Program Manager- IFHRMS

Job Description

The Program Manager (PM) will manage CEGIS engagement with multiple government departments (eg, School Education, Public Health, Urban Development, Finance, among others) in Tamil Nadu (ideally manage two projects at any given point of time). The PM would be part of the CEGIS Project Delivery Team (State Team) and would lead teams embedded in the assigned departments to implement CEGISs theory of change. These teams will be responsible for designing solutions for improved governance using research, stakeholder consultations, and analytical techniques. The PM would oversee the design and implementation of these solutions and must work closely with the respective government stakeholders during each phase of a project. S/he shall be primarily responsible for delivering high quality outputs within stipulated timelines. 1. Data Analysis and Management: Identifying, obtaining, and collating relevant information and data, and performing quality control to ensure validity and accuracy of data Overseeing field and desk research using qualitative and quantitative analysis, and relevant tools as necessary Ensuring application of organization-wide protocols designed for data protection, data management on the assigned projects Safeguard sensitive project information and minimise data protection risk by adhering to data protection protocols 2. Analysis and Insights: Reviews accuracy and validity of research and data collected for meaning making Evaluates the solutions proposed by vertical teams in the context of the project scenario and known limitations Suggests changes in approach or process to suggested solutions. Researches government policies and schemes to assess current program design and scope for intervention. Refines problem statement and proposed solution based on insights from the ground. 3. Project Delivery / Management: Identifies and structures problems, synthesising hypotheses and, developing and applying appropriate analytical frameworks and approaches Works closely with sector leads and CEGIS technical teams, government stakeholders and senior academics (wherever required), to tailor data-driven solutions to local context, and translate technical rigour to on-ground implementation Drafts high-quality written documents and presentations Provides management oversight on day-to-day activities in each project to ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs Proactively identifies risks and issues affecting tasks or workstream delivery, and promptly communicating upward with proposed solutions Identifies delays, bottlenecks and challenges in meeting project goals and consults internally to formulate strategies to mitigate. Ensure overall project documentation to aid tracking changes in project scope, delivery including key learning, best practices etc and sharing with other teams 4. Client and Partner Management Identifies areas of alignment and conflict with stakeholders on project goals by proactively anticipate Stakeholder needs. Suggests the right approach and ideas based on a deep understanding of Stakeholder needs Actively partners with Government (Department heads and second line), and other stakeholders, to define project workstreams Communicates project progress, outcomes and insights to Client through visually compelling presentations and analysis. Creates systems for partnerships between government and other stakeholders and helps identify an external advisory group of individuals and organisations Builds relationships with potential collaborators or partners, donors and research institutions. 5. Knowledge Management & Documentation Develops knowledge products like concept notes, success stories of projects, learning documents of a project (to roll-out to other States) etc Prepares detailed presentations, reports, and briefs summarizing project progress, data analyses, and research findings for dissemination at various fora. Required Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities Masters degree or equivalent in economics, statistics, mathematics, public policy, engineering, management, social science, or related fields from a reputed institution Minimum five (05) years of relevant work experience in one or more of the following areas: Management/strategy consulting or governance/development Public service with a government (preferably state governments) or quasi-government body as a project manager, young professional, or fellow Familiarity with governance interventions in education / public health /nutrition/ local governance/ law and order/ livelihoods/ agriculture sectors would be a plus Exposure to Education sector or HR processes would be useful (not mandatory) Project/ program management or implementation roles with governments, advisory entities, multilaterals, international development institutions or strategic philanthropy firms Experience of working on projects with the Government of Tamil Nadu would be an advantage Personal Characteristics and Desired Qualities Fluency in English and Tamil language skills Spoken, Written would be an added advantage Excellent problem-solving and strategic thinking skills, strong research aptitude ability to analyse complex quantitative and qualitative data and formulate solutions Excellent writing and communication skills (ability to communicate complex ideas in a meaningful way and across different audiences) within and outside the organisation Demonstrated relationship-building ability and management of high-level relationships with partner organisations, ideally based on experience of working with Indian state governments Strong planning and organizational skills, and an ability to be able to set priorities, plan timelines and meet deadlines Passion for improving the effectiveness of Indian States, and alignment with CEGIS theory of change/ impact Operating style suited to working independently and in a small organisation setting, where teamwork and resourcefulness are highly valued Ability 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 outputs Ability to think creatively, willing to take risks to experiment with new ideas and the ability to turn ideas into action High ability to collaborate and actively listen to others, understanding and valuing others views Versatility to be comfortable taking on different projects and quickly dive into new sectors