Senior Program Manager

Overview on Human Resource Unit (HRU)CEGIS intends to collaborate with the Government of Odisha in establishing a Human Resource Unit (HRU).The HRU shall function as a dedicated think tank to enhance and strengthen HR practices across the state government. Its primary mandate shall be to drive comprehensive and integrated HR management within the state, focusing on recruitment, learning and development, and performance management systems. The HRU shall provide strategic direction and support to HR teams or Capacity Building Units (CBUs) across various line departments and ensure their alignment with state and national priorities, fostering a well-rounded HR ecosystem within the state government.HRU will be responsible for institutionalising the strategic work done by CEGIS in pioneering a competency-driven approach to Capacity Building. By prioritising competencies, CEGIS aims to bring clarity to the work done by officials and empower them to achieve better results. This translates to a shift in accountability from simply following processes to delivering tangible outcomes.Position SummaryWe are seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Program Manager (SPM) who can anchor the design, rollout, and institutionalisation of Learning & Development (L&D) and Performance Management System (PMS) solutions within the HRU. This role is critical in translating the HRUs strategic intent into operational programs, piloting and scaling solutions across departments, and supporting their alignment with Mission Karmayogi and the mandates of the Capacity Building Commission (CBC).In addition to leading technical interventions in L&D and PMS, the SPM will support the HRUs broader mandate by playing a key advocacy and coordination role with department heads, CBUs, and training institutes, fostering buy-in and driving implementation on the ground.The ideal candidate will understand competency as a concept and its wide application in the Human Resource Ecosystem. The candidate must also possess deep knowledge and understanding of how technology can be used in strengthening government systems. The candidate is expected to have a proven track record of using principles of systems thinking, stakeholder management and change management and is driven by a passion for creating meaningful impact in the capacity building of the state.Roles and ResponsibilitiesInstitutionalisation of competency-based HR Management (L&D and PMS)Oversee the design and rollout of competency-based frameworks for learning & development, and performance management across departments in alignment with Mission KarmayogiIdentify and address gaps in personnel capability, performance culture, digital infrastructure, and resource utilisation across departments.Drive the integration of PMS with learning and career progression to reinforce a culture of accountability and developmentDevelop and operationalise tools such as Annual Capacity Building Plans (ACBPs), performance frameworks, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and digital dashboards that integrate with platforms like the Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT)-Karmayogi platform and electronic Human Resource Management System (eHRMS)Liaison and management of relationships with Technology partners, administrative and state training institutes, learning content developers, etc, to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions.Enabling CBU FunctioningSupport the formation and operationalisation of CBUs in line departments in line with CBC mandates and Mission Karmayogi guidelines.Build CBUs capacity to carry out competency-based HR functions, such as creating job descriptions, issuing work allocation orders, building ACBPs and integrating performance management systemsLeverage data from personnel diagnostics and HR analytics platforms to enable CBUs to design tailored HR interventions and track progress.Facilitate knowledge sharing and cross-learning between CBUs through workshops, learning sessions, and collaborative forums.Project and Stakeholder ManagementAct as the key liaison between the HRU, line departments, central institutions such as CBC and SPV: Karmayogi Bharat, and external partners.Contribute to strategic planning on the implementation of L&D and PMS solutions with HRU leadership and CEGIS to maintain program coherence and drive long-term impact.Drives project planning, efficient resource allocation, goal tracking, risk identification and mitigation for seamless project executionManage and mentor a team of managers (s) and associates (s) to deliver time-bound, defined outputs and outcomes in alignment with the projects goalsLead advocacy efforts with senior bureaucratic and political leadership to build consensus and institutionalise customised HR reforms in the state contextBuild internal consensus and ownership through regular presentations, briefs, and review meetings with departments.Knowledge and Change ManagementLead the documentation of implementation journeys, challenges, and good practices across departments.Translate data insights and implementation experiences into compelling narratives to develop knowledge products (e.g., playbooks, policy briefs) and support scale-upIdentify context-relevant, high-impact use cases in HR reform, learning, and performance management and inform the strengthening of solutionsThink ahead with the leadership team to plan and prioritise the various activities and constantly link them to the broader goals of the program and organisation.Education and ExperienceDegree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, Public Policy, Social Work or a related field.8 to years of experience in a high-performing environment, focusing on human resource management, performance management or project management, preferably within the Indian government ecosystemPrior Experience of working on complex multi-stakeholder projects, especially with governments, donors, and research organisationsRequired CompetenciesThe competencies required to perform the above-mentioned roles and responsibilities are as follows:Functional CompetenciesSolution Design and Innovation: Applies design thinking and field insights to build, iterate and innovate scalable and comprehensive solutionsProject Management: Leads large-scale projects, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives through structured planning, resource optimisation, and performance trackingCommunication: Crafts compelling, targeted narratives to influence and drive system-wide buy-inProfessional and Leadership CompetenciesLeading Change: Drives systemic transformation aligned with strategic priorities using adaptive and inclusive approaches.Developing Others: Builds team capacity through mentorship, feedback, and enabling individual ownership.Collaborative Problem Solving: Fosters multi-stakeholder collaboration to resolve complex challenges and strengthen delivery.Relationship Building: Builds and leverages high-trust networks to align efforts, accelerate reforms, and resolve conflicts.Location and CompensationLocation: The role will be based out of Bhubaneswar. Travel to other states may be required.Remuneration will be competitive with Indian philanthropy and social sector pay scales and will depend on the candidates experience levels.Interested candidates are requested to submit their applications by clicking the apply button belowNote: CEGIS has zero tolerance for 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 for misconduct, appropriate action that may include employment termination would be taken. Please complete the details for self-declaration on the application form.Pre-reads for the application processPlease go through the following materials before sending in your application.CEGIS websiteCLOP Initiative websiteKarmayogi Bharat websiteConcept note on CEGISChapter of Accelerating India's Development: A State-Led Roadmap for Effective Governance by Prof. Karthik MuralidharanYou are also encouraged to read more of Prof. Karthik Muralidharans work here.