Civil Society Now! (CSN) Product Manager

Location: Kathmandu

Duration: 10 months with possibility of extension subject to funding and performance

Reports to: Deputy Head of Programmes

People in Need (PIN) is a non-governmental, non-profit, international organization founded in the Czech Republic in 1992. PIN’s roots are in humanitarian aid, civil society empowerment and human rights. PIN arrived in Nepal as part of a humanitarian response to the April 25, 2015 earthquake. Since its inception in Nepal, PIN has had a strong role advocating and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations affected by disaster including person categories who live in geographically remote areas of the country, historically marginalized ethnic groups, and those marginalized because of their age and/or gender identity, working closely with local CSOs and organizations. PIN has also supported Nepal's post-earthquake reconstruction efforts ensuring that the most vulnerable people are not left behind with resilience (focused on shelter and resettlement) and inclusive education programming, developing strong standards for safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, including persons with disabilities.

Over the years, the role of CSOs have been critically important for upholding democratic values and promoting human rights in Nepal. International organizations have prioritized this “localization” agenda for some time now, but local CSOs continue to face significant barriers. Civil Society Now! flips the power dynamic, where the international entity provides its expertise through a demand-based system, self-determined by the local CSOs. PIN will open up its internal operational and programme management systems to provide local CSOs with the resources required to build their own in order to mobilize and effectively manage international donor funding. The CSN project objective is that Nepali CSOs have access to relevant organizational development resources and services on an on-demand basis.

Civil Society Now! (CSN) will be a web-based platform that will provide local CSOs with the skills, resources and systems that international organizations have taken years to develop, test and refine. The CSN Product Manager would lead and launch the pilot project, suggest the branding and develop promotional materials for the product, design a key stakeholder engagement strategy, lead on consultations with the CSOs and other relevant actors, and coordinate closely with the PIN-UK, PIN HQ and PIN Mongolia teams. The position would be line managed by Deputy Head of Programs and working closely with PIN’s Legal & Accountancy Advisor, Partnership Manager, Compliance & Communication team. Depending on the success of the launch of the pilot and the availability of funding, the role could be extended and expanded.

Phase 1

• Collaborate with PIN Mongolia, PIN UK and PIN HQ to:
  • Create the CSN structure and overview of all policies and internal documents to be published and made available to members, undertaking a detailed review and consulting with the “owners” of these documents, risks to publications, and any specific questions for legal review and contextualize the process for Nepali scenario.
  • Seek legal support, when required based on review process, together with PIN’s Legal & Accountancy Advisor.
  • Revise structure and design of the existing pilot product (website), sourcing visual materials, organizing translations and ensure a user-friendly interface.
• Work with finance and compliance colleagues to create the operational, financial and accounting model for providing consultancy support to CSOs, including an overview of who can offer what service(s) for PIN Nepal.
• Conduct preliminary consultation workshop with local government, CSOs and other relevant stakeholders to assess the scope/feasibility of CSN in Nepal, and develop a roadmap for CSN adaptation and implementation.

Phase 2

• Support the legal review, including the creation of disclaimers and determine any implications for the organization’s insurance.
• Together with Partnership Manager, identify and map out local CSOs that can benefit from CSN products, and conduct their due diligence checks.
• Translation of CSN products in local language(s), that suits the CSO partner’s need.

• Develop CSN promotional package & coordinate with PIN’s Communication & Advocacy Manager for branding, visibility & promotional plan/strategy for CSN.

Phase 3

• Organize CSN launch event & consultation with selected CSOs to pilot a beta version of the CSN products.
• Act as the focal point and maintain communication with CSN CSO partners including asking for feedback and ensuring their satisfaction.
• Coordinate within PIN’s broader team to ensure the delivery of any services to CSO partners
• Ensure CSO partners are able to input on the design of any CSN initiatives e.g. online workshops/sharing sessions on an operational or programmatic theme and coordinate with PIN staff for the implementation of these sessions
• Collect feedback from CSOs on our services and refine the product, as when required.

Requirements

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