Program Manager- Project Delivery

Job Description

Program Manager - Telangana 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 Responsibilities: 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 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. 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 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. 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 summarising project progress, data analyses, and research findings for dissemination at various fora. Education and Experience ● Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, statistics, public policy, engineering, social science, or related fields from a reputed institution ● 5 to 7 years relevant work experience, including research, basic quantitative analysis, client management (preferably with governments) and managerial experience ● 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 ● 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 Telangana would be an advantage Personal Characteristics and Desired Qualities ● Fluency in Telugu and English ● 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 Location and Compensation: Location: The role will be based out of Hyderabad, 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 candidate’s experience levels. Interested candidates are requested to submit their application here. Note: CEGIS has zero tolerance to sexual harassment. We therefore expect each applicant to self-declare related to the same. CEGIS could, if required, initiate a prevention of sexual harassment-based background verification. If an applicant is reported of misconduct, appropriate action that may include employment termination would be taken. Please Click the link for self declaration. Pre-reads for the application process: Please go through the following materials before sending in your application: ● Concept note on CEGIS ● A glimpse into life at CEGIS - CEGIS Retreat 2024 ● CEGIS Snapshot 2023-24 ● Podcast episodes with Prof. Karthik Muralidharan – one each on education and healthcare in India. ● You are also encouraged to read more of Prof. Karthik Muralidharan’s work here and through his book “Accelerating India’s Development: A State-Led Roadmap for India’s Development”. Show more Show less