12 years of relevant experience.
• Experience working with the Government of Nepal and/or the private sector to improve the enabling environment related to agriculture
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written with fluency in both English and Nepali required.

Other: Position is open to individuals of any nationality; however, this is a local hire position so international hire allowances will not be provided.

Disclaimer: This position is contingent upon donor approval.