Program Assistant (Re-Advertisement)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Program Assistant (Re-Advertisement)

(Date of first publication: 28th October 2021)

I - Mission context

Médecins du Monde (MdM) is an international humanitarian organisation whose mission is to provide medical care for the most vulnerable populations, the world over, including France. It seeks to stimulate voluntary commitment from doctors, other health care providers, and from those whose expertise in other fields is needed for its activities, to enlist all competent support required for the achievement of its projects, and to seek at all times to encourage close working relationships with populations in its care.

For more than 40 years, Médecins du Monde (MdM), a campaigning medical organization committed to international solidarity, has been caring for the most vulnerable populations at home and abroad. It has continued to highlight obstacles that exist in accessing health care and has secured sustainable improvements in health-for-all policies. Those working for this independent organization do not solely dispense care and treatment but condemn violations of human dignity and rights and fight to improve matters for populations living in precarious situations. MdM currently works in more than 44 countries across all continents where it focuses on 5 priority areas: caring for the health of migrants and displaced persons, promoting sexual and reproductive health, combating HIV, and reducing the harm and risks associated with drug use, crises and conflicts and environmental health.

MdM has worked in Nepal since 1995: firstly, on Tuberculosis and HIV in western province, then on Sexual and Reproductive Health in Sindhupalchok District. Following the 2015 earthquakes, MdM implemented an emergency response program and then, a post-earthquake early recovery project in the same district.

Since 2018, MdM is working on Environmental Health. The 2018-2019 “Healthy Waste Workers in Kathmandu Valley” program aimed to improve health status of informal waste workers (IWWs) in the Valley, mitigating their occupational risks and environmental exposure, improving access to information and increasing access to health services in Teku, Shantinagar and Sisdole landfill sites. 

In continuation, the 3-years program started in 2020, aims to improve health, wellbeing, and livelihood of IWWs in Kathmandu Valley and Sisdole landfill. The strategy consists in: 1. formalization of IWWs through non-profit enterprises and increasing their recognition in integrated solid waste management in urban cities, 2.  increasing risk mitigation and promotion of decent safe work opportunities in current activities and through innovation contributing to improve solid waste management and 3. increasing access to quality health services for IWWs and the community through promotion of Urban Health Promotion Center in Ward 19 and in Kakani’s Rural Health Center.

The 3-year program will be complemented by upcoming SEWA (Safe and Economic Upliftment of Waste reduction Actions) project which focuses on 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) and environment friendly business innovation in waste management sector of Kathmandu Valley and Sisdole landfill, Nuwakot. It is expected to begin from 2022.

II- Main aims of the post

Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the Program Assistant position consists in proactively support the operation of the Healthy Waste Workers for Sustainable Waste Management project and support in development and operation of upcoming SEWA (Safe and Economic Upliftment of Waste reduction Actions) project according to MdM guidelines and values. The Program Assistant ensures and delivers the needed support to the implementing partners to carry out project activities with quality under supervision from Program Manager. S/he will ensure constant coordination and communication with all involved bodies/stakeholders. S/he will support Program Manager in overall data management of the project(s), reporting process and contributes to the visibility and valorization of the program and its achievements.

Terms of Reference for this position can be subject to modification depending on the evolution of the situation in country and the needs. Any significant change may be discussed between the concerned employee and the employer prior to the implementation.

Tasks and responsibilities: 

1. Support in Project Documentation
2. Support to Project Implementation
3. Coordination and Communication
4. Reporting, monitoring, and evaluation
5. Others

1. Support in Project Documentation

• Assist Program Manager in design and development of any reference document, as upcoming SEWA (Safe and Economic Upliftment of Waste reduction Actions) project, and other Environment Health according to MdM standards and thematic priorities,
• Assist in initiation, development of project agreement and revision of project agreements (if there will be any),
• Draft letters and perform translation, when necessary,
• Support operational team for program proposals development and grant applications.

2. Support to Project Implementation 

• Provide operational and technical support to Implementing Partners, Responsible Parties, and relevant Government institutions and Development Partners as assigned and in accordance with the project logical framework and Gantt chart as per evolution of need and context,
• Contribute and follow up to ensure that objectives and targets of the projects are achieved in a timely manner and that activities are carried out according to MdM standards,
• Perform regular field visits and onsite support, contributing to ensure the quality of the project implementation.

3. Coordination and Communication

• Support MdM operational team in constant coordination with local Implementing Partners and different bodies, supporting constant motivation and synergy at project level 
• Participate in fortnightly operational meetings and trimestral steering committees
• As assigned participate in relevant meetings / committees, when necessary, together with MdM team and prepare and disseminate operational meetings minutes/notes,
• Support/Assist in development of advocacy plan, materials etc., 
• Support/Assist in development of communication plan, materials etc.,
• Support in visibility of the project outcomes in social media platforms,

4. Reporting, monitoring, and evaluation

• Assist Program Manager to prepare annual, quarterly, and monthly plans and reports, 
• Assist partners in preparing activity reports, when necessary,
• Contribute to any relevant reports such as: funding agencies annual reports, report to government authorities, especially Social Welfare Council, in quality and timely manner, 
• As assigned, contribute to implement, and follow up effective monitoring and evaluation system mechanisms, including data entry and analysis, in coordination with the partners and MdM team, to ensure that activities of the program are implemented as planned,
• Participate in conducting surveys/assessments as necessary,
• Support to prepare, implement, and facilitate evaluation process according to the initial project timeline and in coordination with Social Welfare Council, government authorities, donors and MdM HQ.

5. Others

• Contribute, with all team, to the development of MdM Nepal strategy,
• Participate to implement the SOPs regarding COVID19, equipment, movements and means of communication to staff,
• Participate in meetings/trainings, when organized or requested,
• Ensure all external communication are made notifying the supervisor,
• Execute any other function required by the supervisor or General Coordinator.

III - Profile of the ideal candidate

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Social Work and/or Sociology Field, program development

Professional experience

• A minimum of 2 years in relevant experience in NGO/INGO, in public health sector, in program implementation, management and coordination,
• Experience in program planning, monitoring, and evaluation,
• Experience in working with communities and less advantaged / marginalized beneficiaries,
• Experience working with partners/partner organizations and/or government authorities

Skills and qualities required

• Proactive, inquisitive, 
• Leadership, team-working and coordination skills,
• Interpersonal and verbal communication abilities, charisma, tact and diplomacy, intercultural and difference awareness,
• Able to read, write and communicate in English at professional level,
• Excellent with computer skill in Word, Excel, 
• Excellent written skills.

Languages

• Nepali: mother tongue
• English: fluent - both oral and written
• Other local language: as an asset 
• French: as an asset

Notes to Candidates:

Please note that candidates who have already applied in the earlier advertisement (with closing date 7th November 2021) do not need to apply again. This is a re-advertisement for additional applications only.

Duration: 1 Year (renewal)

Duty Station: Kathmandu (frequent travel to field)

Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible in February 2022

Number of positions: 1

Closing date of application: 11th February 2022

How to Apply:

Send a letter of interest mentioning position applied for and an updated CV in English with 2 references and a cover letter to info.mdmfrance@gmail.com

Médecins du Monde Nepal reserves the right to cancel, postpone or modify the whole recruitment process without providing any reasons whatsoever.  Medecins du Monde (MdM) is an equal opportunity employer.