Job Opportunity for Chief of Staff at FAST in New Delhi

Job Title :

Chief Of Staff (FAST India)

About Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology (FAST India)

The world is increasingly moving towards an innovation economy, driven by exponential progress in science and technology (S&T) and the growth of vibrant ecosystems to commercialise research. To be a global leader in science and technology, India needs to be at the forefront of research: the creation of new science & technology knowledge (research) and its translation to economic and social goods. This would ensure sustained economic growth that is not overly dependent on the service sector, and the use of the scientific method to attain our social goals. We believe that this is the right time for India to revive its S&T agenda. We have the economic size, the talent pool, a large market size and a vibrant startup ecosystem to both invest in research and be able to translate S&T knowledge into economic value. Countries such as China seized this opportunity beginning in the 1990s and have revitalised their S&T ecosystem through systematic reforms and programs. It is no surprise that today, China rubs its shoulders with and is even ahead of the United States in areas such as artificial intelligence.

The Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology (FAST India) has been conceptualised as a non-profit institution of excellence dedicated to build capacity and advance policy solutions that foster scientific enquiry and research, and facilitate the creation, dissemination, and translation of new scientific knowledge. The Foundation will work with all stakeholders to develop and strengthen the science ecosystem in India in order to advance scientific research and its translation into economic value and social good. The Foundation also aspires to be a thought-leader in the space of science in India and set the narrative for science in the country. FAST India will have five key verticals: Policy Reforms (housed at CCS), Government Engagement and Support, Capacity Building for Institutions, Engaging with the Corporate Sector, and Science Communications (flagship event, www.indiasciencefest.org).

FAST India is backed by Varun Aggarwal, who is a successful entrepreneur and researcher, and Ashish Dhawan, a private equity investor turned philanthropist. Varun is passionate about building science for India and wrote a book on the science ecosystem of India. He believes that India needs to be a pioneer in scientific research to have sustainable social and economic progress. Ashish Dhawan is the chairperson of Ashoka University, a leading liberal arts university in India, and Central Square Foundation, and is passionate about promoting science in India.

FAST India receives guidance from its panel of advisors that comprises Luis Miranda, Dr. Swaminathan Sivaram, Thomas Barlow, Samir K. Brahmachari, Sanjay Sarma, Venkatesh Narayanamurti, Kris Gopalakrishnan, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Vijay Chandru and Gagandeep Kang.

Position Summary:

Oversee FAST strategy towards achieving its goal. Develop and align strategy with stakeholders, guide its implementation with team, manage and develop partnerships, build FAST to be an effective organisation that catalyses change.

This is a great opportunity for those who enjoy working in a start-up environment, enjoy building and scaling organisations, and care deeply about the impact sector. This role includes working with senior stakeholders and engaging with them on strategic projects that have the potential to solve key development challenges.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Guide implementation of all FAST programs with Govt., Educational or Research Institutes, Corporates, and other partners.
• Work closely with the Policy team and management to identify intervention and impact opportunities, in line with FAST’s mission. After identification of such opportunities and program outline
• Articulate and align the framework of programs with partners – objectives, outcomes, timelines, resource commitment on either side, monitoring & measurement process etc.
• Hire and manage the FAST team for the engagement / PMU, in line with budgets
• Execute the program and review outcome measures with Advisory Committee & management
• Build and develop deep relationships with the S&T ecosystem while engaging with program partners. Nurture strategic partners and high value experts/influencers, and salience of FAST in the S&T community.
• Leverage internal ( FAST & TCF ) knowledge/resources, Advisors and FAST network to deliver stand-out outcomes from the program.
• Build capacity in the FAST team by utilising programs as learning opportunities, and actively collecting and sharing on-ground insights & experiences with the policy team.

Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Post grad. (Policy, MBA, Development Studies, Economics or similar).
• 6-10 years of experience (grade depending on experience ).
• Organisation building experience, team handling, worked in strategy or CEO office, managing large programs, preferably with Govt., in science, education, economic domains.
• Leadership traits: Strategic thinking that is grounded in context, ability to work independently, implementation focus, relationship management.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder-facing skills including solid presentation and facilitation skills.
• High level of flexibility and responsiveness with the ability to shift priorities quickly and as organisational demands require.

Compensation

Remuneration will be competitive with Indian philanthropy pay scales and will depend upon the candidate’s experience.

Location

New Delhi, India