Job Description:
Job Title: Programme Lead – Research & Strategy Unit (Patna-based, 3–4 days/week)
About The Convergence Foundation
The Convergence Foundation (TCF) is an Indian philanthropic foundation established by Ashish and Manisha Dhawan in April 2021. TCF builds on their legacy of impactful philanthropy, including the founding of transformative institutions like Ashoka University and the Central Square Foundation.
Our mission is clear: to transform the lives of all Indians through rapid, sustained economic growth and inclusive development.
To achieve this, we focus on 3 pillars 1) Direct engines of economic growth that enable job creation, 2) Human capital development through education and employability, and 3) Development Enablers that strengthen the philanthropic ecosystem and improve state capacity.
In each area, TCF works on:
Building pioneering institutions to address India's most complex socio-economic challenges.
Shaping the larger ecosystem and sharing knowledge, insights and learning with other philanthropists, governments and key stakeholders
We believe that the government is the key actor for system change, and the role of philanthropy and nonprofits is to strategically support the government. The TCF Network includes 20+ organisations all working systemically with the government, committed to addressing specific areas of India's socio-economic development, across our three pillars.
Position Summary and Context:
The Government of Bihar has articulated an ambitious agenda for accelerating growth, improving governance outcomes, and building long-term institutional capacity. To support this agenda, The Convergence Foundation (TCF) is establishing a Research & Strategy Unit anchored in the Office of the Chief Secretary to provide high-quality, data-driven strategic and implementation support across priority sectors.
The Programme Lead will serve as the overall anchor for TCFs engagement with the Government of Bihar, working closely with the Chief Secretarys Office, senior bureaucratic leadership, and key line departments. The role combines strategic thinking, government advisory, and execution oversight, ensuring that reform ideas translate into implementable roadmaps and measurable outcomes.
The Programme Lead will be responsible for shaping the units workplan across agreed focus areas such as investment climate reforms, urbanization, human capital development, tourism, etc. They will also coordinate inputs from TCFs portfolio organisations and external experts. The role also involves mentoring the team, and acting as the primary interface between the state government and TCF.
This is a high-trust, high-impact role suited for someone comfortable operating at the intersection of policy, administration, and philanthropy, with a strong on-ground presence in Patna.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- 8+ years of professional experience in public policy, economic development, governance consulting, multilateral institutions, philanthropy, or government advisory roles.
- Demonstrated experience of working closely with state or central government stakeholders, preferably at senior levels
Strong understanding of Indias development priorities, state capacity challenges, and political–administrative systems
Proven ability to translate complex analysis into clear strategic recommendations and actionable implementation plans
Experience managing multi-sectoral programs and coordinating across departments, partners, and experts
Strong leadership and people-management skills, with the ability to mentor and guide small, high-performing teams.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including comfort with policy notes, presentations, and senior-level briefings
Willingness to be based in / travel frequently to Patna (3–4 days a week)
Advanced degree in public policy, economics, development studies, management, or a related field preferred
Location:
Based out of Patna for 3-4 days a week.
How to Apply:
Reach out to Sunaina Arora to learn more or click here to submit your application!