Job Description for Program Manager

Overview of WAC-Nepal: 

Working for Access and Creation Nepal (WAC-Nepal) is an NGO working in the Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal has been established in 2054 BS with the vision to create the prosperous society through social transformation. From its inception, the organization is serving in the field of quality education, accessible health facilities, DRR and income generation for its main target group as CWD (Children, Women and Deprived Communities). It is a well-established, renowned, transparent, member based, organization. It has good experiences in the program implementation, the available cultural differences within the providence, coordination, and linkage with the government of Nepal and other stakeholders.

Job Summary

The Program Manager of WAC-Nepal is responsible for providing visionary leadership, strategic direction, and effective management of the organization’s operations. The Program Manager will work closely with the Executive Board to develop and execute the organization’s strategic plan, secure funding, and ensure the successful implementation of programs and projects. The Program Manager leads the decisions regarding day-to-day administrative functions as well as the overall execution of the programs/ organizational activities under the rules and regulations of the organization. Other key duties include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach. The position directly reports to the Executive Board of the organization.

General Purpose: The role of a Program Manager of WAC- Nepal encompasses a wide range of responsibilities aimed at achieving the organization’s mission and objectives. The PM oversees all ongoing activities related to the all-project implementation, development, maintenance of and adherence to the organization’s policies and procedures, leading the organization to achieve the set goal and objective.

Duty Station:   WAC Nepal head office, Sanfebagar, Achham and frequent field visit as per need.

Reports to:  Chairperson (Executive Board)

General Responsibilities:

1) Board Governance:

• Works with board to fulfill the organization vision mission and goals. Responsible for leading WAC Nepal in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission defined by the Board of Directors.
• Responsible for communicating effectively with the board and providing in a timely and accurate manner. All information necessary for the board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
• Participate in the regular Executive Board meeting and share the project status in terms of financial and programmatic progress along with sharing the needs of the project for board involvements.
• Directing the governing bodies to enhance the governance systems, policy formation and revision.
• Serves as a liaison between the board and the organization’s staff.
• Works closely with the board to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan and provide input to help set priorities and ensure that the organization’s activities align with its mission and goals.
• Ensure that the organization complies with all relevant laws and regulations in Nepal, including reporting requirements.
• Represent the organization to the public, government agencies, and other stakeholders, advocating for the organization’s mission and goals.
• regularly evaluate the organization’s performance and report to the board on progress toward achieving its strategic objectives

2) Financial Performance and Viability:

• Develops resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization. Responsible for the fiscal integrity of WAC Nepal, to include submission to the board of a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization.
• Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position.
• Responsible for fundraising and developing other resources necessary to support the organization’s vision and mission. Make sure that all financial compliances are fulfilled, and policies and rules are implemented and followed properly.
• Ensure all financial transactions of the organization are done in line with laws, organizational policies and donor compliances and financial reporting is accurate and prepared in accordance with donor guidelines and in line with the organization’s policies.
• Ensure procurement planning and procedures of the organization are properly followed. Take a lead role in ensuring auditing of the organization is carried out timely and ensure adequate management response in audit findings.

3) Organization VMGOs and Strategy: 

• Works with board and staff to ensure that the VMGO is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, and community outreach. Responsible for effective implementation of annual plan of organization which carry out the vision of organization.
• Responsible for strategic planning to ensure that WAC Nepal can successfully fulfill its vision into the future. Responsible for the enhancement of WAC Nepal’s image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic, government, private and donor organizations.

4) Organization Operations.

• Oversees and implements appropriate resources to ensure that the operations of the organization are appropriate.
• Responsible effective administration and smoothness on day-to-day operations.
• Responsible for the hiring and retention of competent, qualified human resources.
• Responsible for signing all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of the organization.
• Responsible for handling all the financial transactions and taking an approval.

5) Planning and project cycle management

• Ensure the annual plan and budget of all projects are timely developed and submitted to partners and concerned stakeholders.
• Manage the project cycle of all projects of the organization and ensure proper design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Ensure that the projects are implemented in an efficient, effective, and economical manner.
• Ensure effective implementation, monitoring, and donor reporting all the projects undertaken by WAC-Nepal.

6) Monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge management:

• Provide leadership for M&E/MEAL department and develop result-based M&E framework and plans for various projects.
• Manage the baseline process, mid-term review, final evaluations and research works of the organization.
• Ensure reporting of all projects is done in a framework of the respective donors within the deadline and standard quality.
• Manage staff recruitment and induction processes of the organization as well as staff appraisal need assessment and prepare training programs.
• Undertake regular staff supervision and give guidance to all staff through mentoring and coaching.
• Reporting to the supervisor about the progress and challenges of the project and staff every month.

7) Fundraising and proposal development

• Identify and secure funding opportunities from donors, government agencies, and other sources.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors and partners.
• Develop standard and sound project proposals for funds raising to the organization and facilitate member organizations for raising funds for their respective organizations.
• Lead fundraising team and develop proposals for external fundraising.
• Develop proposal writing capacity of team of the organization.
• Initiate innovative and creative concepts of fundraising from both local and international resources.
• Make smooth coordination, collaborations, and contacts with potential donors and development partners.

8) Organizational development

• Support board in drafting policies, improving systems, and developing procedures and guidelines of the organization.
• Ensure for improving good governance practices and ensure transparency, accountability, inclusion, participation, and gender issues.
• Make a proper strategy for organizational long-term sustainability and lesson learns from experience and adopt its strategies to suit the changing environment.
• Make sure human and financial resources for organization development and capacity building of the board members and staff are available.
• Planning and operation of annual budget. Establishing employment and administrative policies and procedures for all functions and for the day-to-day operation.
• Serving as a primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media, and the general public.
• Establish and maintain relationships with various organizations throughout the state and utilize those relationships to strategically enhance organization’s Vision.
• Report to and work closely with the executive board to seek their involvement in policy decisions, fundraising and to increase the overall visibility of the organization.
• Supervise, collaborate with organization staff and strategic planning and implementation including oversee organization Board and committee meetings.
• Oversee marketing and other communications efforts. Review and approve contracts for services.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Board of the organization.

Professional Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Social Sciences, Development Studies, Business Administration, or similar.
• At least 7 years of experience in senior leadership roles within an NGO/INGO or similar organization, with a proven track record of successfully managing programs, staff, and financial resources including fund raising.
• Solid, hands-on, budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making and reporting.

Other Competencies

• Proficient in fundraising, grant writing, and resource mobilization with abilities including planning, delegating program development and task facilitation.
• Skills to collaborate and coordinate including motivating board members, staff, and other volunteers who are associated with organizational purpose.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to interface and engage diverse volunteer and donor groups
• Good understanding of the socio-economic and political context of different tyers of governments and whole country Nepal including international nonprofit standards and mandates.
• Good understanding of RBA, Advocacy, and nonprofit working modality along with the policy provision of the Governments.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work in a multicultural environment, and a deep commitment to social change.
• Good command on computer application including MS Excel, Word, Power Point, SPSS, etch.