JOB OPPORTUNITY

Swisscontact is an independent non-profit development organisation established in 1959 by representatives of the Swiss private sector and civil society. Our development work focuses on private sector-led, sustainable economic development with improved quality of life for all in developing and emerging countries. A key focus is to strengthen the skills of individuals and foster the competitiveness of businesses.

Swisscontact, registered as an International Non-Governmental Organisation in Nepal, has been operating in Nepal since 1991. Currently, Swisscontact Nepal has six development programmes across all seven provinces, with a well-functioning country office that employs over 145 staff members.

The NVQS Project (NVQS-P) Phase-II is a bilateral initiative between the Government of Nepal and the Government of Switzerland. It is implemented by the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT)/National Skill Testing Board (NSTB) at the federal level and by the Ministries of Social Development/Education in the provinces. The project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation, SDC. Swisscontact provides Technical Assistance to the project on behalf of SDC.

Team Leader

Location: NVQS PSU Office, CTEVT Complex, Sanothimi, Bhaktapur
Reports to: Country Director, Swisscontact Nepal
Time: 100% (8 hours a day and 5 days a week)
Duration: One year initially, with the possibility of an extension

Purpose of the Job

Responsible for spearheading overall state-of-the-art project implementation in accordance with the approved plan and budget, the vision, mission, and regulations of Swisscontact achieving utmost client satisfaction.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Build and Manage Team

Place a strong team in place with appropriate skills to implement the NVQS project.
Lead hiring competent staffs and experts in the project and orient/train staffs who will be working to manage vocational qualifications system in Nepal.
Lead and manage the entire project team at the federal and province levels of NVQS project to accomplish the client’s contract.
Conduct performance appraisals of the NVQS staff and apply corrective measures for non-performing staff.
Liaise with international (Swiss and others) technical expert teams.
Liaise and facilitate multistakeholder dialogue for effective support to the project.

Oversee Project Management

Make sure the NVQS goals and objectives are properly and sufficiently communicated to the public and private stakeholders, actors, and beneficiaries in three tiers of the government
Ensure adequate project management (planning-implementation-monitoring-evaluation- controlling).
Ensure complete and timely project documentation at all times.
Prepare timely narrative and financial reporting according to the Swisscontact’s regulations and project contracts of donors and relevant sponsors, if any.
Prepare annual operational plans (yearly plans of operation) and budgets for the NVQS project.
Prepare reports related to the project as per the requirements of the client, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC Nepal and Swisscontact.
Ensure effective financial management, budgeting, internal control, and external audit of the project.
Approve procurement of goods and services related to the project within the threshold allowed by Swisscontact Operations Manual.
Approve all expenses related to the project.

Oversee Capacity Building Process

Provide excellent support to the National Skill Testing Board (NSTB)/Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) for NVQS related matters and building capacity of their staffs accordingly and as per the need.
Ensure adequate capacity of the project staff.
Advise and support partner organisations in their organisational development, capacity building and the development of new products.

Networking and Representation

Liaise regularly and as required with the client, SDC Nepal.
Represent Swisscontact, as required in the donor environment.
Participate in all meetings (such as Project Steering Committee, Project Advisory Committee) as mandated by the requirements of the project.
Maintain excellent relations with officials at the federal level such as Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and other relevant ministries at federal level; NSTB/CTEVT; and wider stakeholders (from private and public sectors).
Maintain excellent relations with the government officials at provincial levels such as Ministry of Social Development and other relevant ministries at Province, officials at the municipalities and wider stakeholders from public and private sectors in the province and in local levels.

Additional Tasks

Encourage innovations in program by the development of new products that can be replicated within the region.
Oversee knowledge management and capitalisation.
Adhere to the communication guidelines of the client, SDC Nepal, while making communication at national and international level

Qualifications and Experience

The incumbent must have the following qualifications and expertise

Master’s degree in relevant field (Education/TVET/Workforce Education/Management/Business Studies/Development Studies).
Minimum of ten years of work experience in project / program management or administering national and /or regional TVET Programmes and team (including at least five years of management experience in relevant field i.e. development cooperation and/or, TVET sector programs).
Proven record of successful collaboration with government entities in federal, province and local level in reform initiative.
Strong management and coordination skills especially with the stakeholders having competing interest.
National/International experience in facilitating policy dialogue and collaboration between national and international organizations in the field of TVET system development /Vocational Qualifications System management is preferable.
Ability and willingness to lead a team that will deliver high quality outputs within deadlines in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
Experience in facilitating policy dialogue and collaboration between national and international organisations; federal, provincial, and local governments to ensure smooth management, organisation development and implementation process.
Experiences and aware of the Nepali TVET system and ongoing reform initiatives in Nepal and elsewhere.
Advanced communication skill in both English and Nepali (verbal and written).
Proficiency in MS Office Applications and project management tools.
Knowledge and work experience in the implementation of Quality Assurance System.
Willingness and ability to travel within and outside Nepal.

Application Procedure

Please submit online Job Application Form by clicking the link below.

Job Application Form Team Leader

The deadline for submission of the application is February 25, 2025.

Swisscontact will not entertain any phone enquiries or other such solicitations for these positions. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the selection process. Swisscontact reserves the right to reject any and all applications.

Swisscontact is an equal opportunity employer. Women and applicants from disadvantaged groups are encouraged to apply.