New ERA is seeking an experienced and dynamic Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated five-year United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Health Learning – Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning activity,to be based in Kathmandu, Nepal.  The activity aims to assist USAID/Nepal’s Health Office (HO) and its implementing partners (IPs) in adopting standardized and systematic monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) activities to advance broader organizational learning and development efforts.

This position is full-time, contingent upon contract award and subject to change. It is a Kathmandu-based position with frequent travel throughout the country.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

The COP must be able to manage and supervise teams that design and lead Health Learning activities and provide overall guidance and supervision to teams undertaking the assignments conducted as part of this contract.

The anticipated roles and responsibilities of the COP include but are not limited to the following

• Provide overall vision and leadership, including program planning, technical execution, financial management, reporting, and operations.
• Establish and maintain highly collaborative working relationships with Nepali organizations and stakeholders, the Government of Nepal, USAID, other donors, and USAID implementing partners as required.
• Lead the technical design and delivery of the activity, ensuring high-quality deliverables and overseeing a team of experts, local partners, and support staff to prepare reports and work plans.
• Serve as a primary point of contact with USAID/Nepal and key external stakeholders.
• Manage, train, and mentor staff, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Identify issues and risks related to the implementation of the project activities on time and suggest appropriate adjustments.
• Ensure that all activities are undertaken in full compliance with in-country priorities, the project’s standard operating procedures, USAID policies and MERL regulations, and national policies and laws.
• Ensure best practice and innovative approaches are integrated,and provide technical assistance and backstopping to the team when required.
• Drive the strategic communications, learning, and adaptation agenda for the project.

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

• Should be a Nepali citizen.
• A master’s degree in public health, social sciences, economics, statistics, or a related field is required (Ph.D. preferred), with a strong research, knowledge management, and capacity-building background.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in supporting similar COP or DCOP positions for activities of similar nature, size, and complexity.
• Substantial experience in public health, health system strengthening, and/or health policy and governance. Experience of working closely with the Government of Nepal is preferred.
• Demonstrated success in a strategic decision-making position in the USAID Nepal context.

• Strong knowledge and experience of USAID’s contract policies, contract management, and its government-to-government agreement.
• Successful track record of leading/managing large and complex research projects, studies, and country-level assessments.
• Strong knowledge of Nepal’s developmental context is required; demonstrated experience and network with local organizations are preferred.
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and verbal) is required. Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations.

 Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

 How to Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter at vacancy@newera.com.np no later than November 30, 2023.