Job Openings Senior Program Manager

About the job Senior Program Manager

Overview:

Within CEGIS, the Public Revenue/Taxation/Public Finance teams role is to support institutionalisation of data driven decision making by setting up the required infrastructure and technical capacity with the relevant line departments. High quality data and insights generated are expected to aid the State in goal setting, progress monitoring and strategic decision making. In addition, as a sectoral workstream, specific objectives are furthered by testing and institutionalising interventions in the form of Micro RCTs with the larger goal of improving tax compliance and augmenting revenues.

Our projects can be of a wide variety and involve elements of research and analytics, advocacy, policy implementation and evaluation, and active support to line departments in reforms adoption. A large part of the work is by its very nature quantitative.

Specifically, this will, among other things, entail:

  • Conducting detailed budgetary analysis at different levels of government
  • Conducting situational analysis on a variety of economic sectors and subjects
  • Conducting forensic analysis to identify anomalous patterns in taxpayer behaviour
  • Mapping government budgeting and administrative processes and identify efficiency enhancing solutions
  • Conduct financial impact assessment in terms of cost-effectiveness and rates of returns.
  • Design and implement micro RCTs on live policy interventions

Position Summary:

The Senior Manager oversees data management, analysis, project management, stakeholder engagement, team leadership, and knowledge sharing within Strategic Public Finance projects. They ensure meticulous data handling, drive insightful analysis, engage with stakeholders, mentor team members, and foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing. The Senior Manager plays a central role in driving project success and advancing organizational objectives.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Data Management and Analysis:

  • Facilitates access to administrative data from relevant government line departments, reviews them using a prescribed template, and conducts analysis as required.
  • Ensures strict compliance with data quality protocols, including auditing enumerators, supervising data collection, and performing data quality audits.
  • Manages all primary, secondary, and administrative data by strictly following data management and security protocols and creating standardization of protocols for projects.

Analysis and Interpretation:

  • Conducts independent analysis and interpretation of information, translating data into actionable insights.
  • Oversees detailed budgetary analysis at different levels of government and situational analysis on a variety of economic sectors and subjects.
  • Oversees forensic analysis to identify anomalous patterns in taxpayer behavior and assesses financial impacts, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and return rates.
  • Designs & executes micro RCTs to facilitate real-time policy interventions.
  • Monitors global best practices and research, aiding the team in adapting these methodologies.

Project Management:

  • Directs the launch and conceptualization of projects aligning with SPF primary objectives.
  • Oversees comprehensive project management, spanning from conceptualization and resource allocation to briefing and execution.
  • Manages the team's research efforts by delegating tasks, reviewing outputs, and ensuring the quality and rigor of outputs.
  • Provides technical inputs and guidance to project/state teams, ensuring high-quality outputs that contribute to project progress and the organisation's knowledge base.
  • Oversees project resourcing and allocates resources effectively to maximize project outcomes.
  • Collaborates with team members to develop impactful knowledge products, such as policy notes, analysis reports, and frameworks and contributes to knowledge sharing.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Oversees the interpreting and presenting of data effectively, helping to convey meaningful insights to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Leads the preparation and pitching of proposals and decks to donors and new states/departments.
  • Synthesizes stakeholders' feedback to develop strategic communication strategies.
  • Creates presentations, reports, and dashboards for diverse stakeholders.
  • Engages with state 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 SPF projects.

Knowledge Management

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

Education and Experience:

  • Masters or advanced degree, such as a PhD or equivalent, in economics, statistics, public policy, engineering, social science, or related fields from a prestigious institution.
  • 8 to 12 years of progressive work experience, including extensive research, advanced quantitative analysis, client management (especially with government entities), and substantial managerial experience.
  • Demonstrated expertise in quantitative data management and analysis, utilizing advanced tools such as STATA, R, or Python programming extensively.

Required Skills and Abilities:

  • Exceptional problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities, with a track record of formulating innovative solutions to complex challenges.
  • Proficiency in English with outstanding writing and communication skills, capable of effectively conveying intricate concepts to diverse audiences both within and outside the organization. Knowledge of the local language(s) is highly desirable.
  • Proven capacity to cultivate and manage high-level relationships with partner organizations, particularly with extensive experience collaborating with Indian state governments.
  • Strong organizational and planning skills, adept at setting priorities, establishing timelines, and consistently meeting deadlines in dynamic environments.
  • Deep commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of Indian states, coupled with a firm alignment with the organization's theory of change and impact.
  • Operating style conducive to autonomy and adaptability within a small-organization context, where teamwork and resourcefulness are paramount.
  • Ability to thrive under pressure, managing competing priorities while upholding meticulous attention to detail and delivering exceptional outcomes consistently.
  • Willingness to innovate and take calculated risks, translating ideas into actionable strategies to drive organizational objectives forward.
  • Exceptional collaboration and active listening skills, demonstrating an ability to understand and respect diverse perspectives.
  • Flexibility to seamlessly transition between various projects and swiftly immerse oneself in new sectors.
  • Proficiency in at least one of the following areas: taxation, public finance management systems, or budgeting. Familiarity with experimental and non-experimental research methods is highly advantageous.

Personal Characteristics and Desired Qualities:

  • Superior problem-solving and strategic thinking capabilities, coupled with a robust research acumen for analyzing intricate quantitative and qualitative data.
  • Excellent proficiency in English, complemented by exceptional writing and communication skills tailored to diverse audiences.
  • Advanced planning and organizational skills, combined with the ability to effectively manage teams from diverse backgrounds, including close collaboration with government stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution.
  • Unwavering dedication to improving the efficacy of Indian states, aligned closely with the organization's theory of change.
  • Operating style characterized by autonomy, adaptability, and a strong sense of resourcefulness.
  • Proven ability to thrive under pressure, maintaining meticulous attention to detail while consistently delivering high-quality results.
  • A penchant for innovation and a willingness to explore new ideas, translating them into actionable initiatives.
  • Exceptional collaborative skills, with a keen emphasis on active listening and valuing diverse perspectives.
  • Adaptability to embrace diverse projects and rapidly integrate into new sectors.

Location and Compensation

Location: The role will be based out of Bhubaneswar. 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.

Interested candidates are requested to submit their applications by clicking the apply button below

Note: CEGIS has zero tolerance for 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 for misconduct, appropriate action that may include employment termination would be taken. Please complete the details for self-declaration on the application form.

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