Senior Program Manager

Role and Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the Senior Program Manager include

1. Project Delivery / Management:

• Identifying and structuring problems, synthesizing hypotheses and, developing and applying appropriate analytical frameworks and approaches
• Working closely with sector leads and CEGIS technical teams (outcome measurement, strategic public finance, personnel management and state & market(s), government stakeholders and senior academics (wherever required), to tailor data-driven solutions to local context, and translate technical rigour to on-ground implementation
• Guides the team on 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
• 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 and project management on the assigned projects
• Proactively identifying risks and issues affecting tasks or workstream delivery, and promptly communicating upward with proposed solutions
• Ensure overall project documentation to aid tracking changes in project scope, delivery including key learning, best practices etc. and sharing with other teams

2. Client and Partner Management

• Develops a sound understanding of ecosystem organisations, research institutions, potential collaborators and professionals within the State.
• Creates systems for partnerships between government and other stakeholders and identifies an external advisory group of individuals and organizations
• Actively partners with Government (Department heads and second line), and other stakeholders, to define project workstreams

3. Stakeholder Management

• Oversees the interpreting and presenting of data effectively, helping to convey meaningful insights to internal and external stakeholders.
• Creates presentations, reports, and dashboards for diverse stakeholders. Leads the preparation and pitching of proposals and decks to donors and new states/departments.
• Synthesizes stakeholders' feedback to develop strategic communication strategies.
• Engages with vertical teams and government stakeholders to pitch ideas, present concepts, and advocate for impactful initiatives.
• Develops and nurtures relationships with public officials, government departments, and other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and support for projects.

4. Knowledge Management

• Identifies internal and external knowledge sources and shares best practices.
• Plans and executes initiatives related to knowledge sharing and partnerships.

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
• 8-12 years of relevant work experience in one or more of the following areas: Governance/Development or Management/Strategy Consulting
• Public service with a government (preferably state governments) or quasi-government body
• 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

Personal Characteristics and Desired Qualities

• Fluency in English and Telugu 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
• Passion for improving the effectiveness of Indian States, and alignment with CEGISs theory of change/ impact
• Be proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to independently manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively with an ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
• High ability to collaborate and actively listen to others, understanding and valuing others views and work closely with multiple teams at horizontal and vertical levels in a result-oriented manner.
• 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
• Versatility to be comfortable taking on different projects and quickly dive into new sectors

Location and Compensation

Location: The role will be based out of Telangana. Travel to other states may be required.

Remuneration will be competitive with Indian philanthropy and social sector pay scales and will depend on the candidates experience levels.

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