The Accelerating Public and Private Investment in Infrastructure Component (APPIIC) of the UKAID funded Accelerating Investment in Infrastructure in Nepal (AIIN) programme is managed by IMC Worldwide. The UK Government’s Department for International Development through APPIIC supports the easing of constraints that impede investment in infrastructure and Investment Board of Nepal (IBN) in investment promotion, project development and the implementation of private and public infrastructure projects.

Position Title: Research Coordinator & Policy Analyst

Line Manager: IBN Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Unit Lead

LOE: Full-time from appointment in December 2020 to 31 March 2021, with the option to extend the appointment beyond 31 March 2021 to 31 March 2022.

Background:

The Investment Board Nepal (IBN), established in 2011, is a high-level institution under the chairmanship of the Right Honourable Prime Minister for attracting and facilitating private investment including FDI and revitalizing Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Nepal. IBN functions as a central fast-track government agency to facilitate economic development in Nepal by creating an investment-friendly environment, mobilizing and managing domestic as well as foreign investments.

The Public Private Partnership and Investment Act, 2019 (PPPIA) empowers IBN to a) formulate policies on PPP and facilitate private sector investment for infrastructure projects; b) identify, select and prioritize viable projects to be implemented via PPP and private investment arrangements; c) approve project investment with project costs above Rs. 6 billion, or hydropower or energy related projects above 200 MW; d) conduct the appropriate preparatory studies for approved projects; and, e) provide recommendations to the Government to make available financial or non-financial incentives and facilities. Similarly, IBN is responsible for implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects in its portfolio, the establishment and operationalization of a ‘one-stop-service centre’, coordination and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to promote Nepal as a competitive investment destination for FDI, among others.

The provisions of the Act require the Office of the Investment Board (OIBN) to conduct relevant studies and research on investment promotion and facilitation, project development, and project monitoring and evaluation. Evidence-based knowledge support is required to effectively manage the current portfolio of projects within IBN as well as to develop new investment projects that can attract quality investments in infrastructure projects through PPP and private investment approaches, as per the requirement of the Act. Research-informed decision-making is a prerequisite for the development of appropriate policies, guidelines, project documents, and tools and templates. Research will also inform and promote the adoption of ‘best practices’ used in project development and those that have made it to implementation through PPP and private investment approaches. Better informed and supported projects will deliver the expected benefits and delivery results in a timely manner.

In this context, it is intended to recruit a Consultant (Research Expert/ Analyst) to provide necessary technical and management support and assist OIBN with the overall research and development related activities of the OIBN. The Consultant is expected to work with the research/ policy unit of the OIBN.

The Consultant shall report to the Head of the Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Unit, OIBN.

Scope of Work:

His/her responsibilities will be to undertake and assist in research/policy and development related activities of the OIBN. In particular, he/she will carry out within their scope of work the following tasks:

• Conduct desk studies, stakeholder consultations, field-visits and provide support on formulating and developing relevant investment policies, guidelines, and tools and templates, including development/policy gap analysis
• Provide information on best practices in project development relating to PPP and private investment approaches
• Assist OIBN in organizing stakeholder consultations, sensitization workshops, capacity development training/ workshops with different stakeholders, including Provincial and Local Governments
• Assist in developing log frames, and annual workplans for projects
• Support the conceptualizing and organisation of promotional activities as well as contributing to the development of communication strategies
• Provide support in preparation and review of policy briefs, reports, ToRs, and Project Concept Notes (PCN) as well as relevant documents for consultation meetings and capacity development activities
• Provide support to develop the IBN Project Bank (i.e. identification, appraisal and prioritization of projects) and contribute to the IBN Project Pipeline Dashboard
• Communicate, coordinate and provide support to IBN’s other business units
• Assist with the conducting of field-based activities and the monitoring and evaluation of ongoing PPP projects
• Provide technical and management related support to the O/IBN
• Perform any other relevant and instructed activities by the designated Line Manager

Deliverables:

• Inputs as appropriate to O/IBN’s and APPIIC’s internal and external monthly, quarterly, six-monthly/annual reporting requirements.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration/Project Management or other related field with at least 3 years of work experience (A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering discipline will be an added preference)
• At least one year of working experience within a government development-focused agency/authority
• Proven understanding of project development, implementation and management; and, monitoring and evaluation
• Professional training/diploma in development management is preferable
• Proven experience in undertaking research and related publication
• Proven experience in conducting training and event management
• IT software proficiency (MS Word, Excel) with good report-writing and presentation skills.
• Good command of written and spoken Nepali and English language
• A Nepali citizen appointment

Work Station:

The Consultant shall be based in IBN Office, Kathmandu and report to the Head of the Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Unit, IBN.

Duration of Assignment:

The total duration of the Consultant’s work will cover the period from recruitment (expected to be concluded in December 2020) to the end of the APPIIC project on the 31st March 2022. A probationary period of three months will be mandatory, with the contract being extended to the end of March 31st, 2022 subject to a satisfactory appraisal of the consultant’s work.

Supporting Resources and Access to Supporting Facilities:

The Consultant shall be provided with office space and necessary logistic support (stationary, desktop computer, printer, etc.) by the APPIIC.

Recruitment Approach:

The position shall be filled through an open recruitment process with the opportunity promoted on the IBN website and the selection completed after an appraisal of the applicants and an interview undertaken by APPIIC and the IBN  Head of the Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Unit, IBN.

Expected Behaviors:

IMC Worldwide considers appropriate workplace behaviour to be as important as technical capability. All consultants engaged under APPIIC will be responsible for conduct in line with the following:

Non-discrimination:

Actively and mindfully behave in a way that does not directly or indirectly discriminates (treat differently, marginalize, undermine, dismiss or deny professional opportunities etc.) against people the ground of their; gender, age, colour, ethnicity, cultural background, disability, marital status, political beliefs, religion, sexual orientation or identify, or any other characteristic that is unrelated to professional capability. Escalate through the appropriate channels any instances where discrimination has or is occurring.

Transparency and openness:

Respond to colleagues positively and honestly to colleagues, and be willing to share information, maintaining professional appropriateness and respecting confidentiality. Be willing to explain your decisions and actions. Make yourself available and approachable to colleagues and be clear in your communications to avoid the creation of confusion.

Self-awareness:

Be mindful and conscious of your professional, physical and emotional reactions to colleagues and situations, and how they could be perceived by and affect others. Understand your own values and motivations and consider how these shapes your professional interactions, using this information to be mindful of how you interact with people and situations.

Mutual respect:

Treat others, as you would like to be treated, listen, and support others, making time to do so. Seek, acknowledge, value others’ experience and contribution, and be courteous and considerate to all. Encourage others to treat all colleagues with respect.

Eligible candidates should apply before 17:00 hrs on the 16th December 2020 by submitting their CV and a cover letter via email to [email protected]. Candidates should reference the position in the email subject line.