Associate Director

Job Description: Associate Director Regional Operations

About the Organization

Air Pollution Action Group (A-PAG) was set up in 2019 by Ashish Dhawan (Founder and Chairperson, Ashoka University and Central Square Foundation), Vijay Chadda (previously CEO of Bharti Foundation) and Mohit Beotra (previously Chief Brand Officer of Airtel). A-PAG is a past member of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining regions.

A-PAG is focused on strategic implementation of solutions to combat air pollution and has created a niche for itself within the broader ecosystem in the last 2 years. A-PAG works with Government on a pro-bono basis; we have made significant progress with programs at the National as well as State level. Some of our projects are as follows:

1. In Delhi, we are engaged with the Municipal Corporation on a massive program aimed at dispersed sources. This covers all ~250 wards across the city.
2. In Uttar Pradesh (UP) we have programs running in 7 cities across the state. This relationship is expected to be extended to all 17 non-attainment cities in the state. We have recently started a pilot program on EV adoption in NOIDA.
3. As part of our program with Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BPSCB), we are active in Patna, Muzaffarpur & Gaya. Various initiatives are underway to address air pollution across the state of Bihar.
4. We work in Gurgaon & Faridabad in partnership with the Municipal Corporation.
5. We are in the process of launching our programs in AP and Odisha.
6. We have a PMU based at the Central Pollution Control Board, which is helping CPCB drive effectiveness of the National Clean Air Program (NCAP).

A-PAG works by placing multiple Project Management Units (PMUs) that work closely with Government departments to ensure success against air pollution.

About the Role

A-PAG is seeking a person to oversee operations in various geographies. As Operations Head - you will lead our efforts in the states that you oversee to ensure direct impact on air pollution over a 35-year period. This is a dynamic opportunity where you will work closely with A-PAG senior leadership, Government officials, State Pollution Control Boards and other partners to have a direct impact on solving the air pollution crisis.

Essentially, you need to make things happen - your primary responsibilities are as follows:

1. Developing the right strategy: Based on an understanding of air pollution issues, you would need to devise & recommend the strategy to be followed in the state. City Action Plans will be a key input, as will be mitigation actions for sources that impact pollution state wide. Our challenge is to have a set of priority actions that we focus on implementing effectively. You would need to work closely with the strategy team based in Delhi.
2. Driving Government engagement: Ranging from Chief Secretary to Secretary Environment to Municipal Commissioners etc, our work requires us to deal with Government officials at very senior levels. You would be expected to manage these & myriad other Government relationships in a manner that ensures that A-PAG is recognized as a professional & effective partner. This is of primary importance.
3. Ensuring effective project management: All our programs are be backed by strong project management to ensure timely & effective implementation. You need to instil a discipline of good project management among our team. You need to control delivery through teams based in the states that you will be running.
4. Leading the team: In each state we would have a sizeable team to manage operations locally. Currently, for instance, we a 9-member team each in Delhi & UP, a 5-member team in Bihar and a 4-member team overseeing our work in Haryana. Lead such teams effectively is a key expectation of this role, which includes identifying & recruiting the right talent.
5. Managing partnerships: Our strategy involves banking on partners for their technical expertise. You would be expected to play a key role in partnerships that are triggered to drive action in the states.

The role reports directly to the CEO. A key expectation is that you will set the pace; the CEOs direct involvement in the regions you oversee will be determined by you. The right candidate should aspire to grow into the role of COO at A-PAG over 2 years.

Eligibility

1. Masters degree in relevant fields, including business or development sector management, environmental studies or public policy with a strong track record of good academic performance
2. 18+ years of work experience with managerial responsibilities, demonstrating excellent project delivery and relationship development skills. Previous experience working alongside Government would be helpful, but is not essential.
3. Experience working in the space of environment/air pollution would be preferred again it is not essential however, passion to solve the air pollution crisis in India is critical.

Skill Sets Required

1. Entrepreneurship success in this role depends heavily on your making things happen on the ground.
2. Ability to work alongside senior Government officials, while being able to convince them to accept our recommendations.
3. Team management is key you will need to lead a fairly large team and keep them motivated & excited.
4. Project Management skills are needed to ensure programs are delivered against agreed timelines with requisite quality.
5. Ability to learn quickly air pollution is a relatively nascent space and new knowledge is constantly emerging which we need to understand & utilize to our benefit.

Location

Delhi but the role requires regular travel to the cities we work in.

Compensation

Will be commensurate with the best within social sector norms.