Program Officer

Vacancy Call for Program Officer

The Social Changemakers and Innovators (SOCHAI) is a youth led non-profit organization, formed in 2017 to improve overall health, nutrition and socio-economic status of people, particularly women, children and girls through education, innovation and entrepreneurship at grass-root level. 

SOCHAI implements community based learning programs led by youth in partnership with local government, that are contributing to accelerating the progress in the SDGs 2 – Zero Hunger, 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing, 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation and 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth. SOCHAI also focuses on product and business development that aligns with our vision and values for organizational sustainability and impact. 

SOCHAI is looking for a Program Officer to work in its Program department which implements overall strategies and activities of the projects and programs.   

The responsibility of Program Officer includes:

3.1   Project management

• Support in preparing project timeline and activities for Sochai x Reckitt Partnership Project II and engage in other preparatory procedures as per need.
• Ensure high-quality implementation of SOCHAI’s activities under the project plan, and review and revise them periodically as the need arises in consultation with the Director of Programs.
• Compile program reports and prepare high-quality reports for SOCHAI’s own and donors’ requirements and contribute to monthly, quarterly progress reports and annual organizational reports in coordination with the Director of programs, CEO, Business Development Manager and Finance Officer. 
• Support the capacity strengthening of local mobilzers, central and local volunteers associated with SOCHAI in the course of this project. 
• Responsible for the arrangement of training and other capacity building activities throughout the project period by proper communication with trainers, mentors and other stakeholders.
• Responsible for taking charge of all the online activities involved in the project duration and ensuring smooth communication through virtual platforms. 
• Manage and monitor SOCHAI’s project budgets, and work with the Finance team in developing accurate financial reports.
• Coordinate and communicate with CEO, Director of Programs, Admin and Finance Officer and Business Development Manager as per the need of the project. 
• Responsible for selection of appropriate ideas for investing seed money as a part of innovation challenge on zero hunger and ensure proper monitoring during the implementation of these activities in coordination with the Director of Programs and the Admin and Finance Officer.
• Monitor the appropriate use of social media to update and promote the project activities and reach out to relevant stakeholders. 
• Troubleshoot any problems that arise, consulting the Director of Programs and CEO as needed in the planning, implementation and monitoring of the project. 
• Report regularly to the Director of Programs on the progress of activities/tasks assigned and inform on any issues potentially detrimental to the organization.
• Manage and store all data, resources, and information regarding the program in online and offline backup mediums.

Partner management

• Build and sustain relationships with the donor, Reckitt in accordance to SOCHAI’s partnership values.
• Conduct frequent meetings within the team members at SOCHAI and with the local staffs and volunteers as specified in the project details. 
• Explore collaboration opportunities with stakeholders

3.3   Organizational Development and Team Tasks 

• Support the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of SOCHAI’s strategic plan through timely impact assessment interventions and research
• Initiating different in-house programs and other management interventions wherever gaps in the programs are identified or issues arise.
• Contribute to other shared program tasks of SOCHAI, such as joint advocacy planning, grant writing, information scanning, visitor orientation, publication outputs, promotion of SOCHAI, and others. 
• Contribute to mid-year, annual and long-term review of strategic planning. 
• Contribute to and participate in organization-wide tasks, such as staff meetings, staff capacity development activities, annual retreat, evaluation and planning meeting, , intern/volunteer/visitor orientation, and others. 
• In collaboration with the CEO and Director of Programs, provide substantive contributions to the development of funding proposals if and when required.

Reports to: Director of Programs

Duration: 12 Months with possibility of extension

Expected starting Date: 1st April-30th May 2022

Duty Station: Kathmandu

Salary: As per SOCHAI’s HR policy

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in BSW, BPH, or in any other development subject with 1 year of experience; (Final years student with proven experience will be considered)
• Prior experience of programs and projects (Preferable)
• Excellent language skills in English and Nepali
• Experience of working with youth organization or a youth targeted NGO will be a plus;

Competencies

• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals and ensure the branding guidelines of SOCHAI is strictly adhered to. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. 
• Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Application Process

If you meet all the criteria mentioned in the Job Description, please send us your CV along with your cover letter to sochai.yfn@gmail.com 

All shortlisted candidates will be invited for the interview round. Due to the high number of applicants, individual feedback requests will not be entertained.