State Lead Vocational Education (Government Partnerships)

Job Description

Role Overview As the State Lead for Gujarat and Maharashtra, you will provide strategic leadership and oversee the implementation of vocational education initiatives This role involves high-level government liaison, stakeholder engagement, program monitoring, resource management, and team leadership to drive impactful vocational education programs across two states. As the State Lead, you will be responsible for leading, strategizing, and managing the overall implementation of vocational education in Gujarat and Maharashtra as part of the Samagra Shiksha or any other similar programs You will lead the end to end management of the Vocational education program in the state, coordinate with government officials, oversee program execution, develop partnerships, manage teams, and drive policy advocacy to ensure the successful implementation and scaling of vocational education initiatives. This role requires strong leadership, project and team management, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to navigate government systems and influence policy. Key Responsibilities Program Leadership & Strategy Drive different projects and initiatives of Lend A Hand India in Gujarat and Maharashtra including on ground implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 and National Curriculum Framework 2023 for Vocational Education Develop and execute a strategic roadmap for implementing vocational education under the Samagra Shiksha Program in the state. Build alignment with national and state education policies, collaborating with relevant stakeholders for effective execution. Build partnerships and collaborations with different stakeholder groups including non-profits, government bodies and philanthropic and CSR organisations for supporting projects Government Liaison & Policy Advocacy Serve as the primary point of contact for state-level education departments, ensuring smooth implementation of vocational education initiatives. Represent LAHI in government meetings, forums, and consultations to advocate for skill education reforms. Work closely monitor vocational education activities of State PMU unit Periodic meetings and reporting to Sr Govt officials and key stakeholders Stakeholder Management & Industry Engagement Develop and strengthen partnerships with NSDC, Sector Skill Councils, Vocational Training Providers (VTPs), State Institutions like SCERT and State Education Board and other key organizations like PSSCIVE,NCVET , etc Facilitate active participation of industry partners to enhance skill training and employment linkages for students. Organize and lead multi-stakeholder meetings, conferences, and training sessions. Program Implementation & Monitoring Manage PMU Team, ensuring high-quality delivery of skill-based education. Develop monitoring frameworks and data-driven decision-making processes to track program impact. Drive the key initiative of Internships, employer and partner connect and effective roll out of technology system in the state. Budgeting & Resource Management Manage state-level program budgets and resource allocation to ensure efficient implementation. Work with internal teams to streamline processes and documentation, including drafting official proposals, presentations, and government submissions. Team Leadership & Capacity Building Lead and mentor State teams (Project Management Units and project implementation team on ground project coordinators, instructors, and field staff, fostering a culture of learning and excellence. Provide training and capacity-building support to ensure teams are well-equipped to deliver high-impact programs. Ensure knowledge sharing and adoption of best practices across teams. Requirements Educational & Professional Experience: Masters degree in Social Work, Public Policy, Management, Education, or a related field. 8-10 years of experience specially in government engagement, program implementation, and vocational/skill development initiatives. Experience in leading a team Strong understanding of government schemes and policy frameworks related to education and skill development. Experience in advocacy, project management, strategic planning, and managing large-scale education programs Skills & Competencies Proven ability to build and manage relationships with government agencies, industry partners, and other stakeholders. Strong advocacy and negotiation skills to influence policy decisions. Ability to manage large teams, multi-stakeholder coordination, and complex program implementation. Strong analytical, data-driven decision-making and reporting skills. Fluency in English and the states official language (spoken and written). Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and familiarity with MIS systems. Ability to work independently while being a team player in a fast-paced environment. Willingness to travel extensively within and outside the state as required.