GRAAM

About GRAAM: Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement (GRAAM) is a development research and public policy engagement initiative (think-and-act tank) in India. GRAAM’s extensive expertise spans over policy research, program evaluation, impact assessment, community engagement, policy engagement, strategic consultation and academic engagements. GRAAM works in collaboration with all the four key stakeholders of development i.e. Government, Citizenry, Civil Society Organizations and Corporate. GRAAM believes that the key stakeholders of development - the community, the State, the NGO/CSO and private sector are essential in the process of development. GRAAM aims to ensure the ‘voices’ of the communities at the grassroots are significantly accounted for in the process of development. We provide evidence-based and actionable policy/program inputs incorporating grassroots perspectives, aiming towards a citizen centric public policy. GRAAM strives to impact development through building human and social capital. Position Title: Manager - Programs & Partnerships Location: Delhi Expected Date of Joining: Mid-August 2025 Reporting To: Program Lead (for GRAAM Fellowship Specific Tasks) / Senior Leadership (for Regional Strategy & Partnerships) Employment Type: Full-time Position Summary: We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join GRAAM as the Manager, Northern Region Programs & Partnerships . This pivotal role will be responsible for the overall management and growth of GRAAM's projects and programs in the Northern part of the country, including significant day-to-day coordination for a prestigious national fellowship program. The Manager will be instrumental in building and nurturing direct relationships with potential partners, including government bodies, international development organizations, and foundations, while ensuring operational excellence and impactful delivery across all regional initiatives. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong execution capabilities and a passion for driving development outcomes. About the Program: GRAAM is launching a prestigious national fellowship program designed to cultivate a new generation of highly skilled professionals dedicated to public service and national development. This immersive program will equip fellows with expertise in critical areas, enabling them to contribute directly to significant national initiatives. The fellowship is structured to provide rigorous training, practical experience through placements, and opportunities for fellows to produce impactful research and governance solution-oriented outputs. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a foundational initiative that will shape future leaders and contribute to the nation’s progress. Key Qualification Criteria: Education: Master's degree in Public Policy, Social Sciences, Management, Development Studies, International Relations, or a related field from a recognized institution. Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of progressive experience in program management, project coordination, or a similar operational and partnership development role, preferably within the Development and/or Government sectors. Regional Experience: Demonstrated experience in managing projects or building partnerships in North India is highly desirable, with a strong understanding of the local socio-political landscape. Program Scale: Proven experience in coordinating or managing components of large-scale or national-level programs is essential. Language: Fluency in English and Hindi (written and spoken) is essential. Mandatory Skills: Program Management & Execution: Strong ability to manage complex projects, develop detailed work plans, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines across multiple initiatives simultaneously. Partnership Development & Liaison: Proven experience in building, cultivating, and maintaining high-level relationships with diverse stakeholders, including senior government officials, international organizations, funding agencies, and corporate CSR teams. Logistical Planning & Coordination: Expertise in planning and executing complex logistical arrangements for multi-day training programs, workshops, conferences, and events (both virtual and in-person), including venue management, travel, accommodation, and material preparation. Data Management & MIS: Proficiency in developing, maintaining, and utilizing Management Information Systems (MIS) and databases for tracking program progress, participant data, deliverables, and key performance indicators. Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction, negotiation, public speaking, and representation with high-level stakeholders. Ability to draft compelling proposals, reports, and presentations. Documentation & Reporting: Meticulous attention to detail in preparing comprehensive reports, proposals, official documentation, and maintaining accurate records. Software Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is essential. Familiarity with online collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams), virtual conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet), and designing tools (e.g., Canva) is required. Desired Skills: Experience in outreach and mobilization campaigns, particularly for large-scale application processes or recruitment drives for national programs. Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) or other educational technology platforms for program delivery. Prior experience in reviewing, editing, or overseeing the design/formatting of research outputs, policy reports, or academic publications. Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also being a strong team player in a collaborative environment, capable of guiding junior staff. Prior experience working within a fellowship program, capacity-building initiative, or a similar academic/research-oriented project. A keen interest in public policy, governance, and national development issues, with an understanding of the socio-economic context of Northern India. Key Responsibilities Include:  1.Northern Region Program Management & Growth: Provide overall operational and strategic management for GRAAM’s existing and new projects/programs within the Northern part of the country. Actively identify and explore new program opportunities, conduct preliminary needs assessments, and contribute significantly to the development of compelling project proposals relevant to the region's development challenges. 2.Partnership Development & Stakeholder Engagement: Proactively build, cultivate, and maintain direct, high-level relationships with potential partners, including key government departments, international development organizations, philanthropic foundations, and corporate CSR entities in the Northern region. 3.National Fellowship Program Coordination (Day-to-Day): Manage the day-to-day operational flow and administrative tasks specific to the national fellowship program, ensuring smooth execution across all phases. Provide comprehensive assistance to the Program Lead in the overall management of fellowship tasks, initiatives, and ensuring strict adherence to program timelines and milestones. Develop, maintain, and regularly update the comprehensive project Management Information System (MIS) for the fellowship, meticulously tracking fellow progress, deliverable submissions, logistical statuses, and key performance indicators. 4.Learning Program Logistical Coordination: Lead all logistical arrangements for the fellowship's intensive learning components, including multi-day virtual policy bootcamps (for approximately 100 participants across multiple batches) Manage relationships with and coordinate all aspects related to external resource persons and trainers for the learning programs, including scheduling, material collection, contract management, and processing remuneration. 5.Fellow Support & Output Management: Serve as a primary operational point of contact for fellows, addressing their day-to-day queries, providing necessary support, and facilitating their engagement with the program. Coordinate the regular submission, tracking, and initial quality control of all fellow outputs, including research progress reports, draft articles (blogs, popular newspaper articles), components of comprehensive solution documents, and video presentations. 6.Application Mobilization & Selection Support: Play a key role in the national mobilization of applications for the fellowship, including developing and executing outreach strategies, managing the online application platform, and providing timely responses to applicant inquiries. 7.Reporting & Documentation: Prepare and maintain all critical program documentation, including fellow records, training materials, meeting minutes, official correspondence, and contracts. 8.Cross-Functional Coordination: Liaise effectively and proactively with internal GRAAM teams (e.g., finance, administration, communications, IT) to ensure seamless operational and financial management across all regional programs, including budget tracking and expense processing. Application Process: Interested candidates are invited to fill in the application form https://forms.gle/J67Vk3zEHur92Txc8 and upload their updated detailed CV and a compelling cover letter outlining their suitability for the role and relevant experience. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.

Position Title: Senior Manager – Partnership Development and Operations Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka Reporting To: Executive Director Application Deadline: August 02, 2025 Position Summary:GRAAM is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Senior Manager – Partnership Development and Operations to play a pivotal role in our strategic growth. This position offers a unique blend of responsibilities, with a primary focus (70%) on forging new strategic partnerships and resource mobilization, and a crucial secondary focus (30%) on enhancing our operational efficiency and organizational development based out of Bangalore. This role is looking for a proactive lead who can identify and cultivate high-level relationships, drive revenue generation for impactful projects, and contribute significantly to GRAAM’s institutional strengthening. Key Responsibilities:The Senior Manager – Partnership Development and Operations will be responsible for a dual portfolio, ensuring strategic growth and operational excellence: A. Partnership Development & Resource Mobilization (Approx. 70% of Time Allocation): 1.Strategic Partnership Cultivation: Proactively build, cultivate, and maintain direct, high-level relationships with potential partners in the Southern region, including: Key government departments (State & Central). International development organizations. Philanthropic foundations. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) entities. Leading consulting firms and international agencies. 2.Representation & Networking: Represent GRAAM at regional and national forums, conferences, workshops, and networking events to enhance the organization’s visibility, promote its work, and identify strategic collaboration and resource mobilization opportunities. 3.Proposal Development Coordination & Follow-up: Lead initial discussions, coordinate with internal teams such as research, program etc to prepare compelling proposals as per partner’s requirement, and manage follow-ups for potential partnerships. 4.Revenue Generation Strategies: Devise and implement innovative strategies to increase revenue and promote sustainable growth for GRAAM through new projects and diversified funding streams. 5.Consultant & Service Provider Sourcing: Identify, source, and engage expert consultants and service providers to extend GRAAM’s activities and enhance delivery capabilities for specific projects. B. Operations & Organizational Development (Approx. 30% of Time Allocation): Strategic & Policy Contribution: Work closely with the Executive Director and management team in contributing to the development and effective implementation of organizational strategies, culture, policies, and best practices. Recruitment & HR Support: Oversee overall recruitment responsibilities for the organization with the support of the internal HR team, ensuring timely and quality hiring. Staff Capacity Development: Plan and coordinate the implementation of staff capacity development programs, identifying training needs and opportunities. Contract Management: Ensure the timely preparation and thorough review of project agreements, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), contracts, and Terms of References (ToRs) as required, ensuring compliance and clarity. Operational Monitoring: Assign and monitor critical operational functions across the organization to ensure smooth execution. Site Visits & Oversight: Conduct regular visits to GRAAM Offices/working sites (as needed, not regular) to ensure operational effectiveness and provide on-ground support. Reporting & Compliance: Prepare required organizational reports (financial, HR, programmatic) and assist the Executive Director in presenting these reports to the Board of Trustees and other statutory authorities. Action Planning: Create clear action lists for management staff derived from Board meeting decisions (twice a year) and follow up on their implementation. Budgeting: Lead the preparation of the annual organizational budget in collaboration with different team heads. Performance Management: Ensure the timely execution of the performance appraisal activity (once a quarter). Event Management: Oversee and manage organizational events (as and when required). Key Result Areas :The Senior Manager – Partnership Development and Operations will be primarily evaluated on the following: Acquiring Government and Corporate Partnerships: Successful acquisition of new partnerships from Government bodies and Corporate entities for Research, Evaluation, Impact Assessment, and Implementation Projects specifically in the Southern States. Acquiring Implementation (Action Research) Projects: Secure a defined number or value of new implementation/action research projects. Building Strategic Alliances: Develop and formalize partnerships with like-minded organizations of national/international repute to expand GRAAM’s reach, strengthen its programs, and enhance its overall impact. Operational Excellence & Efficiency: Demonstrated improvements in key operational metrics, timely completion of organizational development initiatives (e.g., SOP development, HR processes), and effective support to the Board and Executive Director Key Qualification Criteria:Education: Master’s degree in Business Administration is preferred. Other qualifications with relevant and proven experience may also apply. Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in the development sector, with a significant track record in partnership development, resource mobilization, and/or senior operational management. Proven experience in successfully engaging with government bodies, international development agencies, foundations, and corporate CSR departments. Demonstrated experience in leading teams and managing complex projects.