About the organisation

Air Pollution Action Group (A-PAG) was set up in 2019 by Ashish Dhawan (Founder and Chairperson, Ashoka University and Central Square Foundation), Vijay Chadda (previously CEO of Bharti Foundation) and Mohit Beotra (previously Chief Brand Officer of Airtel). Ashish is a member of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining regions.

A-PAG is focused on strategic implementation of solutions to combat air pollution and has created a niche for itself within the broader ecosystem in the last 2 years. In this time, A-PAG has made significant progress in its quest with a focus on supporting Government at the national & state level. Some of the major projects A-PAG is driving are as follows:

A-PAG works closely with the Punjab Government to combat stubble burning. Our efforts are focused on convincing farmers to adopt alternative solutions. These efforts include mass media & social media campaigns, mobile first initiatives as well as tech-enabled solutions to ease hiring of implements.
In Delhi, we have worked on multiple programs. Currently, we are engaged with all 4 Municipal Corporation (South, North, East, NDMC) on a massive program aimed at dispersed sources. This covers all ~300 wards across the city.
In Uttar Pradesh (UP) we are retained by the UP-Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to help reduce air pollution in the state. The dispersed sources program is running in Lucknow. Other initiatives are being planned for roll out.
As part of our program with Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BPSCB), we are active in Patna, Muzaffarpur & Gaya. Various initiatives are underway to address air pollution across the state of Bihar.
All our support to Government is offered on a pro-bono basis.

About the role

In 2021, A-PAG worked with Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) & UPPCB to run a pilot program focused on dispersed sources in Lucknow. Based on the success of the pilot, it has now been decided to scale up the program.

A-PAG has been asked to set up & manage an Integrated Control & Command Centre (ICCC) for Lucknow city. The ICCC will be responsible for identifying all issues of air pollution, allocating them to the right official for action, as well as ensuring effective

resolution. To enable this to happen in an automated manner, the ICCC will be run using the infrastructure set up under the Smart City initiative.

As Program Manager, you will be part of the team that sets up and runs this ICCC. This is a first of its kind project in India. And one that gives you a unique opportunity to directly impact air pollution in a large Indian city.

Your primary responsibilities include the following:

1. Process management:

You will play a key role in documenting the processes to be followed for successful implementation of the ICCC. This would mean defining standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each source of pollution with an emphasis on the process to be followed for effective resolution.
This will also need you to study relevant technology options, and recommend the most appropriate ones based on an understanding of the Smart City infrastructure.

2. Project management:

The successful launch of the ICCC depends on A-PAG creating a timebound Project Plan with clear responsibilities & deliverables. You will play a key role in helping developing this plan.
You will also be required to monitor effective implementation of the plan, which will include actions from multiple government departments.

3. Monitoring & review:

Once the ICCC has been launched, success will depend on how effectively we are able to identify issues of air pollution, and then ensure timely mitigation. This will be a key area of impact for you.
You will support the setting up of appropriate monitoring and review mechanisms to track progress across multiple projects.
You will ensure the collection of relevant data to enable regular reporting within Government with a view on identifying & resolving bottlenecks that could hold back effectiveness of the ICCC.

4. Relationship building:

Multiple urban local bodies (ULBs) will be required to deliver output for the ICCC to run effectively.
You will be expected to build the necessary relationships so that the ICCC can perform as per expectations. This will require you to engage with operating level officials across the spectrum of Government bodies engaged in Lucknow.

5.Technical supervision:

The ICCC runs of a tech-based backend infrastructure. You will be expected to work closely with the Smart City technical team to ensure that any technology led issues are identified and resolved quickly. This could also include supporting the process for procurement & integration of hardware (e.g., PTZ cameras).
The role reports to the State Lead in charge of UP, who will lead the ICCC team.

Eligibility

Bachelor or Masters’ degree in relevant fields, including business or development sector management, environmental studies or public policy. BE/BTech would be an advantage.
3-5 years’ experience demonstrating excellent project delivery and relationship development with Government officials.
Experience working in the space of environment/ air pollution would be preferred but is not essential – however, passion to solve the air pollution crisis in India is critical.

Skill sets required

Analytical bent of mind is key – you will need to think through problems and help the team arrive at an accurate assessment of the key issues to be addressed.
Entrepreneurship – success in this role depends heavily on your making things happen on the ground.
Ability to work alongside senior Government officials, while being able to convince them to accept our recommendations.
Project Management skills are needed to ensure programs are delivered against agreed timelines with requisite quality.
Ability to learn quickly – air pollution is a relatively nascent space and new knowledge is constantly emerging which we need to understand & utilize to our benefit.

Location

Lucknow (UP)

Compensation

Will be commensurate with the best in the social sector.

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