The Governance Advisor is responsible for the project’s plan for engaging the Government of Nepal (GoN) and advancing policy and institutional reforms and enforcement at the sub-national and national-level. The Governance Advisor works closely with the project team to strengthen district-level CSOs’ and media outlets’ capacity to effectively use social accountability mechanisms, including CS: MAP’s Good Governance Barometer, and to carry out oversight of public resource use and service delivery. The Governance Advisor also supports capacity building of national-level CSOs, media organizations, and coalitions to effectively engage Parliamentarians and other GoN stakeholders in policy reform. The Governance Advisor develops and maintains working relationships with various GoN stakeholders, and secures GoN buy-in for project activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical support to the CS:MAP team in implementing the project’s plan for engaging the Government of Nepal, and advancing policy and institutional reforms and enforcement at the sub-national and national-level.  
• Establish alliances with government officials at the national and sub-national level, CSOs, and media organizations to promote dialogue, citizen engagement, policy reform, and accountable governance.
• Provide technical support for the design and implementation of activities in areas such as use of social accountability mechanisms (including the Good Governance Barometer).
• Support Civil Society Director, Media Director, Capacity Building Manager and other project staff in building CSOs’ and media organizations’ capacity in effectively engaging with government officials for reform, and carrying out advocacy and oversight activities.
• Develop and maintain strong working relations with key local, provincial and national government representatives, CSOs, media organizations, and implementing partners.
• Provide other technical and programmatic support as needed.
• Contribute to development of programmatic progress reports, annual work plans, and other programmatic and technical deliverables.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of Party.

• Travel Requirements:  25%-50%

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

• Minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in designing and implementing governance reform, decentralization, local development planning, and policy reform activities is required
• Excellent understanding of reform, policymaking, and decentralization processes
• Solid knowledge of the Nepalese civil society sector is required
• Demonstrated experience working and building relationships with government officials at the national and sub-national level
• Preference given to candidates who demonstrate prior experience with policy analysis, research, advocacy, social accountability mechanisms, and gender equality and social inclusion
• Knowledge of USAID regulations and prior working experience with USAID-supported programs is preferable
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work with diverse and multidisciplinary teams
• Oral and written fluency in English and Nepali required
• Proficiency in other local languages is highly desired.

• Master’s degree in a relevant academic field