Programme Associate (open for Nepali nationals only)

Kathmandu

Organization: ICIMOD - International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
Location: Kathmandu
Grade:
Occupational Groups:
- Administrative support
- Project and Programme Management
Closing Date: Closed

ICIMOD is seeking applications for the position, Programme Associate (open for Nepali nationals only).

Background

Summary
We are looking for someone passionate about project management with proven skills in administrative management. The Programme Associate will help manage and coordinate programme administration and support budget and financial management for ICIMOD’s action areas and related components.

The applicant must be results driven and motivated to make a difference. The Programme Associate will be based in Kathmandu, Nepal, working in a cross-cultural, impact-oriented environment. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who values partnerships and diversity; is passionate about mountains and people; and is committed to helping build a greener, more inclusive, climate-resilient Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH). As ICIMOD moves into its new Strategy 2030 period from 2023, our programmes will be more focused and impactful, and we are eager to welcome someone who is a great team player and can add value with this important role.

About ICIMOD
We are ICIMOD – a unique regional intergovernmental learning and knowledge centre based in Kathmandu, Nepal. We are a dynamic diverse group of people focused on our work towards a shared vision of a greener, more inclusive, and climate-resilient HKH. We work on behalf of our eight Regional Member Countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.

We aim to influence policy and practice by bringing researchers, practitioners, and policymakers together to identify better ways of helping the people and communities of the HKH meet the increasing climate and environmental challenges while encouraging regional cooperation and collaboration for more sustainable mountain development.
We have just developed a new Strategy (2023–2030), which will frame the next two Medium Term Action Plans – MTAP V (2023–2026) and MTAP VI (2027–2030). We are committed to helping build a greener, more inclusive, climate resilient HKH and are eager to engage talented new colleagues from across the region and the world.

Research topics

Terms and condition

Selection process

Responsibilities and task

Under the direct supervision of the concerned action area coordinator and in close cooperation with the strategic group lead and the action area team, the Programme Associate will be responsible for the following:

1. Manage general administration

Provide administrative support to ensure the smooth operation of the action area, including the preparation of a work calendar, contractual agreements, and annual plan and progress reports
Ensure availability/functioning of required stationery and equipment
Draft ToRs as per the standard template for individual/institutional contracts

2. Support in organising national/international travels and events

Prepare the annual event calendar and related budgets; liaise with other relevant administrative units for event organisation and management
Prepare participants’ lists, dispatch invitations, and manage follow-up communication
Arrange travel and vehicle arrangements as required and manage travel claim distribution
Arrange other logistical requirements for events, including travel/hotel/vehicle requirements, stationery, and other equipment with close coordination with the Travel and Hospitality Unit

3. Coordinate finance and administration

Provide support in annual planning and budgeting
Ensure the completion of financial reports as per the standard checklist
Monitor project budget utilisation and payments, and liaise with the Finance Unit for the timely release of payments
Support the programme in business development

4. Support knowledge management and communication

Manage the action area’s information management system, including proper filing of documents
Maintain a database of publications produced by related networks
Maintain the communications with external parties and stakeholders on a timely basis

5. Other responsibilities

Execute other tasks assigned by the concerned action area coordinator and strategic group lead as required and within one’s capacity
Work in close collaboration with the action area coordinator to ensure smooth operation of the initiative

Financial support

Minimum qualifications

A master’s degree in business administration with a minimum of two years of work experience in an administrative capacity. A first-level university degree with four years’ experience related to social and environmental sciences or natural resource management will also be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience in financial reporting and maintenance of accounts
Strong interest in administrative work in the environment and development sectors
Demonstrated ability to speak and write fluently in English and Nepali
Excellent written, communication, and interpersonal skills for communicating and interacting with network members (including during off-hours on occasion)
Flexibility in terms of timing for organising workshops, training programmes, and meetings
Excellent computer skills (MS Office applications)

Criteria for selection

Competencies

Teamwork and cooperation: Works smoothly and effectively with others in the team to establish constructive solutions to meet team objectives
Result orientation: Takes responsibility for fulfilling challenging goals set in line with organizational processes
Cross-cultural impact: Adjusts to cultural differences and respects and understands cultural differences
Analytical thinking: Seeks out information to understand problems and uses appropriate data to support decisions
Continuous improvement and innovation: Continually improve work processes and questions status quo practices, traditions, and assumptions
Self-development: Demonstrates a continuous learning attitude and seeks opportunities for personal development
Developing others: Facilitates effective operational results and compliance

Others

No. of Positions: 3

Duty station

The duty station is Kathmandu. Frequent travel in the HKH region may be required.

Duration

One year with a probation period of three months, starting as soon as possible. Possibility of an extension subject to performance and ICIMOD's future funding levels.

Renumeration

Salaries and benefits at ICIMOD are competitive compared with other international organisations. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, which includes provident fund, health insurance, severance pay, children’s education allowance, and paid leave. Remuneration is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Gender and equity policy

Qualified and eligible women candidates and those from disadvantaged backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply. ICIMOD implements a gender fair policy and is supportive of working women. It operates a Day-Care Centre at the campus and is committed to gender mainstreaming at the organisational and programmatic levels.