Job Description:
Job Overview:
As a Senior Program Associate (SPA) at The Centre for Effective Governance of Indian States (CEGIS), you will play a vital role in various projects across their entire life cycle. 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 Project Lead(s), you will significantly contribute to the analytical aspects of the projects, ensuring effective governance and public expenditure reforms.
The role requires meticulous attention to detail and a strong analytical mindset to track and analyze data from various sources. The individual will be responsible for conducting independent research, root cause analysis, and presenting insights for effective problem-solving. Additionally, the role involves supporting project planning and implementation, stakeholder engagement, and documentation of project progress.
Key Result Areas (KRAs):
- 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, Solution Support 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
- Conduct regular stakeholder analysis through intelligence and feedback mechanisms
- 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
Qualifications and Skills Needed:
- 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 Kannada.
- 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.
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 Muralidharans work here and through his book Accelerating Indias Development: A State-Led Roadmap for India Development.