Background

The goal of the Microenterprise Development Programme (MEDEP) is to contribute to the poverty reduction and employment generation efforts of the Government of Nepal (GoN) through micro-entrepreneurship development. This approach is in line with the strategy of the GoN’s periodic plans.

During the fourth phase of MEDEP, 73,000 new micro entrepreneurs will be created (30,000 with MEDEP resources, 32,000 by MEDPA and 11,000 Local Bodies) with particular focus on supporting households that are living below the national poverty line, women and the socially excluded, by strengthening the national system to support the establishment of micro-enterprise start-ups. This will be achieved by building the capacities of government at central and local levels to develop and implement policies for the support of micro-entrepreneurship, as well as by strengthening access to markets, finance and business development services.

Building on its experience of 14 years of providing support to micro-entrepreneurs in Nepal, MEDEP will create micro-enterprises indirectly, by mentoring, supporting  and strengthening the GoN’s Micro Enterprise Development for Poverty Alleviation (MEDPA). The programme will be implemented in partnership with central and local government institutions, as well as by supporting non-government and private sector organisations. MEDEP’s outcome therefore will not be limited to just creating new entrepreneurs. Its main contribution will instead be to endow Nepal with a sustainable institutional setup for the delivery and support of entrepreneurship even after the end of the programme.

MEDEP will also support peace and stability in Nepal, by significantly contributing to addressing poverty and social exclusion, which are among the root causes of conflict in the country.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under overall supervisor of National project Manager The APSO Government Support Specialist (GSS) will assist the Intervention Managers Component 1 and 2 to implement the components at the district level, developing plans and programmes, and supporting institutional capacity development of local government and agencies.  S/he will also be the focal point for coordinating direct micro-entrepreneurship development in the MEDEP supported districts.

S/he will have the following specific duties and job responsibilities: 
  • Support IMC2 and IMC3 to develop a clear strategic vision for Component 2 and 3, updating the Components’ intervention logic and monitoring progress on the achievement of the Components’ objectives;
  • Mentor local DDCs, VDCs and local communities in the delivery of a successful MEDPA by pooling funds from different public sources including DDCs and VDCs block grants;
  • Support DDCs to establish local dialogue platforms;
  • Carry out readiness audit of those DDCs that qualify as mature for MEDEP indirect support, applying the criteria agreed by the NPM;
  • Support DDCs to carry out adequate procurement of MED service providers, so to guarantee quality, efficiency and flexibility. These may follow a national tender process to pre-select service providers and ultimately deployment in districts;
  • Within the context of the defined standard, develop the capacity of the MEUs in DDCs, the district DCSI and CSIDB offices to promote MED and MEDPA across government agencies and local offices by organising events and training services;
  • Ensure that MEDPA activities at the district level are planned and implemented in a gender sensitive and inclusive manner and that all implementing partners are sensitized and trained in gender and social inclusion;
  • Conduct workshops, meetings and training with the involvement of VDC Secretaries, Municipalities, DDCs to generate resources at local level for employment creation through micro-enterprise development;
  • Provide policy advisory to the MEDEP IMC2 and the DDC/DCSI and CSIDB on improving policies, regulations and guidelines for the successful implementation of MEDPA;
  • Support district research organisations to produce quality research that is relevant to micro-entrepreneurship policies, within the framework of a successful commercial strategy;
  • Help DDCs make use of evidence in improving policy making and dialoguing with the private sector;
  • Mentor district and local micro-enterprise organisations to advocate effectively with government, by building their capacity to identify, research, present issues to government and involve their membership base in the process.
  • Ensure that MEDEP activities are planned and implemented in a gender sensitive and inclusive manner and that all implementing partners are sensitized and trained in gender and social inclusion;
  • Provide policy advisory to the MEDEP NPM and GoN on improving policies, regulations and guidelines for the successful implementation of MEDPA.

Competencies

Corporate competencies:
  • Demonstrates integrity;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
Functional competencies:
  • Excellent interpersonal skills;
  • Focuses on impact and results and responds positively to feedback;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors, at the senior levels;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
Knowledge Management and Learning:
  • Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
  • In-depth knowledge on development and gender and social inclusion issues;
  • Oral and written communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • The candidate should have at least a Bachelor’s degree in  business studies, economics, social science or relevant fields;
  • Masters’ degree will be an advantage.

Experience:

  • S/he should possess a minimum of Five years of work experience for Master’s degree and Seven Years of work experience  for Bachelor’s degree in the fields of policy analysis, micro enterprise development or related fields. 
  • S/he should possess a clear understanding of the basic concepts of micro enterprise development, market-driven development strategies, and enhancing sustainable livelihoods;
  • The candidate should have a substantial level of experience in policy and programme development in different aspects of micro-enterprise development such as micro-credit, marketing  and managerial experience, both at field and national level;
  • S/he should have a strong background in management, a sound knowledge of institutional capacity development and an awareness of theories of organizational change.
 Language: 
  •  Fluency in both spoken and written Nepali and English languages is required.
 
Computer Skills:
  • S/he must be well versed in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, etc. in computer. Typing skills in Nepali language is an added advantage.