Job Openings Senior Program Associate - Project Delivery

About the job Senior Program Associate - Project Delivery

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. We believe that well-functioning governments share at least four features with high-performing organisations: (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). At CEGIS, we support the state governments to build these foundations so that they can deliver development outcomes more effectively.

CEGIS works closely with the political and bureaucratic leadership in the states to achieve transformational change. We are currently present in 9 states - Assam, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh. We also partner with union agencies/ministries such as Capacity Building Commission, Ministry of Women & Child Development (MoWCD), Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to provide technical support for strengthening foundational systems and reflect insights from CEGISs work at the state-level into national level initiatives and guidelines. We also collaborate closely with academics and research institutions to ensure our work is grounded in rigorous research and evidence-based practices.

CEGIS Approach and Model of Functioning

Our solutions to enhance governance are co-created with state governments in a state-led way, where we focus on deep partnerships with states with an iterative cycle of think-demonstrate-document-transfer. We work closely with the top bureaucratic leadership, front-line workers and public officials in Finance, Planning, Human Resources and a few other priority line departments. Many of our solutions reflect ideas outlined in our founder Prof. Karthik Muralidharan's book (Accelerating India's Development), and these solutions are constantly being refined based on real-time feedback and are designed to both be customized to the contexts we are working in, and to create templates that can provide the starting point for replication across contexts.

To further explore the mission of CEGIS and the impact we hope to have, please take a look at this video of our CEO, Dr Vijay Pingale.

About the projects in Uttar Pradesh:

CEGIS has partnered with the Government of Uttar Pradesh to strengthen governance systems and enable data-driven decision-making in the states Finance and Planning departments. The partnership supports Uttar Pradeshs strategic vision through initiatives to establish a Financial Analytics Unit, strengthen data systems for improved planning and service delivery, and build institutional and personnel capacity aligned with Mission Karmayogi principles. This collaboration aims to embed evidence-based reforms and enhance outcomes across the states core development priorities.


Position Summary

The Senior Program Associate (SPA) will play an important role in contextualising and executing the CEGIS vision in the Government of Uttar Pradesh. This includes handling concept notes, department-level diagnostics, solution identification, pilot development, pilot implementation, and providing support for scale-up initiatives. Projects typically involve frontline service delivery. Reporting to the respective Program Manager(s), you will significantly contribute to the analytical aspects of the projects, ensuring effective governance and public expenditure reforms.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Data Analysis and Insight Generation:

    • Track and analyze data for accuracy and conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis.
    • Extract important insights from complex datasets relevant to key stakeholders.
    • Prioritize and address data issues promptly to support project progress and decision-making.

Research and Documentation

    • Independently conduct research and root cause analysis, documenting and presenting insights.
    • Produce comprehensive presentations and documentation to convey critical project insights.
    • Create concept notes, policy briefs, and other documentation for stakeholder communication.
    • Co-creates project specific solutions by collaborating with vertical teams
    • Suggests enhancements to project approach, frameworks and targeted solutions based on government context

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:

    • Evaluate project contingencies and engage with internal and external stakeholders.
    • Anticipate client requirements through policy review
    • Coordinate stakeholder meetings and gather feedback for project progress and decision-making.
    • Foster deep connections with stakeholders including level 2 and level 3 stakeholders and suggest innovative ideas to nurture partnerships.

Project Management:

    • Plan and prioritise work plans, ensuring accountability for set timelines.
    • Evaluate project contingencies incl delays, roadblocks and assist in strategies to create buy-in
    • Ensure transparent and effective communication channels are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
    • Develop high-quality outputs, including reports, notes, and analyses & Ensure these deliverables meet the standards for dissemination at various forums, contributing to the project's success and visibility.
    • Support project team members and manage their time effectively.
    • Assist in altering project goals and outcomes based on stakeholder feedback and project progress.
    • Take increasing responsibility for project management

Documentation and Knowledge Creation & Facilitation:`

    • Document and disseminate domain specific information that enables project success.
    • Create original knowledge pieces like blogs, concept notes, work flows etc.
    • Maintain Project based knowledge repository and contribute to other Knowledge management processes.

Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:

  • 3-6 years of experience with minimum 3 years of experience with a Masters degree or equivalent in economics, public policy, social science, or related fields from a reputable institution. High calibre Graduates will be considered.
  • Fluency in English and basic to intermediate proficiency in Hindi..
  • Proficiency in data analysis, including strong analytical skills in tracking and analyzing data, expertise in statistical tools like STATA and Excel, and conducting independent research and root cause analysis.
  • Strong problem-solving skills coupled with creative thinking aptitude, risk-taking willingness, and the ability to translate ideas into actionable plans, all complemented by adept project management abilities.
  • Exceptional writing and communication abilities to create documentation and presentations to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences.
  • Adaptability to excel in independent work environments and small organizational settings, demonstrating both self-motivation and the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
  • Capacity to foster partnerships and nurture stakeholder relationships.
  • Proficiency in prioritizing tasks, planning timelines, and consistently meeting deadlines.
  • Knowledge management and organizational skills for maintaining project-related data and information.
  • Commitment to CEGISs mission and values.

Location and Compensation

Location: The role will be based out of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. 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 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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