Project Officer - Emergency, Humanitarian & Recovery

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Project Officer - Emergency, Humanitarian & Recovery

Background

AWO International was founded in 1998 as a professional association for development cooperation and humanitarian action within the framework of the German Welfare Organisation “Arbeiterwohlfahrt” (AWO, literally: Workers’ Welfare). AWO International is actively working in Nepal since 2009. In close cooperation with Governments and Local Non-Governmental Organizations, AWO International is working with different communities and target groups across the country. AWO International is actively engaged in Humanitarian Assistance in the event of disasters and crises.

Position: Project Officer (PO)

Duty Station: Kathmandu, with extensive field travel

Work Arrangement: Approximately 40% Country Office, Kathmandu and 60% field visits, primarily in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and other project locations

Contract Duration: Until December 2026, with possible extension subject to project period, funding availability and performance

Level: Level 5

Reports to: Humanitarian Action Coordinator (HAC) & Regional Director (RD)

About the Position

AWO International is seeking a committed, experienced and results-oriented Project Officer-Emergency, Humanitarian & Recovery to support the effective delivery of its humanitarian and recovery portfolio in Nepal. The position will play a key role in the planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring and quality assurance of humanitarian assistance and recovery interventions, working closely with local partners, government authorities, communities and other relevant stakeholders. 

The Project Officer will provide technical and operational support to ensure that AWO International's humanitarian and recovery projects are implemented rapidly, effectively, accountably and in compliance with approved project proposals, donor requirements, organisational standards and Government of Nepal regulations.

The position will have a strong field orientation and will be expected to regularly travel to Rasuwa, Nuwakot and other remote project locations, including areas affected by disasters and emergencies. The successful candidate should therefore be comfortable working in challenging field environments and responding to changing humanitarian needs.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Project Planning, Design and Development

• Develop, review and assess new project concepts and proposals and provide technical inputs to project design.
• Contribute to the development of results frameworks, logframes, indicators, budgets, work plans and PMEL frameworks.
• Support the development and review of project agreements and contracts in line with AWO International standards and requirements of funding agencies.
• Provide technical inputs to ensure that project designs are appropriate to the humanitarian, recovery and development context.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen the linkage between Humanitarian Assistance (HA), Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Climate Change Adaptation, preparedness, early recovery and longer-term resilience.

2. Emergency Response and Recovery

• Analyse emergency and disaster contexts and provide timely technical inputs to the design and implementation of AWO International's humanitarian response initiatives.
• Support rapid assessment, response planning and implementation of emergency assistance for disaster-affected and vulnerable populations.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of emergency preparedness and contingency plans for the Nepal Country Office.
• Support the integration of DRR, resilience and preparedness measures into humanitarian and recovery programming.
• Engage with affected communities to ensure transparent beneficiary verification, accessible feedback and complaints mechanisms, and timely escalation of serious or unresolved concerns.
• Ensure that recovery interventions are appropriately linked with humanitarian assistance and longer-term development programming.
• Provide field-level technical and coordination support during emergency response and recovery operations as required.

3. Project Implementation and Quality Assurance

• Ensure the efficient, timely and high-quality implementation of assigned projects in accordance with approved proposals, work plans, logframes and PMEL frameworks.
• Monitor program quality and implementation at field level, including through implementing partners and relevant district-level stakeholders.
• Ensure efficient and appropriate utilisation of project resources and funds in accordance with approved budgets, organisational policies and donor requirements.
• Provide results-based and thematic guidance to project teams and implementing partners throughout planning, implementation and monitoring processes.
• Provide practical technical advice, mentoring and backstopping to partner organisations.
• Identify implementation challenges, risks and opportunities and recommend appropriate corrective actions.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

• Conduct regular field monitoring visits to project locations, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot and other assigned areas.
• Document monitoring findings, identify gaps and risks, track agreed action points and assess progress against project objectives and indicators.
• Prepare timely and analytical monitoring reports for the supervisor and relevant project teams.
• Support the application of PMEL systems and ensure that project learning and evidence inform ongoing and future programming.
• Contribute to documentation of good practices, lessons learned, case studies and evidence from humanitarian and recovery interventions.

5. Government and Stakeholder Coordination

• Proactively liaise and coordinate with local, district, provincial and national government authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain effective coordination with the Social Welfare Council (SWC) and support compliance with Government of Nepal requirements.
• Support AWO International in securing project approvals, renewals and other required government clearances.
• Maintain constructive relationships with implementing partners, government line agencies, humanitarian actors and other relevant stakeholders.
• Represent AWO International in relevant coordination meetings, workshops and events as assigned.

6. Reporting, Compliance and Documentation

• Support the preparation of high-quality project reports in accordance with AWO International and funding-agency formats and requirements.
• Provide guidance and technical support to partner organisations in preparing project documentation and reports according to AWO International standards.
• Support compliance with donor requirements, organisational policies, Government of Nepal regulations and relevant humanitarian standards.
• Ensure that project records, monitoring findings, implementation evidence and supporting documentation are properly maintained.
• Contribute to timely reporting on project progress, risks, achievements, challenges and corrective actions.

7. Financial and Budget Management

• Support effective financial management of assigned projects in coordination with relevant finance and program teams.
• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets and work plans and identify potential variances or financial risks.
• Promote transparent, accountable and efficient utilisation of project resources.
• Ensure that implementation and financial decisions are consistent with approved project budgets, organisational procedures and donor requirements.
• Contribute to budget development, revisions and financial monitoring as required.

8. Support to Wider Country Office Programming

• Provide technical and coordination support to AWO International's Development Programs in Nepal when required.
• Support the Humanitarian Action Coordinator during periods of high workload, emergency response or absence, in consultation with the Regional Director.
• Contribute to organisational learning, preparedness, program development and strategic positioning of AWO International's humanitarian and recovery portfolio in Nepal.

Candidate Profile

AWO International is looking for a professional who combines humanitarian field experience, project management skills, strong coordination capacity, a team player and a practical understanding of disaster response and recovery programming.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in managing humanitarian, emergency response, disaster recovery, livelihood recovery and/or related development projects with an INGO, NGO or other relevant organisation.
• Minimum bachelor’s degree in Disaster Risk Management, Development Studies, Agriculture or another relevant technical discipline.
• Demonstrated professional experience in project management, event management, planning, monitoring and evaluation, and budget management.
• Sound knowledge and practical skills in financial project management and project accounting.
• Demonstrated understanding of humanitarian assistance, disaster risk reduction, emergency response and recovery programming.
• Experience working with local implementing partners and government stakeholders will be an advantage.
• Experience working in disaster-affected or geographically challenging areas will be highly desirable.
• Familiarity with Government of Nepal procedures and coordination mechanisms, including SWC requirements, will be an advantage.

Skills and Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Excellent written and oral English communication skills, including strong report and proposal writing abilities.
• Strong analytical, planning, coordination and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural and multi-stakeholder environment.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• A highly committed, proactive, accountable and results-oriented approach.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team while also working independently with minimal supervision.
• Willingness and ability to work beyond the comfort of a regular office environment and undertake frequent field travel.
• A continuous learning mindset and willingness to adapt to new tools, methodologies, technologies and ways of working.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working with communities, partners, government authorities and other stakeholders.
• Ability to operate effectively in high-pressure and rapidly changing emergency situations.

Other Requirements

• Must be physically fit and willing to undertake frequent field travel, including to remote and disaster-affected locations.
• A valid two-wheeler driving licence is required.
• Demonstrated ability and confidence in safe two-wheeler driving, particularly in field conditions.
• Willingness to travel extensively to Rasuwa, Nuwakot and other project locations based on program requirements.

What We Are Looking For

We are particularly interested in candidates who can combine strategic thinking with practical field implementation and who are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to effective humanitarian response, early recovery, disaster risk reduction and resilient community development.

The ideal candidate will be able to move comfortably between project planning and proposal development, field monitoring, partner capacity support, government coordination, budget oversight and emergency response, while maintaining a strong focus on quality, accountability and results.

Equal Opportunity and Safeguarding

AWO International is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, inclusive and accountable working environment. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold AWO International's organisational values, safeguarding principles, Code of Conduct, prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), and other relevant organisational policies and standards.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their updated CV and a cover letter clearly demonstrating their suitability for the position and relevant experience in humanitarian, emergency response and recovery programming. Please submit your application with a motivation letter and a copy of an up-to-date CV to mail@awo-southasia.org by 11th September, 2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. No phone calls will be entertained, and if any, subject to negative scoring in the qualifying process. AWO International is an equal-opportunity organisation. AWO International reserves the right to select and appoint a suitable candidate before the closing date if an appropriate candidate is identified. Female candidates are also encouraged to apply.