Advocacy Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB POSITION: Officer

FUNCTIONAL POSITION: Advocacy Officer

REPORTS TO: Advocacy Manager

EFFECTIVE FROM-TO: 01/01/2026 to 30/12/2026

JOB LOCATION: Hetauda (1) & Biratnagar (1)

Job Summary

The Advocacy Officer is responsible for leading the Mental Health Initiative in close coordination with the Advocacy Manager. This critical role drives advocacy, policy engagement, project implementation, and coordinates stakeholder collaboration across the provincial and local Levels.

Key Result Areas and Responsibilities

A. Advocacy and Policy Development

• Conduct in-depth review of existing laws, programs, policies, and regulations related to mental health and psychosocial disability at the provincial and local Levels.
• Develop targeted advocacy letters on pertinent issues and organize delegations and other advocacy interventions in the respective province and local level.
• Develop, implement, and lead comprehensive advocacy and campaigning plans on Mental Health and Psychosocial Disabilities in collaboration with stakeholders across the province.
• Work on de-stigmatization and sensitization through strategic media mobilization.
• Empower Rights holders for advocacy interventions related to mental health and psychosocial disabilities.
• Support the development of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials in collaboration with the provincial government.

B. Stakeholder Coordination and Representation

• Maintain and strengthen close collaboration and partnerships with government authorities and concerned stakeholders in the respective province and local level.
• Act as a liaison between KOSHISH and Organizations of People with Disabilities (OPDs) / Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
• Collaboration with Right Based organizations, NGOs, CBOs, and local health facilities in the province and the local level.
• Lobby and conduct follow-up meetings with the respective local and provincial government.
• Act as a bridge and maintain close coordination between the KOSHISH project implementation at the province level and the KOSHISH Center Office.
• Represent KOSHISH as a member on different platforms at the province and local level, with the approval of the Advocacy Manager.
• Coordinate with Health offices and networks of NFDN across the province on Mental Health and Psychosocial Disabilities.
• Provide technical input on the planning process of Mental Health to the Health Offices across the provinces.

C. Project Management and Implementation

• Lead the implementation of province and local-level activities of the respective province.
• Develop the Detail Project Implementation (DIP) and ensure its implementation with the respective Self Advocates and Advocacy Manager.
• Work closely with the Admin/Finance Officer to ensure that program and financial aspects of project planning, budgeting, and implementation are aligned.
• Support to manage donor visits and other monitoring visits at the province level.

D. Mentoring and Supervision

• Ensure effective and efficient mentoring and mobilization of respective subordinates.
• Support and supervise the Self Advocates for community work.
• Ensure the day-to-day work, field visit plan, and leave plan of the Self Advocates and recommend them to the Advocacy Manager
• Ensure Home Visits and Psychoeducation are conducted for peer groups and family members.

E. Documentation, MEAL, and Reporting

• Compile and submit monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and annual reports to the Advocacy Manager
• Conduct field visits in the existing target area of KOSHISH and collect evidence that reflects content and local context.
• Develop and maintain record and disaggregated databases of beneficiaries, including pictures and voices from the field.
• Prepare data based on Trained Health Workers on Mental Health across the province.
• Documentation: Develop success stories, good practices, and learning documents.
• Capture learning on an ongoing basis.
• Support the Advocacy Manager for donor requirements and government compliance within a specified timeline.
• Ensure the filing system of the project progress is maintained.

F. Safety & Security:

• Ensure safety of project team during field implementation.
• Identify and manage potential risks in collaboration with central office.

G. Safeguarding:

• Promote safeguarding practices within all project activities.
• Ensure compliance with all safeguarding and prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH) policies.
• Any other task assigned by the organization based on the relevant experience and requirements.

Qualification and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field such as: Social Science, Public Health, Community Development, Political Science, or a related discipline (master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in advocacy, communications, or project implementation role, preferably within the NGO or development sector focused on social issues, mental health, or disability rights.
• Demonstrated experience in coordination with local governments and community stakeholders (e.g., OPDs and SHGs).
• Strong documentation and facilitation skills.

Salary: Negotiable as per competence and experience

Applying Procedure:

• Interested candidates are requested to fill the application form- Apply Here
• We will be reviewing the applications on a Rolling Basis, however the last date to submit your application is 20th January 2026.

Note

1. Eligible candidates with disabilities, women and from the local area are encouraged to apply.
2. We are committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals and maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, or any other form of harm. All shortlisted candidates will be required to comply with KOSHISH’s Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct and will undergo appropriate safeguarding checks
3. KOSHISH reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications without assigning any reason.