Consultant - Open Contracting India Manager

Job DescriptionBackgroundOpen Contracting India (OCI) is a joint initiative by the Open Contracting Partnership (OCP, based in the USA) and CivicDataLab (CDL, based in India). It aims to make public procurement in India more accessible, effective and inclusive. We use the power of open data alongside participatory mechanisms to transform public procurement to deliver for people, planet and prosperity.

Our flagship project in India is all about breaking down silos, powering-up data-driven decision-making and implementing innovative reforms that better serve those in need. Our showcase intervention has been at greatest risk of floods. We developed an Intelligent Data Solution for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDS-DRR) which joins up government spending data with complex datasets spanning flood hazard, exposure and vulnerability. We have built an integrated digital platform for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data related to floods to improve coordination and decision-making so that government spending can be targeted toward those who need it the most.

Following a successful pilot in Assam, this new open contracting method for disaster management has scaled to Himachal Pradesh and Odisha with the support of the Rockefeller Foundation. Now, a new grant from The Patrick J McGovern Foundation means that we can scale to additional two states (Uttar Pradesh and Bihar) for implementation and explore more collaboration opportunities for other geographies.

Your RoleAs the Consultant - Open Contracting India Manager, you will support the implementation and expansion of the Intelligent Data Solution for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDS-DRR) across multiple states in India. Your role is crucial in ensuring the successful delivery and scaling of this project through effective project management, stakeholder engagement and extensive travel.

Work will involve:Project Management and implementation: Leading overall project delivery across Assam, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. This will involve coordinating with state governments, funding partners and key stakeholders to guarantee the seamless deployment and integration of IDS-DRR. You will be tasked with monitoring and evaluating the progress of the project, ensuring that deliverables are completed on time and that the IDS-DRR platform is continually improved. Additionally, you will oversee the documentation and reporting of the project's impacts, capturing lessons learned and best practices to guide future initiatives.

Multi-stakeholder engagement: Facilitating consultations with government officials, disaster management authorities, and other stakeholders to secure their buy-in and ensure local ownership of the IDS-DRR tool. Your responsibilities will also include conducting capacity-building sessions aimed at decision-makers and implementers to ensure the effective use of the IDS-DRR. Collaborating with local, national, and international partners, you will work to promote the project and its outcomes, fostering a network of support for scaling the initiative.

Institutional Reforms: Supporting the adoption of IDS-DRR and open contracting practices within government institutions, and work to integrate the tool into existing policy and operational frameworks. Engaging with the media, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders, you will raise awareness about the project and its benefits. You will also represent the project at national and regional forums, sharing insights and promoting the replication of the IDS-DRR model in other contexts.

Project sustainability. Working with OCP and CDL to Identify and pursue new partnership opportunities that align with the initiative’s mission and goals, especially focusing on scaling across the Union government and expanding our work to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, to explore replication of IDS-DRR and Indian states to open up and leverage public procurement data.

Other: As part of a relatively small team, you will be expected to take on various administrative and logistical tasks to ensure the smooth operation of the project. This could involve facilitating meetings, coordinating travel, and supporting other tasks that arise as needed. Your proactive approach will be essential in ensuring that all aspects of the project run efficiently and effectively.

Requirements

Requirements:A strong understanding of public finance, public procurement, administration and data-driven governance, open data, digital public goods and related issues including data as a digital public good is required.

Intimate understanding of political, social, and cultural contexts in India especially how/when it relates to governance, open data, and public finance related issues required

Proven track record of managing large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects with multidisciplinary teams, preferably in the public sector or international development, including designing and delivering projects to achieve impact, providing strategic and technical assistance, building capacities of partners.

Experience working with government institutions, particularly in disaster management and/or public financial management.

Demonstrable experience in leading projects and managing teams including working on social impact projects related to public finance reforms, data-driven governance, open data or other relevant field

Masters Degree or equivalent in public policy, economics, or other relevant discipline.

Experience working with bureaucrats and officials working in government departments, among other stakeholders.

Great interpersonal and relationship building skills, with stakeholders including philanthropic organizations, government officials, civil society organizations, think tanks, research institutions and private players.

Excellent project management, presentation, writing and problem-solving skills.

Knowledge of the Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) or Open Contracting for Infrastructure Data Standard (OC4IDS) is desirable

ReportingThe Consultant - India Project Manager

will report to Bernadine Fernz, OCP’s Head of Asia and

Infrastructure and Kabeer Arora, Initiative Lead, Climate Action Initiative, CivicDataLab

Benefits

Compensation and benefitsThe role will be compensated at INR 1,80,000 (monthly)

inclusive of tax and other benefits.

This will be a Delhi-based position, requiring frequent travels across partner states in India.Application ProcessThe hiring process averages around 4 weeks and consists of five simple steps:

Candidates apply with a detailed CV and a cover letter

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a small assignment (within a week).

First round interviews: Getting to know each other alongside a technical discussion.

Second (final) round interviews: Top 3 candidates invited based on first round results.

Offer made to preferred candidate.

Our Commitment to Diversity

We are committed to inclusive hiring and strongly encourage applicants from diverse and underrepresented gender and caste identities and/or socio-cultural backgrounds to apply for this fellowship. Our organizational policies are gender-neutral, including Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) policy.

We also know that long lists of criteria can be daunting and that some candidates will not apply for a role unless they feel they are 100% qualified. If you feel you meet at least some of the essential criteria below, we still encourage you to apply.

RequirementsRequirements: A strong understanding of public finance, public procurement, administration and data-driven governance, open data, digital public goods and related issues including data as a digital public good is required. Intimate understanding of political, social, and cultural contexts in India especially how/when it relates to governance, open data, and public finance related issues required Proven track record of managing large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects with multidisciplinary teams, preferably in the public sector or international development, including designing and delivering projects to achieve impact, providing strategic and technical assistance, building capacities of partners. Experience working with government institutions, particularly in disaster management and/or public financial management. Demonstrable experience in leading projects and managing teams including working on social impact projects related to public finance reforms, data-driven governance, open data or other relevant field Masters Degree or equivalent in public policy, economics, or other relevant discipline. Experience working with bureaucrats and officials working in government departments, among other stakeholders. Great interpersonal and relationship building skills, with stakeholders including philanthropic organizations, government officials, civil society organizations, think tanks, research institutions and private players. Excellent project management, presentation, writing and problem-solving skills. Knowledge of the Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) or Open Contracting for Infrastructure Data Standard (OC4IDS) is desirable Reporting The Consultant - India Project Manager will report to Bernadine Fernz, OCP’s Head of Asia and Infrastructure and Kabeer Arora, Initiative Lead, Climate Action Initiative, CivicDataLab

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