The Urban Capacities Program at Janaagraha is focused on enhancing the staffing capability and capacity of city governments across India. Through strategic interventions in goal setting, competency management, process optimization, and performance management, the Urban Capacities Program (also referred to Human Resource (HR) and Organization Development (OD) reforms for govt.) aims to build institutional muscle and memory in municipal governance.
We are looking for a dynamic, experienced and competent professional from the development sector to serve as Senior Manager Urban Capacities. This position reports to the Chief Policy and Insights Officer at Janaagraha.
KEY RESPONSIBILITES
The Associate Director Urban Capacities will lead Janaagraha s efforts to drive systemic HR and institutional reforms within municipal governance as part of the State Capacities work
A.Thought Leadership Track and OD team strategic view:
- To develop the HR-OD part of State Capacities strand of work at Janaagraha comprehensively, currently in the following three buckets: HR reforms, OD reforms, MSSC ideas:
- HR reforms: Development of dynamic Staffing Model for ULGs and recommendations for right-sizing efforts
- OD reforms: From goal-setting, cascading, competency management, training, link to performance management in ULGs
- MSSC ideas: Developing Municipal Shared Services concept beyond current frame with 15 th FC and MoHUA
- Conduct necessary research and studies for the above and lay out pathways for our work over the next 3-5 years
- Build a core team for research and developing templates for work strands in States (see Operational Track)
- Developing knowledge products and publishing writing thought leadership pieces (policy briefs, op-eds, concept notes, etc.) on the above areas
- Help to secure funding for comprehensive work or for individual parts (incl. State implementation if needed), working with Development team for proposals.
B.
Policy Engagement Track:
- Setting the agenda with key policymakers and presenting to nurture acceptance at Union and demand in States and ULGs
- Represent Janaagraha and build our niche role in the eco-system, with other players (CSOs, academia, union bodies, etc.) at regular meetings for HR-OD-MSSC program level, providing inputs as required, to develop buy-in, identify partner strengths and explore synergies.
- Represent Janaagraha at public & urban policy events on the areas, presenting views to build larger stakeholder base and buy-in.
C.Operational Track: supporting Organization Development (OD) work in States
- Guide State teams and holding templates for implementation in specific areas (out of HR, OD and MSSC) as prioritized by States:
- Application of Staffing Model and support for creation of cadres / positions and re-assignation of persons / positions, as required & prioritized by States
- Mapping of positions, numbers-designations, basic workflows and R&R)
- Goal-setting, Departmental and individual KRAs & KPIs cascading
- Competency Mapping & gap assessment as per urban dictionary
- Training framework and LMS integration with existing State HR systems or new HRMS
- Link to Performance Management systems
- Developing Municipal Shared Services ideas for the States
- Program Management support and guidance for State teams for above activities
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Master s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Human Resource Management, Business, Economics or a related field.
- 10+ years of experience in program leadership, urban governance, HR reform, public sector consulting, or institutional development.
- Proven expertise in program strategy, policy design, and large-scale government engagement.
- Strong understanding of urban development governance and/or municipal HR and capacity building models, and/or HRMS and LMS frameworks would be added advantage.
- Experience in budget management, performance tracking, and impact measurement.
- Ability to navigate complex government structures and drive institutional change.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Demonstrated ability to build and lead teams, fostering a culture of excellence and impact.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging senior government officials and donor agencies.
- Strong communication and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into actionable insights.
- Detail-oriented and organized, with a strategic mindset and problem-solving approach.
- Leadership qualities with the ability to inspire and coordinate cross-functional teams.
- Ability to adapt quickly to a dynamic work environment and manage multiple priorities.
- Good command over written and spoken English is necessary and further Indian languages desired.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Janaagraha is an equal opportunity employer and offers a highly dynamic and enabling work environment. We provide competitive remuneration commensurate with relevant experience, skill-sets and background.
The position-holder will be based in Delhi / Bengaluru and shall be reporting to the Chief Policy & Insights Officer currently.
Please write to us at work@janaagraha.org with your CV, a cover note explaining your interest in applying and a writing sample relevant to the work, along with a link to your updated LinkedIn profile with Senior Manager Urban Capacities in the subject line.
