Project Officer

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

(First Date of Publication: 16 June 2024)

Hilly Region Development Campaign (HRDC) is implementing the livelihood Recovery Project in Jajarkot district. This project is funded by The Coca Cola Foundation (TCCF) in partnership with CARE -Nepal Thus, HRDC invites applications from suitable Nepali candidates for the following full-time position for:

Position Title: Project Officer -1 (Person)

Duty Station: Jajarkot

Project Area: Jajarkot

Position Type: Full-time

Duration: 10 months

Job Summary:

The Project Officer will play a crucial role in implementing the livelihood recovery activities of the Reviving Livelihoods of Socially and Economically Marginalized Households Affected by the Earthquake in Jajarkot and Rukum West Project. He/She will support the district team assessment, planning, implementation, documentation, reporting, networking and coordinate with stakeholders to meet the project objectives. This includes conducting household asset mapping, developing Livelihood Improvement Plans (LIPs), providing skill development training, supporting enterprise development, and liaising with the local governments and other stakeholders to ensure effective project implementation.

Key Roles and Responsibilities.

1. Project Planning and Implementation

• Develop Detail Implementation Plan (DIP) of each project activities
• Conduct household level asset mapping to identify existing assets and skill sets. 
• Support households in developing Livelihood Development Plans (LIPs) based on their need and interests. 
• Facilitate the formation of groups based on chosen livelihoods and ensure group cohesion and effectiveness. 
• Support formation and effective operationalization of Village Savings and Loans Associations 
• Facilitate open dialogues within communities to discuss and challenge existing social norms.
• Provide expertise and technical assistance in exploring income generating activities (IGAs), climate smart agriculture practices and market access. 
• Promote the use of modern farming practice and techniques through training, technical backstopping, farm visits and demonstrations.
• Identify and promote local innovations among farmers in response to livelihood options in targeted communities.
• Identify local products that have value addition and market potential within and outside the project districts and link with local and regional market. 
• Ensure participatory selection of beneficiaries, prioritization of income generating activities, life skills awareness raising, and capacity building of the groups. 
• Develop business plans for income-generating activities (IGA) and offer mentorship and coaching to various business groups for sustainable livelihoods and provide technical advice and support on enterprise development initiatives. 
• Ensure core project models and approaches are implemented according to schedule and minimum standards.

2. Documentation, Reporting and Knowledge Management

• Prepare and submit comprehensive reports based on project activities, outcome, and impact to supervisor and other relevant stakeholders. 
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of project activities, ensuring that targets and objectives are met according to the project plan 
• Collect and document data and stories of change from the field, contributing to projects and learning documents.

3. Coordination and Networking

• Take overall lead in the coordination of field activities and represent organisation in district/regional level working group meetings. 
• Liaise continuously with local government including focal persons of women and children’s unit, Disaster Management Committees (DMCs), Agriculture and Livestock unit and other relevant stakeholders. 
• Conduct consultation with local government officers before and after the start of the local level planning process to discuss on the economic empowerment of women and vulnerable and marginalized groups. 
• Address any concerns or issues raised by community and other stakeholders in a timely and effective manner.

4. Administrative and Financial Management

• Review project budget and track the expenditure against achievements regularly. 
• Assist in financial and administrative matters such as procurement process, human resource management and staff performance review. 
• Ensure timely procurement of and delivery of the right quality and quantity of farmer inputs.
• Responsible for overall budget planning, implementation of organizational policies, and procedures on a day-to-day basis.

5. Attitude and Behavior

• Committed to organization and project goals, and organizational values and working strategies. 
• Respect to poor, PwD, women and marginalized groups. 
• Enthusiasm to learn and apply new skills. 
• Willing to travel extensively to project areas to conduct training, monitoring and for other project related activities. 
• Honest, trustworthy, and patient.
• Excellent Team player

6. Skills and Knowledge

• Good interpersonal, analytical, communication and facilitation skills 
• Broad understanding of development issues and problem-solving skills 
• Enthusiastic to learning and apply new skills 
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of local context and sensitivities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, rural development, agriculture, agribusiness, enterprise development, preferably in disaster recovery context. 
• At least three years of experience in facilitating livelihood projects. 
• Strong understanding of local cultural context, gender dynamics, women’s economic empowerment and social inclusion. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse community members and stakeholders. 
• Proven experience in organizing and leading stakeholder and community discussions and workshops
• Strong organizational and reporting skills.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply with their current CV and application letter to: hrdc.jajarkotvacancy@gmail.com addressing to The Human Resource department, HRDC Jajarkot or can drop the hard copy of their CV and Cover letter at HRDC District Office, Jajarkot- Khalanga; within. 22 June 2024. 

Preference will be given to disadvantaged groups (women, Dalit, Janajati) and local resident in the recruitment process.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Telephone enquiries shall not be entertained.