Project Coordinator

JOB DESCRIPTION (PROJECT COORDINATOR)

Association for Social Transformation and Humanitarians Assistance (ASTHA Nepal), was established on 1996  with the objective to contribute to the socioeconomic transformation of the country for the upliftment of living standard of rural people by enhancing their awareness on socio-economic, cultural and environmental issues through various development programs related to awareness raising, entrepreneurship development, community infrastructure development, environment protection, skill development and sustainable development of natural systems. The rationale behind the inception of ASTHA is the realization that the problems of poverty and rural backwardness cannot be addressed through efforts of the government alone and complementary programs and initiatives should come from the non-governmental sector as well. The basic purpose of ASTHA, therefore, is to work with the poor, Dalits, indigenous, and disadvantaged people, and their organizations/groups at the grassroots level as a mechanism for enhancing their capacity for rural development. 

We are recruiting young, energetic, highly motivated candidates for implementing the Transforming the Cookstove Market in Nepal project which is funded by Livelihoods Venture and Partnership with Practical Action Nepal and implemented by ASTHA Nepal. This Project is going to be implemented in 4 districts of Sudurpashim province of Nepal namely Achham, Doti, Dadeldhura, and Baitadi.

Position: Project Coordinator

Location: Based at the project office in Dadeldhura (Overseeing operations in 4 Districts: Achham, Doti, Dadeldhura and Baitadi)

No. of Vacancy/s: [1]

Duration: Up to September 2027

Direct Report to: Project Manager /Project Officer/PD and BOD of ASTHA Nepal

Line Manager of: Three (Two Cluster Officer and one Admin and Finance Officer)

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Project Coordinator (PC) will have direct oversight of project activities at the provincial level, including implementation and monitoring. Additionally, the PC will lead and supervise staff, ensure compliance with subaward requirements, track progress and report, accordingly, enhance capacity development, guide cluster field officers, and engage with local distributors for motivation and progress monitoring. Meeting reporting deadlines, serving as the primary liaison with district stakeholders, program partners, and beneficiary communities at both provincial and district levels are also key responsibilities. Moreover, the PC will lead the project team, manage the overall contract in alignment with award conditions, ensure timely project delivery within budget, adhere to internal and donor requirements, and achieve results outlined in the project log frame.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Program Implementation 

• Identify the capacity-building needs e.g., personal development and organizational needs, essential for the cookstove project. 
• Provide support to the staff in enhancing their knowledge, capacity, and motivation for cookstove promotion/Climate change adaptation.
• Coordinate, manage and support to organize district, local level, and community level events, workshops, training, and demonstration. 
• Oversee the execution of orientation and demonstration events (Levels 1, 2, and 3) in project areas, adhering to established procedures and utilizing standardized tools.
• Validate sales and discount incentives claims submitted by local distributors and recommend the release of discount incentives to the distributors.
• Responsible to lead the team and manage the overall contract following the conditions of the award. 
• Ensure timely delivery of the project activities within budget, in compliance with our internal and donor requirements, and to achieve results as per the project log frame.
• Provide necessary support to staff members for maintaining coordination and cooperation with local government during planning, implementing, reviewing, and monitoring cookstove-related activities. 
• Utilize personal knowledge, connections, and skills to build sustainable and productive relationships with and between diverse key stakeholders from the government, public, private, and civic sectors. 
• Ensure timely, targeted, and budget-compliant monitoring of district-level field activities and propose recommendation for improvements. 
• Ensured for monthly, and quarterly plans and progress reports are submitted timely.
• Support in preparing Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) and execute activities effectively once finalized. 
• Support to generate quality progress reports and documents capturing program learnings, good practices, and case studies. 
• Implement project activities utilizing a digitalization approach through developed Management Information Systems (MIS) and mobile applications.
• Ensure that innovative approaches, good practices, particular challenges, or good results are documented to support agency learning. 
• Establish good coordination with government and non-government stakeholders to prevent duplication of actions.
• Establish and maintain professional and productive relationships with communities and local government. 
• Ensure that all expenses are accurate and within the planning budget.
• Serve as a key focal point for program-related issues and problems in the district and seek support from the project as required.
• Support, encourage and mobilize distributors to come up with sufficient stove demand as per the plan, also ensure they order the cookstoves to address those demands. 
• Ensure distributors deliver repair and maintenance services to cookstove beneficiaries, while manufacturers supply spare parts promptly to facilitate seamless after-sales support.
• Coordinate closely with Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning focal points to generate and collect required information and data in the process of measuring results of program intervention. 
• Perform monitoring and supervision of project activities. 
• Any other tasks as assigned by the organization.

Safeguarding and Code of Conduct

• Ensure that all involved acting on the project is aware of Safeguarding Policy.
• Ensure beneficiaries whom we work with are aware of the safeguarding policy including the reporting lines when appropriate. 
• Be responsible that anyone acting on our behalf has signed up to the Safeguarding policies 
• Ensure our ethics and values, as set out in our Code of Conduct and related policies, including safeguarding, are embedded in team culture, and well modeled by others. Ensure that reporting structures are well promoted and respond to all concerns appropriately.Do This 
• Responsible for gender-responsive behavior in all actions and decisions. Ensure non-discriminative behavior based on gender, age, sex, race, ethnic background, culture, disability, nationality, religion, and marital status. Is sensitive and adaptable to gender and social inclusion.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: 

• At least 2-3 years of working experience as a project coordinator in a similar nature program, preferred with experience in Livelihoods, CCA, and related fields of project management.
• At least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Business/Development Studies, Social Science, community development, or other relevant fields of studies)
• Preference will be given to those candidates who have working experience in their respective regions. 
• Good skills in training design, social and behaviour change communication, monitoring, community, development, and facilitation. 
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex environments under tight deadlines. Previous experience is highly preferred. 
• Strong organizational and logistical skills with demonstrated experience in strategic planning and ability to work independently.
• Good writing and computer skills, internet, MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint preparation are required. 
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Nepali.  
• Effective report writing and presentation skills.
• Negotiation, networking, conflict management, coordination, and representation skills with key local actors.
• Holds a valid two-wheeler driving license as a prerequisite.

HOW TO APPLY

Potential candidates are invited to apply by submitting an application letter indicating the position, along with an updated CV including contact information for two referees. Applications should be sent to astha.vacancy@gmail.com and must be received no later than 17 May 2024. ASTHA NEPAL encourages a diverse workforce and practices affirmative action in favor of candidates from Women, Dalits, Janajatis, Madhesi and people with disabilities. Individuals from these backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. ASTHA NEPAL retains the right to cancel, postpone, or modify the entire recruitment process without the obligation to provide any specific reasons.

For more information, please visit: www.asthanepal.com.np