Manager – Policy Engagement

Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy (Janaagraha) is a Bengaluru based not for profit institution working to transform the quality of life in India’s cities and towns. We define quality of life as comprising of quality of infrastructure and services, and quality of citizenship. To achieve its mission, Janaagraha works with councillors and citizens to catalyse active citizenship in city neighbourhoods, and with governments to institute reforms to city-systems. Janaagraha has worked extensively on urban policy and governance reforms for over two decades across union and state governments, including on JnNURM, XIII, XIV and XV Finance Commissions, Second Administrative Reforms Commission, CAG of India, NITI Aayog / Planning Commission, Capacity Building Commission, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced policy professional to strengthen our efforts in advocating city-systems (urban governance) reforms, with a focus on the areas of 74th Constitutional Amendment, devolution of powers to municipalities, and formal platforms for citizen participation. The incumbent must have hands‑on work experience in policy research, analysis, reform design and engagement with range of stakeholders including senior government functionaries, elected representatives, political and social leaders, think-tanks, influencers, CSOs and media, at national and state levels. The ideal candidate would have a track record of championing constitutional, legal and governance reforms in at least 1-2 sectors, preferably allied to urban development. This position would play the key role of facilitating the engagement with policy makers and other senior stakeholders directly to pursue the much needed reforms to strengthen the city systems.

What will you do­?

The chief responsibilities of Manager/Associate Manager – Policy Engagement will include but not be limited to the following:

• Lead the policy engagement strand by leveraging Janaagraha’s track record and expertise, undertaking targeted policy research and analyses as needed, and identifying and executing opportunities for stakeholder engagement on reforms to strengthen city‑systems (urban governance), particularly around decentralised, participatory governance in cities and identified geographical area.
• Towards the above, fully internalise past track record and prevalent knowledge and relationships in Janaagraha, e.g. ASICS and other action research and put in place work plans for targeted policy research, and detailed work plans for stakeholder engagement and communications
• Facilitate and nurture quality relationships with opinion leaders across government, media, business and civil society including ministers, MPs, MLAs and heads of constitutional bodies
• Curate and execute high quality stakeholder engagement and communication across events and convenings, policy briefs, print/TV/web and social media and high touch, closed-door meetings
• Put in place robust systems and processes in the organisation for stakeholder relationship management and communications
• Gain working knowledge and expertise over decentralised, participatory governance and community mobilisation in India, political economy factors impacting the same, and emerging trends globally
• Set high standards of operational excellence across talent onboarding and management, program strategy and annual planning, project management and reporting, budgeting and cost management and other aspects of day to day operations.
• Working closely with Policy and Insights team internally, and programmatic strands of Municipal Finance, Civic Participation and State programs

What we are looking for?

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Public Policy, Urban Governance, Development Studies, Public Administration, Political Science, Law, Media, Communications or other equivalent streams from institutes of repute
• 5-10 years of experience in policy advocacy, reform design, research, analysis, governance, preferably in areas related to urban development
• Demonstrated track record in policy engagement, stakeholder relationship management, communications, policy research and analyses, and policy reforms at the highest levels including Members of Parliament/Assemblies (MPs/MLAs), Ministers and Think Tanks.
• Internship and/or working experience with law makers (MPs, MLAs/MLCs, Ministers, Mayors) and/or think tanks engaged in policy advocacy, research and implementation is highly desirable
• Hands-on experience in organising one-to-one meetings, high-level consultations, meetings, roundtables and conferences with senior elected leaders, government functionaries and experts is highly desirable

Competencies

• Ability and willingness to think long-term and work backwards to evolve long-term plans with short-term milestones, with quick turn-around of policy briefs, draft bills, etc.
• Ability and willingness to evolve clarity from ambiguity
• Tenacity and resilience to pursue and accomplish reform agendas to solve “wicked problems”
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to read political economy factors and trends and to make real-time adjustments to work plans basis the same
• Situational intelligence with respect to reading context and calibrating communication basis the same
• Working knowledge and skills with data and technology including MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Close alignment with Janaagraha’s Culture Codes

What Janaagraha offers

At Janaagraha, you will be part of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals and passionate citizens who apply cutting-edge technologies and practices aimed at social change in India’s cities. We offer a dynamic, driven and vibrant work environment for professionals who are passionate about investing their time, skill sets and energy to transform quality of life in India’s cities. At work, you will be exposed to a unique combination of policy, practice and platforms and will have abundant opportunities to learn and apply professional skills to social challenges.

Remuneration

Janaagraha is an equal opportunity employer and offers a highly dynamic and enabling work environment. We provide competitive remuneration commensurate with relevant experience skill-sets and background. This position is based out of Bengaluru/Delhi and will report to the Director – Policy Engagement.