Various Positions

REF: SP080/082/83

28th April 2026

For Internal and External Release

Call For Expression of Interest

Sano Paila is a community-based, non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable community development and the empowerment of marginalized communities across Nepal. For over 19 years, we have led transformative initiatives rooted in the belief that lasting change emerges from within communities themselves. Sano Paila delivers sustainable solutions addressing critical social, economic, health, and environmental challenges, empowering communities to achieve enduring positive change.

Founded in Madhesh in 2006, a crucial period of Nepal’s history, Sano Paila emerged as a voice for the disenfranchised, advocating for social justice and equitable development. Our journey began with a commitment to empowering communities through grassroots engagement and collective action. Today, Sano Paila operates across all seven provinces of Nepal, reaching even the most remote and underserved areas.

Currently, In partnership with the ANDHERI HILFE e.V., Sano Paila is seeking expressions of interest for the following positions for their project “From Collective Strength to Lasting Change: Empowering Madhesi Dalit Women through Community-Led Action in Birgunj.”  This project aims to support Madhesi Dalit households of Birgunj Metropolitan City through a holistic, community-driven approach by strengthening their leadership and financial capacities, and promoting sustainable livelihood initiatives, to enhance economic resilience and social inclusion. It also focuses on improving access to education through community-based bridge courses for out-of-school children, while addressing critical issues related to health, sanitation, and gender inequality. Grounded in participatory planning and local ownership, the initiative aspires to empower communities to lead their own development and create lasting, sustainable change.

Position: Program Coordinator - 1 Nos

Duration: 12 months (with potential extension based on program needs)

Location: Head Office, Birgunj - with frequent visits to the project site

Reports to: Program Manager

Grade: C3 Max. / non-negotiable (as per project norms)

Job Summary:

The Program Coordinator will oversee day-to-day field implementation and serve as the primary interface between the project team and community structures, particularly Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The Coordinator will play a key role in ensuring that all project activities are implemented effectively, inclusively, and in alignment with community-driven development principles. The role involves supervising the Admin and Finance Officer and Social Mobilizers, ensuring compliance with program guidelines, and managing day-to-day operations. The Program Coordinator will strengthen community ownership, facilitate participatory implementation, and ensure the timely and effective delivery of project activities, contributing to sustainable and inclusive development outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Implementation:

• Lead and oversee the implementation of all project activities in line with objectives and timeline

• Guide SHG formation, trainings, IGAs, and bridge course implementation

• Facilitate baseline, action planning, and community-level interventions

Community Engagement:

• Build strong relationships with SHGs, community leaders, and stakeholders

• Ensure inclusive participation, especially of marginalised women

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Monitor progress, ensure quality implementation, and document results

• Prepare reports and support review and planning processes

Capacity Building and Support:

• Facilitate trainings and mentor Social Mobilizers and community groups

• Strengthen capacities for sustainable community-led initiatives

Collaboration and Coordination:

• Coordinate with the project team, the Governing Board, and the donor.

• Ensure smooth implementation and alignment with project plans

Advocacy and Representation:

• Represent the project in meetings and promote community-driven approaches

• Ensure community voices inform decision-making

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Project Management, or a related field. 

• At least 3 years of experience in program coordination, project management, or a similar role, preferably in the development sector. Hands-on experience of working with the Madheshi marginalised communities is an added advantage. 

• Strong understanding of program management principles and best practices.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.

• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Skills and Competencies:

• Effective leadership and team management skills.

• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.

• Ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.

• Familiarity with donor reporting requirements and procedures.

  
  

Position: Admin and Finance Officer (AFO) - 1 Nos

Duration: 12 months (with potential extension based on program needs)

Location: Head Office, Birgunj

Grade: C3 Min

Reports to: Program Coordinator

Job Summary:

The Admin and Finance Officer (AFO) is responsible for ensuring robust administrative and financial management to support the effective implementation of the program. The AFO will manage all financial transactions, budget monitoring, and reporting, ensuring strict compliance with funding guidelines. In addition, the AFO will oversee key administrative tasks, including record-keeping, procurement, and logistics support, to ensure the smooth operation of program activities.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management:

• Handle all financial transactions, including payments, receipts, and reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with organizational and donor guidelines.

• Prepare and maintain accurate financial records, including ledgers, invoices, and receipts, in line with standard accounting practices.

• Monitor and manage project budgets, ensuring expenditures are within the approved limits and aligned with program objectives.

Budget Monitoring and Reporting:

• Prepare and submit timely financial reports to the Program Coordinator, funding agency, and other relevant stakeholders as required.

• Conduct regular financial analysis and provide forecasts to assist in decision-making and program planning.

• Ensure compliance with all financial reporting requirements as outlined by the funding agency and organizational policies.

Administrative Management:

• Oversee administrative functions, including maintaining records, files, and documentation related to program activities.

• Manage procurement processes, including sourcing suppliers, obtaining quotations, and ensuring value-for-money purchasing.

• Coordinate logistics support for program activities, including arranging travel, accommodation, and event management.

Compliance and Auditing:

• Ensure adherence to all financial and administrative policies, procedures, and donor guidelines.

• Facilitate internal and external audits by providing all necessary financial documents, explanations, and support.

Coordination and Communication:

• Communicate regularly with the funding agency and other external stakeholders regarding financial matters, reporting, and compliance.

• Work closely with the Program Coordinator and Municipality Coordinators to ensure seamless integration of financial and administrative functions into program activities.

Support to Program Implementation:

• Provide logistical and administrative support to the team for smooth program implementation, including organizing meetings, workshops, and other events.

• Assist in developing financial aspects of project proposals, plans, and budgets as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree or relevant professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA) is preferred.

• At least 3-5 years of experience in financial and administrative management, preferably in the development or non-profit sector.

• Strong knowledge of financial management principles, budgeting, and accounting practices.

• Excellent proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Vision, Accman, etc ) and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Familiarity with donor-funded projects and understanding of donor compliance requirements.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

• Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical abilities.

Position: Social Mobilizers - 2 Nos

Duration: 12 months (with potential extension based on program needs)

Location: Project Sites 

Grade: B1 Min

Reports to: Program Coordinator

Job Summary:

The Social Mobilizer will work at the community level to support the implementation of project activities, focusing on mobilizing and engaging marginalized Madhesi Dalit households. The role involves facilitating community participation, strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and ensuring inclusive and effective delivery of project interventions. The Social Mobilizer will act as a key link between the community and the project team, ensuring that local needs, feedback, and voices are reflected in project implementation.

Baseline & Community Engagement

• Conduct household visits and support baseline data collection

• Facilitate community meetings and awareness sessions

• Build trust and maintain strong relationships with community members

• Ensure participation of marginalized households, especially women

SHG Formation & Strengthening

• Mobilize women for the formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

• Support SHGs in regular meetings, savings, and group processes

• Promote participation, inclusion, and collective decision-making

Capacity Building & Trainings

• Assist in organizing and facilitating trainings (leadership, financial literacy, etc.)

• Support community members in applying learned skills in practice

• Encourage leadership and active participation within SHGs

Livelihood & IGA Support

• Support implementation of income-generating activities (e.g., pig rearing)

• Assist in monitoring and mentoring SHG-led livelihood initiatives

• Provide regular follow-up and guidance to participating households

Education Support (Bridge Course)

• Support the implementation of bridge course activities for children

• Mobilize children and families for regular participation

• Promote awareness of the importance of continued education

Monitoring, Feedback & Reporting

• Collect field-level data, feedback, and progress updates

• Track participation, activities, and key outcomes

• Report regularly to the Program Coordinator on progress and challenges

Coordination & Representation

• Act as a link between the community and the project team

• Support the smooth implementation of activities at the field level

• Ensure community voices and concerns are communicated to the team

Qualifications:

• Minimum Intermediate (+2) or equivalent in Social Work, Sociology, Development Studies, Education, or a related field (Bachelor’s degree preferred)

• At least 1–2 years of experience working in community-based programs, preferably with marginalized communities (Madhesi Dalit households is an advantage)

• Familiarity with livelihood programs, income-generating activities (IGAs), or community development initiatives

• Experience in data collection, baseline surveys, and reporting will be an asset

• Good understanding of local context, culture, and social dynamics in Birgunj and surrounding areas

• Fluency in Nepali and local languages (Maithili, Bhojpuri, or Hindi)

Skills and Competencies

• Strong community mobilization and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage and motivate marginalized groups

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening and clear articulation of ideas

• Ability to build trust and maintain relationships with community members, especially women and vulnerable households

• Good group facilitation skills, particularly in supporting Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and community meetings

• Basic training and capacity-building skills, with the ability to support sessions on leadership, financial literacy, and livelihoods

Sano Paila is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It embraces diversity, gender equality, and inclusion in all programs. This commitment extends to our staff, board, and general assembly, ensuring a rich tapestry of voices and experiences that guide our work.

Interested candidates are required to send their CV/Resume along with a cover letter by the 7th of May 2026 to sanopaila@gmail.com.

Join us in building communities to build the Nation! Are you passionate about making a difference? If so, become part of the Sano Paila family. Apply Now!