Job Opportunity for Senior Program Manager, Policy Reforms at FAST in New Delhi

Position: Senior Program Manager, Policy Reforms

Position Summary

We are looking to hire an exceptional Senior Program Manager (SPM) for Policy Reforms to join the team in an exciting time of organisational growth and development. This role will require working closely with the organisation leaders and science and technology stakeholders to conceive, develop and evangelize policy reforms; and render implementation assistance intended to place India at the forefront of global innovation through the creation of an appropriate science and technology research ecosystem and its translation into social and commercial applications. Overall, the SPM will provide research and policy support, aligned with FAST India’s missions, goals and targets.

Linked with its mission, FAST India has already signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and Capacity Building Commission, Government of India for collaboration on projects in the science and technology ecosystem. FAST India would enter into more such MoUs with relevant stakeholders.

This is a high-energy, entrepreneurial role and a great opportunity for those who enjoy working in a start-up environment and care deeply about the impact sector. This role includes managing relationships with decision makers and influencers to liberalize science and technology policy.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

The key responsibilities of the SPM (Policy Reforms) include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborate with Foundation partners to iteratively design, develop, and frame decision options resolving challenges in science, technology, and innovation strategy, policy, programme, institutional, and operational interventions; to catalyse and accelerate Indian STI ecosystems;
• Take a lead in framing of policies that help bring efficiency and effectiveness in scientific R&D financing and dismantling barriers to innovation and science entrepreneurship in India
• Support the leadership team with research and insight, recommending an appropriate approach for diverse policy questions
• Make and / or support briefings to senior-most leadership tiers across government, R&D laboratories and universities, and industry;
• Engage in primary and secondary research, speak with experts / stakeholders in government, institutions and industry, and synthesize data from multiple data points
• Coordinate and/or prepare policy briefs, fact sheets, background papers/presentations, and other targeted materials for meetings and conferences , summits, workshops, round-tables, seminars; physical and virtual;
• Work with the top leadership to execute the team’s goals against the targets in line with the budget
• Assist the leadership team with creating and maintaining deep engagement with top leaders, funders and experts
• Take on diverse operational tasks to ensure organizational success

The Ideal candidate:

Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Possess a master’s or doctoral degree in relevant disciplines from top tier global or national academic institutions; with a demonstrated track record of academic and intellectual excellence.
• Backgrounds in public policy or related fields will be preferred. While familiarity with science, technology, and innovation policy issues will be favoured: the Foundation prizes critical thinking, intellectual vitality and curiosity, a passion for the subject, analytical skills, and the willingness to learn.
• 10+ years of work experience in a challenging/high growth environment in or related to public policy/ Science,Technology & Innovation policy
• Demonstrate the capacity for responsibility and leadership: including ownership of outcomes, and the willingness and ability to support younger colleagues and their development
• Entrepreneurial self-starter, passion for science and technology, and desire to develop and strengthen the science ecosystem in India
• High intellectual vitality, the desire to continuously learn, read, and engage on a variety of topics.
• While the person may only have a basic understanding of science and technology, we highly value the willingness to learn
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, planning and organizational skills with high attention to detail, accuracy, professionalism, and deadlines
• Demonstrate excellence in building and maintaining partnerships and collaborations;
• Strong communication, writing, interpersonal, and stakeholder-facing skills including great presentation and facilitation skills

Desired Qualities

• A drive to professional excellence, high level of innovation and strong perseverance
• The ability to take responsibility for outcomes;
• The capacity for empathy, in working with FAST colleagues and partners;
• The ability to take initiative and develop solutions quickly and effectively;
• The ability to understand and consider organisational culture and change;
• The ability to adapt in an evolving, agile, and fast paced work environment;
• A high level of discretion in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive materials and issues
• Operating style suited to working in a small-organization setting, where teamwork and resourcefulness are highly valued.
• Operating style suited to working in a small-organization setting, where teamwork and resourcefulness are highly valued

Remuneration

Remuneration will be competitive with Indian philanthropy pay scales and with organizations working with a similar mandate.

Location:

New Delhi, India