Director - Social Innovation

Director - Social Innovation

The What: YOU, as the Director of Social Innovation (DSI), you will work closely with the Chairperson to provide strategic leadership to DA and its initiatives, including Daayitwa, Governance Lab, Nepal Leadership Academy and Nepal Rising. You will oversee the development and execution of long-term strategic goals, foster innovation, strengthen partnerships, and enhance DA's impact on building an enterprising Nepal. The DSI will lead with vision, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial spirit to drive social change through evidence-based interventions and collaborative governance.

Strategic Organisational Growth

• Shape and guide the strategic direction of DA in alignment with its vision and mission.
• Lead the development of annual plans, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, and guide teams to achieve measurable results across programs.
• Identify resource needs, develop and execute funding strategies, and secure resources through proposals, partnerships, and innovative revenue streams.
• Engage field staff outside Kathmandu to ensure effective program delivery and gather insights for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with the Chairperson to seek strategic guidance, report progress, and identify growth opportunities.
• Plan and implement activities to enhance coordination and collaboration across all DA entities by working closely with Daayitwa, Governance Lab, Nepal Leadership Academy and Nepal Rising to harmonize efforts and foster synergies across initiatives.
• Ensure optimal allocation and management of resources to achieve strategic goals effectively.

Partnership and Outreach

• Build and strengthen strategic relationships with local, national, and international stakeholders, including government agencies, universities, think tanks, donors, and private sector partners.
• Spearhead internal and external learning engagements at sub-national, national, and international levels by organizing and leading knowledge-sharing activities such as dialogues and symposiums to disseminate DA's research and insights to internal teams and external audiences.
• Lead outreach efforts to expand DA's partnerships, including writing compelling proposals and fostering collaborations with donors, sponsors, and strategic allies.
• Serve as a key spokesperson and advocate for DA's mission, building relationships that support organizational goals.

Program Innovation

• Design new programs and initiatives with an innovative lens, addressing complex challenges with creative, actionable solutions.
• Offer strategic guidance to teams during project implementation, fostering an adaptive approach to problem-solving.
• Introduce innovative frameworks and tools that enhance project effectiveness and drive impact.
• Improve organizational processes to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration that encourages team members to contribute to institutional growth and development.

Requirements:

• Master's degree in business administration, public administration, social development, economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in a senior leadership position, preferably in social innovation and governance, or development sectors.
• Proven ability to provide strategic direction, with a track record of effectively interacting with senior leadership and guiding organizational growth.
• Demonstrated experience in rural development, community engagement, government collaboration, private sector development, and fostering innovation.
• Proven experience managing large teams, overseeing complex projects, and handling significant grants or budgets effectively.
• Capacity to address complex challenges in a dynamic environment with creativity, independent judgment, and strategic thinking.
• Familiarity with international development institutions, government agencies, or private sector organizations focusing on social impact.
• Exceptional client orientation and diplomatic skills, with the ability to build and sustain partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead teams in high-pressure, diverse, and uncertain environments. Experience with start-up or entrepreneurial teams is a plus.
• Strong…