(Senior) Program Assistant

(Senior) Program Assistant: Nepal

Founded in 1983, the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to strengthen and expand democracy worldwide. NDI works with democratic institutions in several regions of the world to build political and civic organizations, safeguard elections and promote citizen participation, openness, and accountability in government. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NDI maintains offices in over 70 countries on five continents. Its diverse workforce of employees from 75 countries is united in the belief that democracies promote economic growth and development more consistently and equitably than non-democratic political systems. NDI’s office in Nepal has been operational since 1997 and has since collaborated with the parliament, political parties, government agencies and civil society.

NDI-Nepal is seeking candidates for (Senior) Program Assistant position to support country staff, program team in the day-to-day activities and support in the planning, designing and implementing programs. This position is based in Kathmandu. This position is contingent upon funding.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the close supervision of a program manager, or another designated individual in authority within the team, the role involves providing administrative and logistical support for organizing trainings and activities related to environmental governance, human/urban settlement, and/or anti-corruption;
• Contributes to the initial writing and reporting of various documents specific to the team;
• Creates initial drafts of budgets; and monitors program budgets;
• Assists in program support and conduct background research for the program;
• Provides administrative support for proposal production and work plan formulation; takes part in strategic and work plan discussions;
• Attends regular staff and partner meetings to stay up-to-date about the latest developments in the team, the political situation in the country and within NDI’s partners;
• Provide logistical administrative support to visiting international and national experts;
• Assist and support in program design, implementation, and evaluation;
• Travel to districts to support and observe program activities;
• Assist in translation, editing and writing of program documents in Nepali and English;
• Trains and supervises interns on tasks (when applicable);
• Additional responsibilities based on demonstrated ability and/or program needs.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science or a related field; 
• Demonstrated coursework and/or internships in international development, community organizing, political campaigning, organizational development, legislative affairs or a related subject.
• Previous experience with an I/NGO or NDI experience preferred.

Additional requirements to apply for the position of Senior Program Assistant;

• At least two (2) years of relevant work experience preferably with an I/NGO or NDI experience is required;
• Preferred qualifications include prior academic training or exposure to one of the following sectors—environmental governance, human/urban settlement, and/or anti-corruption

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Good interpersonal skills to effectively interact with all levels of staff, international personnel, political partners and party representatives;
• Good oral and written communication skills to effectively present information, respond to questions, and prepare draft written reports in a professional manner;
• Capacity to work both independently and as a member of a team;
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions;
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs;
• Experience with Google Apps (Gmail, Calendar, Google Drive, G+, etc.) is strongly desired;
• Working knowledge of basic budget and accounting procedures;
• Ability and willingness to travel to regional locations, which are often remote and difficult to reach;
• Interest in and knowledge of national political environment, parties and political leaders;
• Able to perform basic political analysis on political and programmatic developments;
• Good English writing, speaking and translating skills;
• Ability to effectively articulate NDI mission statements and program/project initiatives;
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines;
• Ability to apply discretion and maintain confidential information;

COMMENTS:

The application deadline is January 28, 2024. To apply, please e-mail a CV and cover letter to nepaljobs@ndi.org. Short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls, please!

Applicants need to possess work authorization to work in Nepal.

NDI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.