CEGIS
## Sr. Program Manager – Public Finance
**About CEGIS**
The Centre for Effective Governance of Indian States (CEGIS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Indian citizens by helping state governments deliver better development outcomes. We believe that effective governance hinges on four key pillars:
* **Outcome Measurement:** Utilizing reliable, high-quality data to set goals and monitor progress.
* **Personnel Management:** Implementing competency-based hiring, training, and performance management systems.
* **Strategic Public Finance:** Allocating resources based on evidence and cost-effectiveness.
* **States and Markets:** Creating efficient systems to leverage external actors, including for-profit and non-profit organizations.
CEGIS partners with state governments across India to enhance their capacity in these areas, working closely with top bureaucratic leadership, frontline workers, and public officials in key departments. Our approach is rooted in cutting-edge research and evidence, with a practical focus on implementable solutions.
**Position Summary**
The Senior Program Manager oversees data management, analysis, project management, stakeholder engagement, team leadership, and knowledge sharing within Strategic Public Finance (SPF) projects at CEGIS. This role is crucial in driving project success and advancing organizational objectives.
**Responsibilities:**
**Data Management and Analysis:**
* Facilitate access to administrative data from relevant government departments, review it using prescribed templates, and conduct analysis as required.
* Ensure strict compliance with data quality protocols, including auditing enumerators, supervising data collection, and performing data quality audits.
* Manage all primary, secondary, and administrative data by strictly following data management and security protocols and creating standardized protocols for projects.
* Conduct independent analysis and interpretation of information, translating data into actionable insights.
* Oversee detailed budgetary analysis at different levels of government and situational analysis on a variety of economic sectors and subjects.
* Oversee forensic analysis to identify anomalous patterns in taxpayer behavior and assess financial impacts, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and return rates.
* Design and execute micro-RCTs to facilitate real-time policy interventions.
* Monitor global best practices and research, aiding the team in adapting these methodologies.
**Project Management:**
* Direct the launch and conceptualization of projects aligning with SPF primary objectives.
* Oversee comprehensive project management, spanning from conceptualization and resource allocation to briefing and execution.
* Manage the team’s research efforts by delegating tasks, reviewing outputs, and ensuring the quality and rigor of outputs.
* Provide technical inputs and guidance to project/state teams, ensuring high-quality outputs that contribute to project progress and the organization’s knowledge base.
* Oversee project resourcing and allocate resources effectively to maximize project outcomes.
* Collaborate with team members to develop impactful knowledge products, such as policy notes, analysis reports, and frameworks, and contribute to knowledge sharing.
**Communication and Stakeholder Engagement:**
* Oversee the interpreting and presenting of data effectively, helping to convey meaningful insights to internal and external stakeholders.
* Lead the preparation and pitching of proposals and decks to donors and new states/departments.
* Engage with state teams and government stakeholders to pitch ideas, present concepts, and advocate for impactful initiatives.
* Develop and nurture relationships with public officials, government departments, and other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and support for SPF projects.
**Education and Experience:**
* Masters or advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) in economics, statistics, public policy, engineering, social science, or related fields from a prestigious institution.
* 8 to 12 years of progressive work experience, including extensive research, advanced quantitative analysis, client management (especially with government entities), and substantial managerial experience.
* Demonstrated expertise in quantitative data management and analysis, utilizing advanced tools such as STATA, R, or Python programming extensively.
**Required Skills and Abilities:**
* Exceptional problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities, with a track record of formulating innovative solutions to complex challenges.
* Proficiency in English with outstanding writing and communication skills, capable of effectively conveying intricate concepts to diverse audiences both within and outside the organization. Knowledge of the local language(s) is highly desirable.
* Proven capacity to cultivate and manage high-level relationships with partner organizations, particularly with extensive experience collaborating with Indian state governments.
* Strong organizational and planning skills, adept at setting priorities, establishing timelines, and consistently meeting deadlines in dynamic environments.
* Deep commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of Indian states, coupled with a firm alignment with the organization’s theory of change and impact.
* Operating style conducive to autonomy and adaptability within a small-organization context, where teamwork and resourcefulness are paramount.
* Ability to thrive under pressure, managing competing priorities while upholding meticulous attention to detail and delivering exceptional outcomes consistently.
* Willingness to innovate and take calculated risks, translating ideas into actionable strategies to drive organizational objectives forward.
* Exceptional collaboration and active listening skills, demonstrating an ability to understand and respect diverse perspectives.
* Flexibility to seamlessly transition between various projects and swiftly immerse oneself in new sectors.
* Proficiency in at least one of the following areas: taxation, public finance management systems, or budgeting. Familiarity with experimental and non-experimental research methods is highly advantageous.
**Personal Characteristics and Desired Qualities:**
* Superior problem-solving and strategic thinking capabilities, coupled with a robust research acumen for analyzing intricate quantitative and qualitative data.
* Excellent proficiency in English, complemented by exceptional writing and communication skills tailored to diverse audiences.
* Advanced planning and organizational skills, combined with the ability to effectively manage teams from diverse backgrounds, including close collaboration with government stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution.
* Unwavering dedication to improving the efficacy of Indian states, aligned closely with the organization’s theory of change.
* Operating style characterized by autonomy, adaptability, and a strong sense of resourcefulness.
* Proven ability to thrive under pressure, maintaining meticulous attention to detail while consistently delivering high-quality results.
* A penchant for innovation and a willingness to explore new ideas, translating them into actionable initiatives.
* Exceptional collaborative skills, with a keen emphasis on active listening and valuing diverse perspectives.
* Adaptability to embrace diverse projects and rapidly integrate into new sectors.
**Compensation:**
Remuneration will be competitive with Indian philanthropy and social sector pay scales and will depend on the candidate’s experience levels.
**Location:**
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
**Note:** CEGIS has zero tolerance for sexual harassment. We expect each applicant to self-declare related to the same. CEGIS could, if required, initiate a prevention of sexual harassment-based background verification. If an applicant is reported of misconduct, appropriate action that may include employment termination would be taken.
To apply for this job please visit www.careers-page.com.
