As the State Lead, you will lead and drive the CEGIS engagement in the state. This will be through a combination of directly leading some projects, and providing strategic oversight to others, while having an overall ownership of the portfolio of projects in the State. You will be ultimately responsible for the success of CEGIS-driven reforms and must ensure seamless team management and coordination with government and external partners. You will interact with senior government o cials, researchers, agencies and have a macro-overview of the entire State and will be required to build an in-depth understanding of the states major policy developments and priorities. Over time, you will be expected to achieve a high level of trust and e cacy, and be able to function as an e ective advisor to the State Government. This role directly reports to the Head of State Engagements, and also works closely with other State / function-heads on solution design, organization building, collaboration with external partners, donor stewardship, etc You would also work time-to-time with the CEO and with the Co-founder and Scienti c Director () to understand the intellectual vision behind the proposed reforms and drive the implementation of the reforms across sectors, as we'll as vertical leads and external partners. Role and Responsibilities Drive the governance reform initiatives with a strong execution focus Provide overall leadership to execute the strategy for the state, collaborate with the vertical and support teams to embed and scale impactful solutions and provide thought leadership to shape the outcomes where you have sectoral expertise. Develop relationships with the key o cials of the State and set-up mechanisms for review and institutionalization of reforms Pitch CEGIS offerings to State level Stakeholders and influence decision making Identify and devise strategies to capitalize on new opportunities within the state. Build and maintain relationships with local organizations and stakeholders Create opportunities for Project Managers and team members to interact with the principal external stakeholders to create ongoing engagement As a State Lead, work with senior State o cials to select, embed, and ensure alignment and delivery from extended network team including Fellows, seconded staff from government and all relevant partners under this reform umbrella. Networking, Partnerships and Relations Work in collaboration with the Partnership and Donor Management team at CEGIS to identify partnerships, funding and other advisory support possible in the region in support of program objectives Cultivate relationships and networks with prospective donors and industry experts, sectoral influencers, HNIs, other non-profits & eco-system players through engaging and meaningful communication. Participate in external events, workshops, and conferences to advocate for CEGIS mission and establish new partnership, thereby advocating CEGIS work internally and externally. Ensure Oversight to Project Portfolio and management Lead in presenting to CEGIS Investment Committee (Apex Committee) to commence projects, drawing from client interactions and insights, collaboration and effective communication among teams within the office. Provide feedback to ensure that the project portfolio aligns with CEGIS Theory of Change, ensuring effective delivery that fulfills both client and CEGIS requirements Participate, as required, and help the teams scope and build the solution proposal, ensuring a balance of rigor, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness, aligned to CEGIS ToC. Provide strategic direction to apply technical solutions in innovative ways to address complex departmental / state level requirements. Provide strategic insights into project structure, approach, methodologies, deliverables, and timelines, leveraging support from subject matter experts when necessary. Address and resolve project-related issues, including delays, data requirements, scope changes, administrative and logistical matters, staffing, and more, with both external and internal stakeholders. Review Project OKRs with the Project Leads and presentation of progress to the Management and donors. Create a culture of impact and enable team building through collaboration and transparency Risk Management & Compliance Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and internal policies. Mitigate risks associated with client engagements and internal operations. Act decisively in response to crises or unforeseen challenges affecting the offices operations. Local Vendor agreements and payments Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities Masters degree or equivalent in relevant fields, including management, economics or public policy from a top global program 15 + years of work experience with managerial responsibilities, demonstrating entrepreneurship, superb project delivery and team leadership Prior exposure to working very closely with senior bureaucrats and designing/implementing large-scale projects is highly desirable Demonstrated ability to manage mid to large sized teams at a state level or at a portfolio level Strong interest in improving the functioning of the government combined with interest/experience in using research and evidence to improve policy Excellent problem-solving and strategic thinking skills, ability to analyse complex quantitative and qualitative data, craft possible solutions and recommend actions Excellent writing and communication skills (ability to communicate complex ideas in a meaningful way and across different audiences) in both English and local language(pref) Ability to build and maintain positive and collaborative relationships both within and outside the organization Ability to set goals and metrics for a team, and manage the team towards delivering those goals Strong planning and organizational skills, and an ability to be able to set priorities, plan timelines and meet deadlines. Personal Characteristics and Desired Qualities Ability to align multiple stakeholders and build platforms for collaboration and coordination Passion for working with governments and making Indian states work better Ability to think creatively, willing to take risks to experiment with new ideas and the ability to turn ideas into action Excellent people management skills, with the ability to develop and motivate teams High ability to collaborate and actively listen to others, understanding and valuing others views Intellectual curiosity and ability/willingness to constantly learn Operating style suited to working independently and in a small-organization setting, where teamwork and resourcefulness are highly valued Demonstrated relationship-building ability and management of high-level relationships with partner organizations, ideally based on experience of working with Indian state governments
