Job Opportunity for Program Manager at The Convergence Foundation in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

**Job Title:** Program Manager – Odisha State Team

**Organization:** The Convergence Foundation (TCF)

**Location:** Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

**About The Convergence Foundation (TCF):**

The Convergence Foundation (TCF) is an Indian philanthropic foundation committed to accelerating sustainable economic growth to improve the lives of all Indians. Founded in 2021 by Ashish and Manisha Dhawan, TCF builds upon their history of impactful philanthropy, including the establishment of Ashoka University and the Central Square Foundation.  TCF’s mission is to transform Indian lives through rapid, inclusive economic growth, focusing on seven key program areas impacting job creation, human capital development (education and skilling), women’s empowerment, and strengthening state capacity.  TCF works by building pioneering institutions and shaping the broader ecosystem, sharing knowledge with philanthropists, governments, and stakeholders. The TCF Network comprises over 16 organizations addressing various socio-economic development aspects across India.  TCF’s State Teams work directly with state governments to shape agendas and facilitate multi-partner collaborations, focusing on achieving large-scale outcomes in human capital development and economic growth.

**Position Summary:**

This role offers a unique opportunity to significantly impact a large Indian state, working across diverse areas like economic growth, education, skilling, women’s empowerment, and health.  The Program Manager will collaborate with leaders from political, bureaucratic, private, and non-profit sectors to achieve key state and TCF objectives.  This dynamic position requires adaptability, a wide range of knowledge, strong stakeholder management skills, and a deep commitment to impactful work.  The role reports to the Program Head, Odisha State Team, which in turn reports to TCF’s Central Policy and Government partnership team in Delhi.

**Key Responsibilities:**

* **Research and Strategy Support:** Conduct research, data analysis, expert consultations, and field visits to inform strategic recommendations.

* **Operational and Analytical Excellence:** Ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs (presentations, data analysis, policy briefs, proposals) and effective project execution.

* **Stakeholder Management:** Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including government officials and partner organizations.

* **Relationship Building:** Develop and maintain strong relationships with key government departments (Chief Secretary and Chief Minister’s offices) and other stakeholders.

* **Support for Strategic Projects:** Provide operational and analytical support for high-priority projects led by the Chief Secretary’s office and other strategic state initiatives.

**Required Qualifications, Skills, and Attributes:**

* **Experience:** Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in top-tier consulting firms or strategy roles within fast-paced environments (start-ups, VCs, etc.). Experience working with government is desirable.

* **Education:** Bachelor’s degree from a top-tier institution.

* **Skills:**  Strong problem-solving, analytical, and technical skills (data analysis using Excel);  curiosity and a proactive learning approach; ability to independently own and deliver high-impact deliverables with attention to detail; strategic thinking; superior communication, negotiation, and persuasion skills; excellent collaboration and stakeholder management skills; adaptability.

* **Attributes:** Passion for TCF’s mission; perseverance and patience; outcome-focused approach; integrity and discretion; credible and trustworthy demeanor.