Terms of Reference (ToR): Deputy Country Director

Position:                        Deputy Country Director

Organization:               Childaid Network – INGO Nepal

Duty Station:                Lalitpur, Nepal

Reporting to:                Country Director

1. Background

Childaid Network is a German-based foundation established in 2007 with the mission of improving educational opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people in South Asia, particularly in Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. The organization focuses on quality education, child development, and vocational pathways, working through strong and long-term partnerships with local organizations.

Since its official registration as an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) in Nepal in 2021, Childaid Network has steadily expanded its programme portfolio across several districts. The Nepal programme is implemented in close coordination with Childaid Network’s headquarters in Germany and in partnership with carefully selected local NGOs, ensuring contextual relevance, sustainability, and measurable impact.

The Nepal team currently consists of nine national staff, combining solid local expertise with a strong commitment to learning, quality, and innovation. As the country programme matures and increasingly positions itself strategically with donors and partners, Childaid Network seeks to strengthen its senior leadership capacity through the appointment of a Deputy Country Director.

2. Purpose of the Position

The Deputy Country Director provides senior strategic, programmatic, and donor-facing support to the Country Director. The role is designed to significantly strengthen strategic leadership, programme quality, and external engagement, while actively supporting the Country Director in steering the organization through its next phase of institutional and programmatic development.

This is a high-level leadership support role, closely complementing the Country Director’s function and contributing directly to strategic decision-making, donor relations, and organizational positioning.

3. Key Responsibilities

3.1 Strategic Support to the Country Director

• Act as a close strategic counterpart to the Country Director, contributing substantively to country-level strategy, prioritization, and leadership decision-making.
• Support the translation of organizational and country strategies into clear programme directions, priorities, and annual planning frameworks.
• Provide critical strategic reflection on organizational development, programme focus, risk management, and future growth opportunities.

3.2 Programme Quality and Strategic Oversight

• Provide senior-level oversight and guidance to ensure programme coherence, effectiveness, and alignment with donor expectations and organizational standards.
• Lead or support the strategic review of programme designs, logframes/results frameworks, reports, and learning products.
• Promote adaptive management, learning, and cross-project synergies, strengthening overall programme quality.

3.3 Donor Engagement and External Relations

• Play a key role in donor engagement, including the preparation, coordination, and accompaniment of donor and partner visits and missions.
• Support high-quality donor communication, including strategic briefings, presentations, reports, and follow-up discussions, in close coordination with the Country Director.
• Contribute actively to proposal development, concept notes, and strategic donor dialogue, positioning Childaid Network as a credible and reliable partner.
• Attending and representing the organization in meetings with relevant government agencies and line ministries as guided by the Country Director
• Networking and coordination with INGOs/NGOs working in similar thematic and geographic areas
• Participation in sectoral working groups and policy dialogue platforms

3.4 Internal Coordination and Leadership Support

• Support strategic coordination across programme and finance functions, ensuring alignment between programmatic priorities and resource planning.
• Provide mentoring, coaching, and strategic guidance to staff as delegated by the Country Director.
• Act on behalf of the Country Director when delegated, particularly in matters related to internal leadership coordination and donor engagement.

4. Profile – Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a senior development professional with the following profile:

• A strong strategic and analytical mindset, combined with solid practical experience in INGO contexts and a clear commitment to strengthening Nepal’s education system.
• Proven experience with donor-funded programmes, including donor communication, reporting, and donor visits.
• Demonstrated ability to advise at senior leadership level and to work effectively in a small, dynamic, and collaborative team environment.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence in engaging with international and national stakeholders.
• A leadership style that is supportive, reflective, and enabling, rather than directive or hierarchical.
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in related programme, leadership, or strategic roles.
• An advanced degree in development studies, education, social sciences, management, or a related field.
• Experience studying and/or working abroad—particularly in Europe—is considered a strong asset for intercultural understanding and collaboration.

5. Employment Conditions

The position is offered with a competitive but modest INGO salary, aligned with Childaid Network’s size, values, and non-profit orientation. The role is intended for professionals motivated by impact, strategic contribution, and organizational development, rather than financial incentives alone.

6. Application

Send your CV, Cover letter, and three references by 17:00 hours, 18th of February 2026 (hr.childaid@gmail.com)

Childaid Network is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, backgrounds, and abilities.