Project Officer

Vacancy Notice for Project Officer

KOSHISH is a non-government organization, established in 2008, and working for the promotion of mental health and psychosocial wellbeing in Nepal. KOSHISH has been implementing a project in partnership with FELM in Sudurpaschim province to mainstream mental health and psychosocial disability in government policies and plans.  For the operation of the project, KOSHISH invites applications from competent and qualified Nepali citizens.

Scope of the Position:

The Project Officer will be the major focal person of the project.  S/he will be overall responsible for the management of the project to mainstream mental health and psychosocial disability in government policies and plans in close coordination with the funding partner, duty bearers, rightsholders and stakeholders. The employee ensures the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of the project while achieving outputs and outcomes according to the agreed project plan considering the existing policies, strategies, and procedures of KOSHISH.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Policy Advocacy:

• Review and analyze existing laws, policies, acts, and regulations related to disability at the provincial and local levels. 
• Engage in lobby and advocacy efforts with the local and provincial governments, authorities and stakeholders including NHRC, NFDN, and provincial health directives to include and mainstream the issue of psychosocial disability in their policy, practice, and plan.
• Plan and execute the capacity development activities of OPD of persons with psychosocial disability, advocacy groups and peer support groups for their engagement in policy advocacy. 
• Organize events and make linkages to accelerate avenues and synergies in the sector of psychosocial disability.
• Develop advocacy letters on pertinent issues relating to psychosocial disability and cross-disability and establish delegations to stakeholders along with rights holders.
• Conduct regular follow up with government authorities and other stakeholders.

Project Management:

• Prepare project detailed implementation plan, and ensure smooth operation by providing necessary support to the team members of the project in the field.
• Ensure continuous supervision and monitoring of the tasks assigned to the counsellors, and community campaigners.
• Execute other project management-related tasks.

Coordination Collaboration and Networking 

• Establish strong coordination and collaboration with relevant stakeholders (Members of the province parliament, bureaucrats, NFDN, persons with disability, NHRC, health institutions, Journalists etc.) and highlight the issues of psychosocial disability.
• Coordinate with government authorities and like-minded organizations to provide additional support such as livelihood, skill development and education to the right holders. 
• Represent KOSHISH in various forums at local and regional levels.

Documentation, Database Management and Reporting: 

• Maintaining documentation and documenting the evidence of project progress and outcome in collaboration with the MEAL Unit of the organization. 
• Develop awareness-raising materials, tools, and guidelines for effective community engagement in coordination with supervisor, counsellors and communication unit. 
• Prepare systematic records and database of the beneficiaries in coordination with the MEAL unit and supervisor.
• Prepare and submit monthly and periodic reports, case stories, and success stories to the supervisor.

Humanitarian Response:

• Be prepared to lead a group or team to work in the interest of the organization based upon the assessment of the tasks identified by the organization including in humanitarian/ emergency response.

Safety & Security:

• Ensure safety & security during project implementation in collaboration with central office. 
• Analyze/identify potential risks and handle any issues that arise.

Safeguarding:

• Accountable for ensuring that all children and adults who are reached by the project are safeguarded to the greatest extent possible. 
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with all aspects of the organizational Safeguarding and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, abuse and harassment policies and associated standards and procedures in collaboration with the central office/ safeguarding focal person. 
• Promote safeguarding among project teams and ensure safeguarding is embedded in all stages of project cycle management.

Required Skills and Qualification:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in human rights, international relations, law, disability, social work or any other related field
• A minimum 4 years of experience in carrying out advocacy initiatives at the Federal/ Provincial level with government authorities.
• Good understanding of the human rights-based approach and familiarity with core International Human Rights Treaties including the UNCRPD, CEDAW and CRC.
• Understanding and experience of working in disability sector (preferably in the issue of psychosocial disability).
• Possess proven experience in project management in the field of social development.
• Good understanding of the cultural and social context of the project location.
• Excellent written verbal and presentation skills in both English and Nepali.
• Able to work effectively and efficiently under pressure and in a team to achieve results.
• Ability to use initiative, prioritize and work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Flexible and able to multitask on several aspects of the projects.
• Well-versed in Office 365, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint,  Excel etc.
• Empathetic and energetic with a receptive learning attitude.

Reports to: Project Coordinator

Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in human rights, international relations, law, disability, social work or any other related field

Experience required: A minimum of 4 years of experience in carrying out advocacy initiatives at the Federal/ Provincial level with government authorities.

Job Location: Dhangadhi, Kailali

Remuneration and Benefit: Negotiable as per competence and experience

Applying Procedure: Interested candidates are requested to send their updated curriculum vitae and cover letter in PDF version via email to recruit@koshishnepal.org and give cc to ravi@koshishnepal.org  Please clearly mark in the subject line as "Application for the position of Project Officer". The deadline for application submission 1st April 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further process.

Eligible candidates with disabilities, women  from the local area are strongly encouraged to apply.

KOSHISH reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications without assigning any reason whatsoever.