Job Description:
About the Organization
Air Pollution Action Group (A-PAG) was set up in 2019 by Ashish Dhawan (Founder and Chairperson, Ashoka University and Central Square Foundation), Vijay Chadda (previously CEO of Bharti Foundation) and Mohit Beotra (previously Chief Brand Officer of Airtel). A-PAG is a past member of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining regions.
A-PAG is focused on strategic implementation of solutions to combat air pollution and has created a niche for itself within the broader ecosystem in the last 2 years. A-PAG works with Government on a pro-bono basis; we have made significant progress with programs at the National as well as State level. Some of our projects are as follows:
1. In Delhi, we are engaged with the Municipal Corporation on a massive program aimed at dispersed sources. This covers all ~250 wards across the city.
2. In Uttar Pradesh (UP) we have programs running in 7 cities across the state. This relationship is expected to be extended to all 17 non-attainment cities in the state. We have recently started a pilot program on EV adoption in NOIDA.
3. As part of our program with Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BPSCB), we are active in Patna, Muzaffarpur & Gaya. Various initiatives are underway to address air pollution across the state of Bihar.
4. We work in Gurgaon & Faridabad in partnership with the Municipal Corporation.
5. We have a PMU based at the Central Pollution Control Board, which is helping CPCB drive effectiveness of the National Clean Air Program (NCAP).
A-PAG works by placing multiple Project Management Units (PMUs) that work closely with Government departments to ensure success against air pollution.
About the Role
The purpose of this role is to support the CEO in ensuring that all A-PAG efforts are implemented in a time bound manner, while meeting quality standards. The key areas of impact are as follows:
1. Project timelines & quality: A-PAGs success depends on being able to make things happen on the ground. You will need drive the Project Reviews by the CEO. This involves being able to highlight key issues on each project, ensure the right actions are agreed and followed up on. You will need to be familiar with every project and build your own view on how these can be implemented faster, better.
2. Fundraising: You will work closely with the CEO to support all fundraising efforts for A-PAG. You will be required to maintain the pitch decks, as well as manage the process of outreach and follow up with potential funders. This will also require you to liaise closely with the central finance team.
3. Supporting partnerships: A-PAG works closely with multiple technical partners (e.g., CEEW, CSE, TERI etc.). You will support the CEO in managing these relationships. You will be expected to develop engagement plans that clearly outline key outcomes with each partner.
4. Special initiatives: The bulk of programs within A-PAG are run by Project Teams. However, there are some initiatives that are driven directly by the CEO. You will be expected to work closely on these. This includes developing project plans and ensuring timely completion of action steps.
5. Website & social media liaison: The A-PAG website and social media presence will be your responsibility; you will be expected to develop a strategy and ensure implementation of the same.
6. Managing Advisory Council: The Advisory Council meets quarterly; it is a key decision-making body. You will be expected to manage this process from scheduling to managing meetings. Your focus will be on ensuring that all actions agreed with the Council are followed up and completed.
This is a great opportunity for a young, dynamic professional to gain from a ringside view of running a fast growing, social sector organisation.
Eligibility
1. Masters degree in relevant fields, including business or development sector management, environmental studies or public policy with a strong track record of good academic performance
2. 3-4 years of work experience with exposure to project management & strategy development.
3. Experience working in the space of environment/air pollution is not essential however, passion to solve the air pollution crisis in India is critical.
Skill Sets Required
1. Strong analytical skills are essential - you will support the CEO by asking the right questions so that multiple programs are delivered in a timely manner, with requisite quality
2. Strong people skills are required since you will need to build personal relationships across all levels at A-PAG
3. Ability to learn quickly you will work directly with the CEO and need to quickly learn the requirements of the role
4. Strong written & spoken communication skills are necessary including high familiarity with AI tools & power-point.
Location
Delhi but the role requires regular travel to the cities we work in.
Compensation
Will be commensurate with the best within social sector norms