Program Manager

About CEGIS

Centre for Effective Governance of Indian States (CEGIS pronounced See-Jis) aims to improve lives by helping Indian state governments deliver better development outcomes.

The four key characteristics of any high-performing organisation are (a) measuring outcomes through reliable, high quality data that enables goal setting and monitoring progress towards these goals; (b) strategic use of personnel competency based hiring and training, skilling, and performance appraisals to determine job assignments, pay, and promotions to achieve the goals above; (c) strategic budgeting where resource allocation is based on evidence and cost-effectiveness; (d) and creating efficient systems to leverage external actors (including for-profit and nonprofit organisations). The Indian State needs to perform better on all four fronts above, by enhancing its capacity. CEGIS partners with states to improve this capacity by focusing on these four pillars of the State.

Position Summary

:The Program Manager (PM) will manage CEGIS engagement with multiple government departments in Telangana, ideally overseeing two projects concurrently. The PM will be part of the CEGIS Project Delivery Team (State Team) and will lead teams embedded in assigned departments to implement CEGISs theory of change. Responsibilities include designing solutions for improved governance, collaborating with government stakeholders, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality outputs

.Roles and Responsibilitie

s:Data Analysis and Managemen

• t:Identifying, obtaining, and collating relevant information and data, and performi
• ngquality control to ensure validity and accuracy of da
• taOverseeing field and desk research using qualitative and quantitative analysis, a
• ndrelevant tools as necessa
• ryEnsuring application of organization-wide protocols designed for data protectio
• n,data management on the assigned projec
• tsSafeguard sensitive project information and minimise data protection risk by adhering to data protection protoco

lsAnalysis and Insight

• s:Reviews accuracy and validity of research and data collected for meaning maki
• ngEvaluates the solutions proposed by vertical teams in the context of the project scenario and known limitatio
• nsSuggests changes in approach or process to suggested solution
• s.Researches government policies and schemes to assess current program design and scope for interventio
• n.Refines problem statement and proposed solution based on insights from the groun

d.Project Delivery / Managemen

• t:Identifies and structures problems, synthesising hypotheses and, developing a
• ndapplying appropriate analytical frameworks and approach
• esWorks closely with sector leads and CEGIS technical teams, governme
• ntstakeholders and senior academics (wherever required), to tailor data-driven solutions to local context, and translate technical rigour to on-ground implementati
• onDrafts high-quality written documents and presentatio
• nsProvides management oversight on day-to-day activities in each project to ensu
• retimely delivery of high-quality outpu
• tsProactively identifies risks and issues affecting tasks or workstream delivery, a
• ndpromptly communicating upward with proposed solutio
• nsIdentifies delays, bottlenecks and challenges in meeting project goals and consults internally to formulate strategies to mitigat
• e.Ensure overall project documentation to aid tracking changes in project scope, delivery including key learning, best practices etc. and sharing with other tea

msClient and Partner Manageme

• ntIdentifies areas of alignment and conflict with stakeholders on project goals by proactively anticipate Stakeholder need
• s.Suggests the right approach and ideas based on a deep understanding of Stakeholder nee
• dsActively partners with Government (Department heads and second line), and other stakeholders, to define project workstrea
• msCommunicates project progress, outcomes and insights to Client through visually compelling presentations and analysi
• s.Creates systems for partnerships between government and other stakeholders and helps identify an external advisory group of individuals and organisatio
• nsBuilds relationships with potential collaborators or partners, donors and research institution

s.Knowledge Management & Documentati

• onDevelops knowledge products like concept notes, success stories of projects, learning documents of a project (to roll-out to other States) et
• c.Prepares detailed presentations, reports, and briefs summarising project progress, data analyses, and research findings for dissemination at various for

a.Education and Experien

• ceMasters degree or equivalent in economics, statistics, public policy, engineering, social science, or related fields from a reputed instituti
• on5 to 7 years relevant work experience, including research, basic quantitative analysis, client management (preferably with governments) and managerial experien
• cePublic service with a government (preferably state governments) or quasi-government body as a project manager, young professional, or fell
• owFamiliarity with governance interventions in education / public health /nutrition/ local governance/ law and order/ livelihoods/ agriculture sectors would be a pl
• usProject/ program management or implementation roles with governments, advisory entities, multilaterals, international development institutions or strategic philanthropy fir
• msExperience of working on projects with the Government of Telangana would be an advanta

gePersonal Characteristics and Desired Qualiti

• esFluency in Telugu and Engli
• shExcellent problem-solving and strategic thinking skills, strong research aptitude ability to analyse complex quantitative and qualitative data and formulate solutio
• nsExcellent writing and communication skills (ability to communicate complex ideas in a meaningful way and across different audiences) within and outside the organisati
• onDemonstrated relationship-building ability and management of high-level relationships with partner organisations, ideally based on experience of working with Indian state governmen
• tsStrong planning and organizational skills, and an ability to be able to set priorities, plan timelines and meet deadlin
• esPassion for improving the effectiveness of Indian States, and alignment with CEGIS theory of change/ impa
• ctOperating style suited to working independently and in a small organisation setting, where teamwork and resourcefulness are highly valu
• edAbility to work under pressure by handling competing priorities, strong planning and organizational skills, and an ability to be able to set priorities, plan timelines and meet deadlines, maintaining attention to detail and delivering high-quality outpu
• tsAbility to think creatively, willing to take risks to experiment with new ideas and the ability to turn ideas into acti
• onHigh ability to collaborate and actively listen to others, understanding and valuing others vie
• wsVersatility to be comfortable taking on different projects and quickly dive into new secto

rsLocation and Compensatio

• n:Location: The role will be based out of Hyderabad, Telangana.. Travel to other states may be require
• d.Remuneration will be competitive with Indian philanthropy and social sector pay scales and will depend on the candidates experience level

s.Interested candidates are requested to submit their application he

re.No

on.Pre-reads for the application proce

ss:Please go through the following materials before sending in your applicati

• on:Concept note on CE
• GISA glimpse into life at CEGIS - CEGIS Retreat 2
• 024CEGIS Snapshot 2023
• -24Podcast episodes with Prof. Karthik Muralidharan one each on education and healthcare in Ind
• ia.You are also encouraged to read more of Prof. Karthik Muralidharans work here and through his book Accelerating Indias Development: A State-Led Roadmap for Indias Developme