Website The Convergence Foundation
Role and Responsibilities
The key responsibilities of the Program Manager include:
2.1 Project Delivery / Management:
- Identifying and structuring problems, synthesizing hypotheses and, developing and
applying appropriate analytical frameworks and approaches - Working closely with sector leads and CEGIS technical teams (outcome measurement, strategic public finance, personnel management and state & market(s), government
stakeholders and senior academics (wherever required), to tailor data-driven solutions to local context, and translate technical rigour to on-ground implementation - Drafting high-quality written documents and presentations
- Providing management oversight on day-to-day activities in each project to ensure
timely delivery of high-quality outputs - Identifying, obtaining, and collating relevant information and data, and performing
quality control to ensure validity and accuracy of data - Overseeing field and desk research using qualitative and quantitative analysis, and
relevant tools as necessary - Ensuring application of organization-wide protocols designed for data protection,
data management and project management on the assigned projects - Proactively identifying risks and issues affecting tasks or workstream delivery, and
promptly communicating upward with proposed solutions - Ensure overall project documentation to aid tracking changes in project scope, delivery including key learning, best practices etc. and sharing with other teams
2.2 Client and Partner Management - Creating systems for partnerships between government and other stakeholders and
identify an external advisory group of individuals and organizations - Actively partnering with Government (Department heads and second line), and other stakeholders, to define project workstreams
2.3 Team Engagement: - Managing teams of individuals from diverse backgrounds and supporting reporting colleagues to plan and prioritize activities on assigned workstreams, including timelines, content, and deliverables
- Periodic goal setting for the reporting colleagues and mentoring / capacity building to help their targeted achievements
- Technically back-stopping teams and managing project transitions
2.4 Organisational Development: - Support CEGIS internal initiatives on Organisational Structure, Knowledge Management, Partnerships, Technology and Communications as required
Required Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities: - Masters degree or equivalent in economics, statistics, mathematics, public policy, engineering, management, social science, or related fields from a reputed institution
- Minimum five (05) years of relevant work experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Management/strategy consulting or governance/development
- Public service with a government (preferably state governments) or quasi-government body as a project manager, young professional, or fellow
- Familiarity with governance interventions in education / public health /nutrition/ local governance/ law and order/ livelihoods/ agriculture sectors would be a plus
- Project/ program management or implementation roles with governments, advisory entities, multilaterals, international development institutions or strategic philanthropy firms
- Experience of working on projects with the Government of Tamil Nadu would be an advantage
- Personal Characteristics and Desired Qualities
- Fluency in Tamil and basic to intermediate proficiency in English
- Excellent problem-solving and strategic thinking skills, strong research aptitude ability to analyse complex quantitative and qualitative data and formulate solutions
- Excellent writing and communication skills (ability to communicate complex ideas in a meaningful way and across different audiences) within and outside the organisation
- Demonstrated relationship-building ability and management of high-level relationships with partner organisations, ideally based on experience of working with Indian state governments
- Strong planning and organizational skills, and an ability to be able to set priorities, plan timelines and meet deadlines
- Passion for improving the effectiveness of Indian States, and alignment with CEGIS theory of change/ impact
- Operating style suited to working independently and in a small organisation setting, where teamwork and resourcefulness are highly valued
- Ability to work under pressure by handling competing priorities, strong planning and organizational skills, and an ability to be able to set priorities, plan timelines and meet deadlines, maintaining attention to detail and delivering high-quality outputs
- Ability to think creatively, willing to take risks to experiment with new ideas and the ability to turn ideas into action
- High ability to collaborate and actively listen to others, understanding and valuing others views
Versatility to be comfortable taking on different projects and quickly dive into new sectors
Location and Compensation:
Location: The role will be based out of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Travel to other states may be required. - Remuneration will be competitive with Indian philanthropy and social sector pay scales and will depend on the candidates experience levels
Pre-reads for the application process
To learn more about the type of reforms CEGIS is seeking to implement in states, please go through the following materials before sending in your application:
1. Concept note on CEGIS
2. Podcast episodes with Prof. Karthik Muralidharan one each on education and healthcare in India.
3. Collection of Prof. Karthik Muralidharans work here.
To apply for this job please visit career.theconvergencefoundation.org.
