Programs Director

BLINKNOW FOUNDATION - A world where every child is educated, safe and loved.

The BlinkNow Foundation is a 501(c)(3) based in New Jersey which, through its country office in Nepal, oversees programs in rural Nepal including a school, a children’s home, and a women’s training center. We do this with our local implementing partner, Kopila Valley Sewa Samaj (KVSS), and through close ties with the local community. The two organizations work in partnership, with BlinkNow serving as the International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) whose primary role is to provide funding and oversight, and Kopila Valley Sewa Samaj serving as the local Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) whose job is to implement programs. Our mission is to change the world by empowering Nepal’s children.

Every day we strive to create a sustainable organization working to educate all of Kopila’s children until they are ready to enter the world as happy, skilled, confident, self-sufficient adults. We believe we can serve as a model for quality education in Nepal. We strive to provide our children with the skills required to enter the world as global citizens, and ambassadors for change.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Programs Director is a leadership position that is responsible for fostering professionalism and accountability in the organization's Nepal programs. The Programs Director will be responsible for guiding and supporting the KVSS Programs Manager and the KVSS program team. Working closely with the INGO Country Representative, this person will be captaining the ship as we work to elevate and professionalize the standard of programs across the BlinkNow INGO and the Kopila Valley NGO. The Programs Director will be responsible for strengthening the structures which will create BlinkNow’s legacy as a strong, sustainable organization providing world-class educational programs for the future leaders of Nepal. This will also include overseeing the various program areas on the ground in Nepal, and ensuring each program head is supported, motivated, and meeting their goals. The Programs Director will also be involved in implementing the organization’s ten-year strategic

plan, and overseeing our education programs on our flagship sustainable campus.

THE MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead Program Design updates in coordination with the Country Representative.

• Ensure that the program delivery is done with the highest quality standards.

• Provide team oversight and other support related to program administration.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

• Lead Program Design in coordination with the Country Representative.

1. Work closely with the BlinkNow Country Representative to design effective and sustainable programs.
2. Review the BlinkNow Strategic Plan following the review schedule in collaboration with the program team and Country Representative.
3. Conduct periodic reviews of the current programs to assess and identify any program design issue and address or make evidence based recommendations for improvements.
4. Build an annual program cycle and ensure all the program activities are followed through by the program team.
5. Provide inputs into the designs initiated by the organization from the program point of view.

• Ensure the program is delivered with the highest quality standards.

1. Implement BlinkNow’s strategic plan related to the programs and ensure the goals are achieved within the stipulated time.
2. Work with the program team and Country Representative to create performance indicators and to utilize them to measure the program performance.
3. Create an annual monitoring and evaluation schedule and implement it in collaboration with the KVSS leadership.
4. Oversee all programs, ensuring smooth operation and troubleshooting issues as they arise.
5. Monitor program expenditure ensuring the expenses are made towards quality program delivery, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and stewardship.

• Provide team support and other support related to program administration.

1. Hold accountable direct reports and Kopila Valley program heads, holding periodic goal reviews with all.
2. Supervise and support the team, including providing dedicated 1:1 time on a weekly basis, and completing the bi-annual performance evaluations. Support in the hiring process as required.
3. Ensure that all program related monthly reports are submitted to the head office in a timely fashion, and provide any program data as required.
4. Follow communications tree to ensure timely availability of information with relevant leadership team members, based on the urgency.
5. Provide input for annual program budgeting based on the BlinkNow strategic plan.

Additional expectations - The Program Director is also expected to:

1. Build positive working relationships and environment in the organization by bringing solutions to the discussion table.
2. Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions and execution of duties including ensuring confidentiality as per the organization’s protocols.
3. Report to the manager on a weekly basis, and as needed in case of urgent activities.
4. Build and maintain a strong relationship with the leadership of KVSS to ensure the continued success of our joint projects.
5. Attend weekly staff meetings, and share program updates.

The above list of responsibilities is not comprehensive.

MUST HAVES:

Education

Master’s degree in development studies, sociology, management or relevant discipline

Experience

7 years professional experience

Language

Fluent in English

Other Qualifications

Team player; passionate to work with and care for the children and vulnerable populations.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• You believe that we can change the world, in the blink of an eye
• You believe in making decisions that put children first
• You are self-motivated, organized, and approachable
• You enjoy creating systems, keeping records, and increasing efficiency
• You are always looking for new ways for our team to work smarter instead of harder
• You are detail-oriented and conscientious. You make sure nothing slips through the cracks
• You have a strong work ethic and a willingness to pick up new skills. You are comfortable multi-tasking
• You are positive, patient, and a clear communicator who is comfortable working with both Kopila Valley staff in Nepal and the BlinkNow staff in the United States
• You are an empathetic person, with a knack for putting out fires before they start and soothing conflicts brewing beneath the surface
• You require little supervision and are flexible. You understand that you will be wearing many hats in this role, many of which are not explicitly included in this job description.

Keywords

Programs DirectorNepaleducationleadershipmanagementchildrenprogramsquality standardsstrategic planmonitoringevaluationteam supportprofessional experiencefluent in English