Detailed Job Description: Executive Director

Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal (FWEAN), was established in 2003 as a national-level not-for-profit organization, aiming to advance women’s entrepreneurship in Nepal and empower them in economic development and decision-making at national and international levels. Serving as the apex body for Woman Entrepreneurs’ Association of Nepal (WEAN), FWEAN boasts a membership of over 5,700 active women entrepreneurs through 77 subsidiary WEAN chapters and over 200 direct members. With the vision to build the nation through socio-economic empowerment of Nepali women, FWEAN’s mission is to catalyze the entrepreneurial ecosystem to build enabling environments for potential and existing women entrepreneurs. The goal is to transform the socio-economic status of women and empower them through entrepreneurship.  The core values that FWEAN believes in and promotes are Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration and Creativity. With the aim to inspire and empower women entrepreneurs and their businesses, FWEAN focuses on these four objectives:     

  • To advocate on issues related to women’s economic empowerment      
  • To enhance capacity of women entrepreneurs      
  • To support businesses of women entrepreneurs    
  • To increase outreach and engagement locally, nationally, and internationally 

Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs’ Association of Nepal (FWEAN)  is seeking a passionate and qualified individual to join the team in the full-time position of Executive Director (ED)

The Executive Director is the face of FWEAN and is expected to provide leadership and management for the organization to fulfill its mission of empowering women entrepreneurs in Nepal. This is a Kathmandu-based opportunity for a leader who will take the organization’s programming and funding to the next level. The ED will be responsible for overseeing the management of programs and organization administration, strategic planning, stakeholder relationship building, fundraising, and growth of FWEAN over the next five years. 

The ideal candidate must demonstrate the highest degree of integrity, transparency, professionalism, initiative, passion, and commitment to women’s empowerment and building the next generation of women entrepreneurs in Nepal.The Executive Director will work closely with the President, Office Bearers and the Executive Members and abide by the Code of Conduct, mission, vision and the HR by-law of the organization.

Executive Director’s Primary Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Big 3 Strategic Priorities 

1. Strategic Leadership & Organizational Growth 

  • Lead organizational strategy development, operational management, program planning, and implementation. 
  • Align organizational activities with FWEAN’s objectives, strategic priorities, and presidential roadmaps. 
  • Strengthen institutional systems, operational excellence, sustainability, and long-term organizational growth. 
  • Provide visionary leadership to position FWEAN as a leading women entrepreneurs’ organization nationally and internationally. 

2. Governance, Institutional & Membership Strengthening 

  • Continuously improve governance systems, transparency, accountability, and organizational management. 
  • Strengthen the Secretariat, operational structures, and internal coordination mechanisms of FWEAN. 
  • Build stronger engagement and coordination with provincial and district chapters. 
  • Develop systems for chapter strengthening, membership growth, member engagement, and organizational effectiveness. 
  • Foster a culture of professionalism, collaboration, innovation, trust, and teamwork. 

3. Partnerships, Fundraising, Advocacy & Visibility 

  • Strengthen partnerships with the Government of Nepal, donors, development agencies, private sector, chambers, media, and like-minded organizations. 
  • Lead fundraising initiatives, proposal writing, sponsorship development, and resource mobilization efforts. 
  • Position FWEAN as a strong national voice for women entrepreneurship, advocacy, and policy influence. 
  • Enhance organizational branding, visibility, communication, participation, and collaboration at national and international levels 

Key Responsibilities 

LEADERSHIP (25%) 

  • Contribute to organizational strategic thinking, long-term planning, and overall coordination, including initiatives geared toward operational excellence. 
  • Provide executive leadership and strategic direction in partnership with the Board of Directors. 
  • Build and strengthen partnerships with donors, development agencies, private sector institutions, government bodies, chambers, and national/international organizations. 
  • Develop and implement communication, branding, and marketing strategies to enhance FWEAN’s visibility and public positioning. 
  • Foster collaboration, trust, innovation, and teamwork among staff, Board Members, chapters, and members. 
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to the Board on organizational, financial, programmatic, HR, administrative, and governance matters. 
  • Lead fundraising initiatives, grant management, proposal development, donor engagement, and sponsorship mobilization. 
  • Represent FWEAN in national and international forums, policy dialogues, events, and stakeholder meetings. 
  • Oversee successful planning and execution of expos, fairs, conferences, trainings, networking events, and major organizational initiatives.

HUMAN RESOURCES (25%) 

  • Partner with the Board of Directors to recruit, manage, and empower the team; and promote a culture of personal growth, learning, teamwork, collaboration, and excellence.
  • Develop and articulate pathways for staff advancement and the development of individuals and the team of ten multi-cultural staff. 
  • Promote and monitor staff well-being and self-care; approve and manage all time, attendance  and leave requests to ensure adequate departmental coverage, and administer all HR  benefits. 
  • Further develop FWEAN’s HR systems, enhancing office culture, compensation and benefits  packages, and performance management and evaluation. 
  • Manage recruitment, hiring, and new employee onboarding activities, establish and manage a  comprehensive transiting program to educate new employees. 
  • Mentor staff to help them reach their full professional potential.

FINANCE (15%) 

  • Ensure sound financial management, transparency, accountability, and organizational sustainability. 
  • Analyze and present accurate financial reports and updates to leadership and the Board. 
  • Coordinate budgeting, financial planning, donor reporting, and grant compliance. 
  • Oversee annual budgeting and financial monitoring processes in coordination with the Finance Team. 
  • Lead the annual audit process and liaise with external auditors and the Finance Committee. 
  • Develop financial projections and strengthen revenue generation opportunities. 
  • Ensure efficient and transparent utilization of organizational resources. 

OPERATIONS (25%) 

  • Oversee risk management, compliance, legal documentation, contracts, leases, MOUs, and agreements. 
  • Review and strengthen organizational policies, systems, procedures, and operational efficiency. 
  • Ensure compliance with donor requirements, legal obligations, and internal governance standards. 
  • Monitor departmental performance and organizational reporting systems. 
  • Strengthen technology systems, operational infrastructure, and administrative processes. 
  • Identify and establish additional revenue streams and sustainability opportunities. 
  • Strengthen chapter coordination systems, membership databases, and institutional communication mechanisms. 

ADMIN (10%) 

  • Ensure a well-functioning, efficient, and professional Secretariat. 
  • Oversee day-to-day administration and office operations. 
  • Supervise finance, administration, consultants, advisors, and support staff. 
  • Ensure proper documentation, reporting, compliance, and internal coordination. 

Reporting Structure 

  • Direct Line Management: President of Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal 
  • Matrix Line Management: Board Members