Senior Challenge Fund Associate

The Senior Challenge Fund Associate (SCFA) will be responsible for the implementation of the TAECF. S/he will be responsible for ensuring that grants are implemented in a timely manner and that the process adheres to TAECF guidelines. The Senior Associate will be in charge of designing and implementing a monitoring and evaluation system for grantees, ensuring that data is collected, tracked, and analyzed regularly per grant agreements. S/he will also oversee general execution, management, monitoring, and closeout of grants under the project.

The Senior Associate will work closely with GGGI under the leadership and guidance of the Country Representative, Senior Project Coordination Officer, and Program Management Officer to ensure that the outputs delivered are in line with the CSA project KPIs.

PURPOSE

Specific tasks for this assignment shall include the following: 

• Implement the TAECF – a) develop selection criteria for the accelerator and the champion program; b) select wining agribusinesses based on criteria through a competitive process; and c) disburse seed capital to wining agribusinesses
• Review and support financial and technical reporting of grantees while building their financial management capacity.
• Monitor and assess the implementation of all grantee projects, including services provided to smallholder farmers and the achievement of expected targets and objectives (outputs and impacts)
• Provide tailored technical support and a platform for peer-peer learning and networking.
• Oversee administrative and financial implementation and monitoring of grants, ensuring compliance with donor regulations
• Lead mobilization of climate finance from bilateral or international climate funds to support scale-up and replication nationally – a) scope potential public and private sector investors to support scale up of program for Phase II; b) shortlist five priority investors; c) undertake required agricultural assessments and studies; d) prepare two proposals for scaling-up the program.

Other relative duties assigned by the Country Representative

ENGAGEMENT 

• Assist engagement with key government counterparts, private sector institutions, relevant academic institutions and non-governmental agencies to identify best-practices, lessons to be learned in development of and implementation of capacity-building related to production systems, and promotion of climate-resilient agri-businesses and associated government agencies.
• Support coordination among GGGI/partner experts to mainstream social/gender inclusivity consideration across the project/country portfolio and ensuring that this is effectively reported upon.
• Support organizing events and sessions between farmers, entrepreneurs and enabling institutions, and potential investors.

DELIVERY 

• Develop Operation Guidelines for the Accelerator and Championship programs of the TAECF
• Develop selection criteria for the Accelerator and Championship program of the TAECF
• Following a competitive process select winning agribusinesses based on developed eligibility criteria;
• Disburse seed capital to winning agribusinesses based on evaluation and scores received
• Build a peer-to-peer learning platform for grantees
• Support in preparing and finalizing semi-annual financial and technical reports for grantees.
• Identify and map potential public and private sector investors to shortlist five priority investors
• Gather and submit information for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) purposes, and support technical reporting and administrative reporting needs.
• Prepare monthly/quarterly progress report.

REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree in business administration, development studies or related field.
• At least 7 years of relevant experience in grant management, particularly in agriculture sector. Additional years of experience are considered advantageous.
• Experience in agribusiness development and market and risk assessment is must.
• Track record experience in project cycle management including grant management is desired.
• Excellent fluency in English and Nepali, both written and verbal is required.
• Experience in working with Government of Nepal, local governments, bilateral organizations and I/NGOs.
• Experience in engaging with multiple stakeholders, including intergovernmental organizations, financial institutions, government institutions, NGOs, civil society, and others would be an advantage.
• Work experience in Madhesh Province is preferred.

Source: https://careers.gggi.org/vacancy/senior-challenge-fund-associate-555760.html