Program Manager

Role:

Description

A-PAG is focused on strategic implementation of solutions to solve for air pollution by working with key enablers in development sector. A-PAG identifies causes of air pollution in different states, current challenges in policy implementations; designs pilots to scale up. A-PAG’s approach is centered on focusing on implementation with the help of partnerships and the ecosystem of climate and air pollution.

About the Organization

Air Pollution Action Group (A-PAG) was set up in 2019 by Ashish Dhawan (Founder and Chairperson, The Convergence Foundation, Ashoka University and Central Square Foundation), Vijay Chadda (previously CEO of Bharti Foundation) and Mohit Beotra (previously Chief Brand Officer of Airtel).

A-PAG is focused on the strategic implementation of solutions to combat air pollution and has created a niche for itself within the broader ecosystem in the last 3 years. During this time, A-PAG has made significant progress in its quest with a focus on supporting the Governments at the national & state level. Some of the major projects include:

1. In Delhi, we have worked on multiple programs. Currently, we are engaged with the Municipal Corporation on a massive program aimed at dispersed sources. This covers all ~300 wards across the city.
2. In Uttar Pradesh (UP) we have a program running in coordination with the Smart City Integrated Control & Command Centre in Lucknow. We have recently expanded our presence to include various cities across the state viz., Mathura, Ghaziabad, Prayagraj and Varanasi.
3. 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.
4. We work in Gurgaon in partnership with the Municipal Corporation. Starting with a pilot currently being run in a limited area, the program is scheduled to be rolled out across the entire city within the next 120 days.
5. 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.
6. We have a PMU based at the Central Pollution Control Board, which is helping CPCB drive effectiveness of the National Clean Air Program (NCAP).

All our support to Government is offered on a pro-bono basis.

About the role

A-PAGs project in Uttar Pradesh aims at improving air quality by tackling issues which contribute to air pollution. We are now launching operations in Agra you will be responsible for launching and managing our programs in the city.

To do this, you will work closely with the leadership in the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Varanasi. Implementation of A-PAGs dispersed sources program would be a priority; in addition to this, you would have the opportunity to devise and pilot new interventions which are scalable and target other sources of air pollution in the city.

The role will report directly into the A-PAG State Lead based in Lucknow; you would also need to work closely with the A-PAGs Associate Director (UP & Bihar) based in Delhi.

Key responsibilities

The critical functions to manage your area successfully will include the following:

1. Program Strategy and Implementation:

   Working with leadership in your district, you would need to ensure all processes are put into place and all planned actions are carried out in a time-bound manner. This includes preparations for the on-ground survey, readying the IT systems, and ensuring that officials are trained in a time-bound manner. You will engage very closely with the leadership in the ULBs to identify any problem areas, share recommendations and ensure corrective action is implemented.

2. Stakeholder Management:

   You will be expected to build relationships with officials ranging from the operational levels of these organizations (Ex. Junior Engineers, Sanitary Inspectors) to the leadership (Ex. District Magistrate, Municipal Commissioners) and drive these engagements to ensure success. You will also support the ULBs in coordinating with each other.

3. Monitoring and Review:

   Putting in place a robust monitoring and review process will be a key priority. You will be responsible to ensure structured reviews are held in your area in order to make progress toward resolving the issues identified on the ground.

4. Program Expansion:

   While engaging with leadership across multiple government organizations you would have visibility to understand problem areas and develop deep insights. You would be expected to translate these into action and pilot new initiatives which target air pollution in the city you are stationed in.

5. Vendor Management:

   The project is supported by third parties at multiple levels. You will be responsible to guide and oversee the functioning of these third-party vendors. This will include survey agencies, IT vendors, etc.

Eligibility

Masters or equivalent degree from a tier-1 institute with a strong track record of outstanding academic performance

3-5 years of work experience in a role with a client-facing component, project-based assignments, and substantial analytical requirements

Work experience in the space of environment/ solid waste management, program implementation or implementation of IT dashboards would be preferred but is not essential however, passion to solve the air pollution crisis in India is critical

Skill Sets Required

1. 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.
2. Entrepreneurial nature success in this role depends heavily on your ability to make things happen on the ground.
3. Ability to work alongside senior Government officials, while being able to convince them to accept our recommendations.
4. Program management skills are needed to ensure programs are delivered against agreed timelines with requisite quality.
5. 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

Varanasi

Compensation

Will be commensurate with the best among social sector norms