Project Manager - Smoke Free Village (SFV) Project

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner working in 22 countries across Africa and Asia. Building on 60 years of experience and together with our team of over 1,600 people, we strengthen capacities and catalyse partnerships that transform the agri-food, energy, and water systems which enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all. Grounded in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we work on the core themes of gender equality and social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, and strong institutions and effective governance. SNV’s overarching ambition for the energy sector is quality energy access for all – including the natural world and sustainable energy markets.

Under Energy sector, SNV Nepal is implementing the “Smoke Free Village” project in the communities of Karnali, Sudurpaschim, and Lumbini Provinces of Nepal. This project aims to increase the adoption rate for clean cooking solutions (CCS) and disadoption of traditional fuels, by applying behaviour change communication at the community level. It also supports local institutions CBOs in their learnings in clean cooking promotion as well as the private sectors and other relevant local stakeholders in the clean cooking sector including the local government, CSOs and community leaders. The project aspires to achieve more than 85% of the households per community to switch to primary use of clean cooking fuels.

Join our dynamic team as a Project Manager! We’re seeking a talented and driven Nepalese national to lead the project that makes a real impact. If you're passionate about project leadership and eager to grow with a forward-thinking organization, we’d love to hear from you.

Lead and manage the implementation of the Smoke Free Village project to promote adoption of clean cooking solutions in targeted communities. Ensure planning, implementation, monitoring, and closure within scope, budget, and timeline, while meeting donor and SNV standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee project implementation plan and ensure timely corrective actions.
• Engage project team, communities and local institutions for clean cooking adoption.
• Design and deliver behaviour change; and information, education and communication materials for awareness and behaviour change.
• Coordinate with M&E and project teams for quality results and reporting.
• Foster community readiness for smoke-free transition. 
• Contribute to shaping strategy, expanding business opportunities, and strengthening donor partnerships.

Desired Competencies:

• Project Management Expertise: Proven ability to manage multi-stakeholder projects within budget and timeline.
• Community Engagement: Strong experience in participatory approaches and local decision-making processes.
• Behaviour Change Communication (BCC): Skills in designing and implementing awareness campaigns.
• Technical Knowledge: Understanding of clean cooking technologies and energy access challenges is a pre.
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Familiarity with MEL frameworks and adaptive management.
• Leadership & Team Management: Ability to lead diverse teams and build capacity.
• Donor Compliance: Knowledge of donor regulations and reporting standards.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Ability to respond to challenges with innovative solutions.
• Business Development: Builds strong relationships with team, partners, and donors, ensuring SNV visibility. Identifies opportunities for innovation and scaling, and proactively manages risks by informing relevant colleagues
• Contract Management and Project Accounting: Ensures full compliance with SNV and donor requirements for finance, admin, HR, and procurement. Manages and reports on project budget, approvals, and contract deviations. Implements risk mitigation and due diligence measures.

Required qualifications and competence:

• A relevant university degree at master’s level, preferably in a relevant subject area.
• At least five years of working experience, experiencing of managing a project team and budget handling is a must.
• Having a clear understanding of system transformation approach to integrate behaviour change communication in health and sanitation to engage and encourage community people to adopt clean cooking solutions will be an advantage.
• Excellent spoken and written in Nepali and English as well as good IT skills.
• Strong analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good interpersonal communication and reporting skills, ability to conduct local events, meeting or workshops.
• This position needs frequent site visits to the fields in Karnali, Sudurpaschim, and Lumbini Provinces

Duty station: Kathmandu or Project Office (Surkhet/Dhangadhi) (with frequent visit the project sites)

Duration: up to December 2026 with high possibility of extension budget availability

Start Date: 16 December 2025

Contract Type: Full-time Employment Contract

How to apply

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV (not more than 3 page) highlighting similar work experience with motivation letter (not more than 1 page) and mentioning your preferred duty Station by clicking on the "I'm interested" button before 23 November 2025.