- dZi foundation

April 20, 2015
FULL TIME PROGRAM OFFICER RECRUITMENT NOTICE
The dZi Foundation seeks an innovative and motivated Nepali citizen with strong organizational skills
and a passion for Nepal’s most remote areas to fill the post of Program Officer for our Nepal Country
Office, starting immediately. The Program Officer will be responsible for managing and overseeing our
field staff and supporting the Nepal Country Director with program development and reporting. The
position will be based between our Kathmandu office and our remote field sites in Khotang and
Solukhumbu, and will require frequent and occasionally extended travel to the field.
BACKGROUND:
The dZi Foundation is a small INGO that partners with underserved communities in remote regions of the
Himalaya to build sustainable locally-driven programs that improve quality of life and increase prosperity
for communities and individuals. We accomplish this through helping community members gain the
skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to achieve this end themselves.
Our programs incorporate a ‘deep development’ model that empowers our partner communities to be
involved in all aspects of program design and implementation. We work in a focused area of Eastern
Nepal and seek to provide long-term and comprehensive support across all development sectors.
JOB PROFILE:
The post is open to Nepali nationals ready to make a long-term commitment to an innovative
organization. Applicants must be self-motivated creative thinkers who are able to work without
immediate supervision and are eager to spend extended periods of time working with – and learning from
- some of the most remote communities in Nepal. The Program Officer will work closely with the Nepal
Country Director, Deputy Country Director, dZi Foundation field staff, and our local NGO counterparts
to ensure successful project implementation and management as well as supporting fundraising efforts.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position is responsible for the overall management and successful implementation of all dZi ‘Deep
Development’ projects in the field and selected other projects. This will be accomplished through the
following:
Program Management:
• Supporting field staff and NGO partners with the project identification and proposal submission
process.
• Leading the internal process for scoring and selecting new projects.
• Supporting the Deputy Country Director and Financial Officer with developing and reviewing
annual budgets, and ensuring the timely release of funds for project activities.
• Developing and monitoring workplans for all program staff members
• Responsible for compiling, organizing, and maintaining all project reports, project logs, training
logs and other files.
• Managing the logistics of project implementation and supporting dZi field staff and NGO
partners with all aspects of project implementation.
• Mobilizing and managing technical partners
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Compiling project reports and data, writing and submitting reports to dZi headquarters, donors,
and others as necessary.
Identifying, designing, and implementing relevant capacity building trainings for NGO staff.
Sending official correspondence with field staff and NGO partners.
Leading the management and implementation of a new agricultural income generation strategy
Outreach and Fundraising:
• Writing and submitting monthly reports to US headquarters.
• Providing US headquarters with project data and information to support public relations and
media.
• Supporting Nepal Country Director with institutional fundraising, including developing and
drafting project proposals and reports, official correspondence, and supporting donor visits to
project sites.
QUALIFICATIONS:
While we favor personality and creativity over experience, candidates should meet the following criteria:
• Strong written and verbal English and Nepali language skills are compulsory.
• Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, and preference will be given to candidates
with graduate degrees.
• At least 3 years experience implementing and managing programs. Experience in the I/NGO field
preferred.
• Willingness and ability to spend extended periods of time working in extremely remote areas
with little or no facilities, including walking on foot for multiple days over rough terrain.
COMPETENCIES:
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work closely in an international team
• Demonstrated honesty and integrity.
• Proven critical thinking skills and ability to work creatively.
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Excellent facilitation skills and proven abilities to design and implement staff trainings and
community meetings.
The post holder must commit to following the dZi Foundation’s personnel policies and procedures, and
adhere to the dZi Foundation’s core beliefs and values.
Interested candidates are requested to submit their CV, a cover letter, two professional references and
salary expectations to vacancy@dzifoundation.org with ‘Program Officer Posting’ in the subject line. We
will be screening applicants on a rolling basis, with the goal of filling the position quickly. Please submit
your application as soon as is feasible. No phone calls, please.
Women and members of marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Only short-listed
candidates will be notified.