Senior Program Associate

About Personnel Management Vertical

To enhance the effectiveness of government work in India, CEGIS' Personnel Management team is pioneering a competency-driven approach to Capacity Building. This shift addresses a significant challenge wherein the existing system prioritises strict adherence to rules linked to specific offices rather than attaining the desired outcomes. While this can limit the autonomy of frontline staff and managers, potentially hindering accountability for results, the innovative approach actively seeks to empower individuals and cultivate a results-oriented culture. This approach ensures the establishment of a more impactful and accountable government framework.

Purpose statement of PM Vertical: We believe that empowered, equipped and future-ready government officials are crucial to achieving citizen-centric service delivery.

We work with central, state, and local governments to actualise their human capital by improving human resource management practices and organisational effectiveness. Supporting governments in undertaking these reforms will result in improved execution capacity and a fulfilling career journey for government officials.

The competency-driven approach focuses on the skills, knowledge, and attitudes required for specific government roles. By prioritising these 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.

The Personnel Management team achieves this through three key workstreams.

1. Competency-Based Recruitment: Ensures that the right people are selected for the job, bringing the necessary skills on board from the outset.
2. Competency-Based Capacity Building (Learning & Development): Equipping government officials with the ongoing training and development they need to excel in their roles.
3. Revamped Performance Management System: Evaluating and improving individual and team performance based on achieving defined goals, rather than just adherence to procedures.

Engagement in Odisha: The PM vertical is supporting the Gopabandhu Academy of Administration (GAA) and key state departments, including Health, Women & Child Development, Livelihoods, and Urban Development, to strengthen workforce capabilities and service delivery. A key initiative is the establishment of a Human Resource Unit (HRU), which will advise and guide Institutional Capacity Building Units (iCBUs) within line departments, standardising HR systems, driving competency-based learning, and integrating performance management reforms with platforms like iGOT Karmayogi. The initial focus will include end-to-end demonstration in the Department of Women & Child Development, targeting key positions such as Aanganwadi Workers, Aanganwadi Helpers, ICDS Supervisors, and CDPOs, to enhance service delivery in the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program.

This engagement exemplifies CEGISs approach to building a future-ready, accountable, and high-performing state workforce that contributes to the strategic goals of Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Position Summary
We are seeking a dynamic Senior Program Associate (SPA) - Project Delivery (Personnel Management), Odisha, to provide the analytical and operational horsepower to drive this ambitious reform. You will conduct diagnostics, analyse data, facilitate workshops, co-create solutions such as competency frameworks, and maintain strong engagement with state government stakeholders. Reporting to the Program Manager, you will play a crucial role in translating ideas into implementable reforms that strengthen Odishas public service delivery and contribute to the vision of Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Roles and Responsibilities

Data Management and Analytics

• Track and validate datasets from multiple sources for accuracy and reliability.
• Analyse complex qualitative and quantitative data to generate actionable insights.
• Prepare reports, dashboards, policy briefs, and presentations to support decision-making.

Research & Solutioning

• Conduct independent research, literature reviews, and root-cause analyses.
• Collaborate in the co-creation of project-specific solutions (e.g., Competency Profiles, Competency Assessment Frameworks).
• Support the Program Manager in diagnosing gaps in existing HRM systems and recommending reforms.

Project Management

• Develop and prioritise work plans, ensuring accountability for timelines with minimal supervision.
• Conduct baseline assessments, facilitate workshops, and track implementation progress.
• Identify risks, flag challenges, and adapt delivery plans to stakeholder feedback.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Map and engage relevant stakeholders across departments (e.g., WCD, Health).
• Organise meetings, consultations, and workshops to align on project milestones.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with mid-level officials and partner organisations.

Education & Experience

1. Bachelors degree in economics, public policy, social sciences, or a related discipline from a reputable institution.
2. 36 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in government projects, HRM, capacity building, or project delivery.
3. Prior exposure to government ecosystems or multi-stakeholder initiatives is strongly preferred.

Note

1. The role will be based out of Bhubaneswar
2. Remuneration will be competitive with Indian philanthropy and social sector pay scales, depending on the candidates experience levels.

Pre-reads for the application process

Please go through the following materials before sending in your application.

• CEGIS website | CLOP Initiative website | Karmayogi Bharat website
• Concept note on CEGIS
• 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.