Senior Program Manager

Role: Senior Program Manager - Program Management Unit - Odisha

Experience: A minimum of 4-5 years of experience in project management, public policy, or program implementation, preferably in the education or child development sectors.

Location: Bhubanswar (Odisha)

Role Overview:

The Senior Program Manager (SPM) will be a key figure in aligning Rocket Learnings initiatives with the objectives of the Department of Women and Child Development and the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan in Bhubaneswar.

With 70% of their time spent within these departments, the SPM will focus on policy implementation, research, and fostering seamless communication between the government and our organization.

The remaining 30% of their time will be dedicated to fieldwork, where they will visit districts to monitor program launches, events, and engage with district-level stakeholders to strengthen on-ground efforts.

In this role, the SPM will build and maintain robust relationships with government officials and other key stakeholders.

By understanding departmental workflows and management structures, they will strategically enhance the effectiveness of Rocket Learnings programs and ensure that all initiatives are aligned with government priorities and executed with precision.

This role requires a proactive individual with strong analytical abilities, strategic thinking, and the capacity to work collaboratively across both governmental and NGO sectors.

The SPM will be instrumental in navigating policy complexities and maximizing the impact of our work on the

- Bachelors degree in Public Administration, Social Sciences, Education, Management, or a related field.

- A Masters degree in any of these areas is A minimum of 4-5 years of experience in project management, public policy, or program implementation, preferably in the education or child development sectors.

- Proven experience working with government departments or in a liaison role, particularly within the education or social sectors.

- Experience in fieldwork, with a strong understanding of on-ground program implementation and stakeholder engagement.

Skills:

- Strong understanding of government operations, particularly in the education and child development sectors.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with government officials and other stakeholders.

- Strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to navigate complex policy environments and enhance program effectiveness.

- Project and program management expertise, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.

- Proficiency in data analysis and reporting, with the ability to use data to inform strategic decisions.

- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and project management tools.

- Fluency in English and Hindi (both written and spoken).

Other Requirements:

- Willingness to travel regularly for field visits and stakeholder meetings.

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Key Management:

- Manage relationships with multiple stakeholders within the Department of Women and Child Development and the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan.

- Liaise effectively with key departmental stakeholders, ensuring strong communication and collaboration.

- Establish and maintain clear communication channels to keep stakeholders informed about project progress, changes, and ground-level challenges.

Policy Implementation, Research, and Project Management:

- Conduct systematic research and strategic planning related to Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) policies in Odisha.

- Assist in budget planning and management for ECCE initiatives within the Department.

- Oversee and manage all aspects of project implementation, ensuring tasks are completed on time and within budget.

- Continuously monitor project progress, identify bottlenecks, and make necessary adjustments to ensure successful outcomes.

Data-Driven Decision Making and Documentation:

- Collect, analyze, and interpret relevant data to support informed decision-making and program adjustments.

- Assist the Department with data entry and maintain accurate records.

- Draft formal communications, including letters and reports, in Hindi and English, as required.

- Prepare and submit regular reports on project progress, challenges, and outcomes to government stakeholders.

- Use data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions and recommend adjustments to enhance program effectiveness.

Program Support and Field Visits:

- Ensure the smooth implementation of Rocket Learnings programs across districts in Odisha, with a focus on ECCE.

- Coordinate ECCE-related work at both the district and state levels to ensure alignment and effective execution.

- Conduct quarterly field visits to 2-3 districts to oversee new program launches, events, and engage with local stakeholders to address on-ground challenges.

Critical Factors for Success:

- Strong aptitude for analytical thinking and data-driven decision making

- Strong communication skills written and oral - along with ability to liaise with cross-functional teams

- Ability to handle multiple projects and tasks in an entrepreneurial environment

- Taking ownership in ambiguous situations

- User empathy and appreciation for challenges and opportunities of building a product for low-income smartphone users