Country Manager

Practical Action Consulting (PAC) is the consulting arm of Practical Action, a charity organisation based in the UK. Practical Action in Nepal seeks to recruit Country Manager who leads the Technical Assistance (TA) team in Nepal.

The position is a challenging opportunity for a highly capable and motivated person with relevant experience. The candidate should be able to grow the TA services through his or her own initiative and drive.

JOB TITLE: Country Manager, Practical Action Consulting Nepal

RESPONSIBLE TO: Managing Director, Practical Action Consulting UK / Country Director, Practical Action in Nepal


JOB SPECIFICATION:


JOB PURPOSE:

• To develop and administer the consultancy business in Nepal and Hindukush region resulting in a stream of consultancy income producing a profitable consultancy unit.


JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


• To contribute to the achievement of the Consultancies business strategy by undertaking and managing work in the consultancy sector.

• To administer projects ensuring commercial and efficient delivery maximising profit generation.

• To develop presence amongst a strong network of donors and other consultancy funders in the region.

• To develop a growing and effective professional register of approved sub consultants to deliver projects

• To actively differentiate between the consultancy and the NGO

• To identify new work opportunities

• To work within the International team of Practical Action Consulting ensuring regular communication and information exchange

• To win new work from donors and commercial organisations using established networks and business development skills

• To contribute to the development of a growing programme of high quality work of research and consultancy.

• To take responsibility for specific business development, research, marketing and business management activities as agreed with the Managing Director.

• To achieve the agreed targets for billable consultancy work as a member or manager of project teams.

• To negotiate with and manage sub contractors

• Maintaining a full inventory of all consultancy assignments

• Adhering to Practical Action Consulting QA systems

• To assist in writing winning proposals

• To ensure that the Consultancy contributes effectively to Practical Actions overall mission through the growth and quality of its consultancy and research.

• To undertake any other tasks as assigned by the Managing Director.

• Overseas travel will be necessary, according to project requirements.


KEY SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:


• Degree, at post-graduate level, in Development Studies, Energy, Economics, Social Sciences or a relevant subject.

• Analytical skills, especially relating to the Practical Action Nepal’s strategic ambitions to reach the Hindu Kush Region with Practical Action Consulting as a delivery arm.

• Experience of contract management, from preparing Expressions of Interest (EOI) to Request for Proposal (RFP). Project funding and winning proposal writing skills and experience are also essential.

• Experience of project design to implementation together with financial management is essential.

• At least 10 years development experience, and extensively networked within relevant sectors, with an understanding of the major issues today in the field of consulting business.

• Familiar with communications, policy and advocacy work and a confident communicator to external audiences.

• Computer literate.

• Thorough understanding of international development policy issues and how they relate to technology is desirable.

• Developing and maintaining an active network

• Multi tasking and prioritising

• Sales skills

• Managing relationships

• Excellent communication skills.


KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:


• Self motivation: Takes responsibility to take proactive roles on getting business and ensure that commitments are met. Achieves objectives despite problems and frustrations. Is aware of strengths and limitations.

• Drive for results: Seeks better ways of doing things, improves on status quo, creates energy and enthusiasm. Willing to take ownership to exceed expectations.

• Initiative: Able to respond effectively to the unexpected. Is biased towards taking action, having identified current or future problems or opportunities.

• Conceptual thinking: Sees the big picture rather than narrow focus of own specialism. Makes connections that are not readily apparent. Questions assumptions. Able to generate new ideas and approaches.

• Impact: Demonstrates good listening skills. Presents view in convincing way. Aware of different perspectives, feelings and concerns. Ability to win others over to own way of thinking.

• Teamwork: Works co-operatively with all, colleagues, stakeholders, clients and subordinates, as opposed to working separately. Ensures integration with AIM teams. Is aware of issues that may affect the work of others. Shares ideas and information to find the best way.

• Influencing: Identifies key people in decision process. Is able to deploy a range of approaches, and can select the appropriate style for a situation. Has a robust network of contacts. Works for win-win in resolving differences.

• Decision–making: Takes timely decisions. Knows when to consult and when to proceed. Follows through on implementation. Communicates decision.

• Planning and organising: Is able to prioritise effectively. Is able to build alternative actions into plans. Reviews priorities. Is able to gather and deploy resources effectively.

• Managing people: Provides clarity and direction to the team and delegates authority with responsibility. Is able to manage performance effectively. Solicits and values input from others.


Nepali citizen meeting the above mentioned criteria are encouraged to submit an application together with CV not exceeding 4 pages to:

The Country Director
Practical Action Nepal
GPO Box 15135
Kathmandu, Nepal
Email: practicalaction@practicalaction.org.np

Detailed TOR can be obtained by email.

Female candidates and candidates from disadvantaged groups fulfilling the above requirements are highly encouraged to apply.

Please note that we are not able to hold speculative applications on file. Applications will be accepted only for specific posts advertised on this site or in the press.