EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Organization: Digo Bikas Institute (DBI)

Duty Station: Kathmandu, Nepal (with frequent travel to project areas)

Employment Type: Full-time

Contract Duration: Initial six-month contract (including probation), with the possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding.

Reporting line: Reports directly to the Executive Committee (Board) and supervises Programme, Finance and Administration teams

Application Deadline: 15 August 2026

About Digo Bikas Institute (DBI)

Digo Bikas Institute (DBI) is an independent research, policy, and advocacy organization committed to promoting equitable, sustainable and community led development. DBI works to address structural inequalities created by profit driven economic and social systems through grassroots engagement, research, movement building and policy advocacy.

DBI's thematic areas include:

• Climate Justice 
• Agroecology and Food Sovereignty 
• Energy Democracy 
• Rethinking Development 
• Urban Justice and Sustainable Land Use 
• Evidence-based Research and Advocacy 

DBI is seeking a dynamic, visionary, and experienced professional to serve as its Executive Director (ED) and lead the organization through its next phase of strategic growth and impact.

Position Summary

The Executive Director is the chief executive of DBI and is responsible for providing strategic, programmatic and operational leadership to the organization. Reporting directly to the Executive Committee (Board), the Executive Director will ensure effective implementation of DBI's strategic plan, strengthen organizational sustainability, lead fundraising efforts, oversee programme quality, manage institutional partnerships and represent DBI at national and international levels.

The Executive Director will provide leadership across DBI's core thematic areas including climate justice, agroecology, food sovereignty, energy democracy, urban justice and research and policy advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Provide strategic leadership to achieve DBI's vision, mission and longterm objectives
• Lead implementation and periodic review of organizational strategic plans
• Advise and report regularly to the Executive Committee on organizational performance and strategic priorities 
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, transparency and learning
• Ensure effective governance practices and compliance with Board decisions

2. Programme Leadership

• Provide overall oversight of programme design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and learning 
• Ensure programme quality, effectiveness and alignment with DBI's strategic priorities 
• Promote research driven programming and evidence based advocacy
• Lead initiatives related to climate justice, agroecology, food sovereignty, urban justice and sustainable development
• Ensure integration of gender equality, social inclusion and environmental sustainability across programmes

3. Organizational Management

• Lead day to day organizational management and administration
• Ensure effective financial management, budgeting and internal controls 
• Oversee human resource management, staff performance and organizational development
• Ensure compliance with national laws, donor regulations and organizational policies
• Strengthen institutional systems, policies and operational efficiency

4. Resource Mobilization and Partnership Development

• Develop and implement organizational fundraising and resource mobilization strategies 
• Identify and cultivate partnerships with bilateral and multilateral donors, foundations, academic institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector
• Lead proposal development, donor negotiations, grant management and donor reporting
• Diversify funding sources to strengthen organizational sustainability 

5. Research, Policy and Advocacy

• Lead high quality research initiatives that generate evidence for policy influence 
• Develop and implement advocacy strategies addressing national and global development issues 
• Represent DBI in policy dialogues, national forums, conferences and international platforms 
• Strengthen collaboration with government agencies, research institutions, networks and development partners 

6. Leadership and Team Development

• Provide visionary leadership and mentorship to staff 
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative and high performing organizational culture 
• Promote diversity, equity, safeguarding and gender responsive leadership
• Ensure effective recruitment, performance management, learning and staff development

7. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

• Ensure robust monitoring, evaluation, learning and knowledge management systems 
• Monitor organizational performance against strategic and annual targets
• Present regular programme, financial and institutional reports to the Executive Committee and donors
• Promote accountability, transparency and continuous organizational learning

Required Qualifications

Education

Master's degree in Development Studies, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Agroecology, Climate Change, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Management or another relevant discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience in development organizations, including at least 5 years in a senior management or leadership role
• Demonstrated experience in organizational leadership and strategic planning
• Proven experience in programme management and institutional development 
• Strong track record in fundraising, donor engagement and grant management 
• Experience in research, policy advocacy and evidence generation
• Experience working in one or more of DBI's thematic areas is highly desirable

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and people management skills. 
• Strong financial and organizational management skills. 
• Excellent proposal writing and donor communication skills. 
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities. 
• Excellent written and spoken English and Nepali. 
• Strong networking, negotiation, and representation skills. 
• Ability to work effectively with multicultural teams and diverse stakeholders.

Terms and Conditions

• Full time position
• Initial six month contract including probation
• Renewable based on satisfactory performance and funding availability
• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience 
• Benefits provided according to DBI's Human Resource Policies.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates are requested to submit:

• A cover letter explaining their suitability for the position
• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Applications should be emailed to hr@digobikas.org no later than 15th August 2026.

DBI has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, fraud, and corruption, and that successful candidates will undergo reference checks. DBI is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from qualified women, Indigenous Nationalities (Janajati), Madheshi, Dalit, Muslim, persons with disabilities, and candidates from other historically marginalized communities.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the selection process.