Senior Program Associate

Position: Senior Program Associate (SPA), Solution Delivery, GoI Initiative

Reporting to: Program Manager (PM), Solution Delivery, GoI Initiative

Location: New Delhi

Experience: 3-6 years

Project and Position Summary

We are seeking a SPA, Solution Delivery, Government of India (GoI) initiative to join our team in driving transformative, competency-based capacity building initiatives for public officials across India. The role involves providing analytical and operational support in piloting and implementing innovative solutions within the state/ MDO that help bridge competency gaps and strengthen HR practices.

The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of competency frameworks and their applications in learning and development. You will be responsible for conducting diagnostics, analysing data, developing reports and co-creating scalable solutions with government stakeholders.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of policy and practice, collaborating closely with senior public officials, donors, and implementation partners to shape the future of HR and governance reform in India. Its an ideal opportunity for someone who thrives in dynamic environments and seeks to create measurable, lasting impact in public service delivery.

Roles and Responsibilities

Research and Solutioning

• Conducts independent research, literature reviews, and root-cause analyses to identify L&D gaps within an MDO
• Conducts primary research (interviews, FGDs, surveys) with public officials to map roles, responsibilities, activities, associated competencies and relevant learning opportunities
• Collaborates in the co-creation of project-specific solutions to drive the implementation of capacity-building processes (role-competency mapping, Competency Assessment instruments, assessment reports, trainings/ workshops/ courses) by offering technical support
• Supports the Program Manager in diagnosing gaps in broader HRM systems and recommending innovative reforms

Data Management and Analysis

• Tracks and validates datasets from multiple sources for accuracy and reliability
• Analyses complex qualitative and quantitative data (such as data from training needs and competency gap assessments, course engagement and competency growth patterns) to generate actionable insights to inform targeted capacity building efforts
• Prepares reports, dashboards, policy briefs, and presentations to support decision-making
• Maintains and updates the database of competencies, assessments, and courses deployed within an MDO

Project and Knowledge Management

• Develops and prioritises work plans, ensuring accountability for timelines with minimal supervision and tracks project progress
• Supports the design, prototyping, and implementation of competency-based solutions across projects and state engagements
• Develops knowledge tools, training materials, and process guides based on field learnings to facilitate implementation
• Documents and codifies learnings, contributing to continuous improvement and institutional knowledge within the team

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Supports the team in identifying, engaging, and coordinating with key stakeholders across the MDO to enable effective solution delivery
• Facilitates communication and knowledge exchange by organising meetings, preparing and delivering presentations, briefs, and updates to internal and external stakeholders
• Builds and maintains productive working relationships with stakeholders, partner organisations and the team by ensuring regular interactions, capturing feedback, and identifying opportunities for deeper collaboration
  
  

Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in economics, public policy, social sciences, or a related discipline from a reputable institution
• 3-6 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in HRM, capacity building, or project management
• Prior exposure to government ecosystems or multi-stakeholder initiatives is strongly preferred

Required Competencies

The competencies required to perform the above-mentioned roles and responsibilities are as follows:

Domain Competencies

• Public Administration Understanding: Demonstrates basic understanding of Indias governance, policy landscape, data sources, and service rules
• Competency-based Learning and Development: Understands the components of the learning and development (L&D) cycle and uses competency to support L&D programs

Functional Competencies

• Research & Analytical Acumen: Ability to conduct research, interpret patterns, and synthesise information into findings
• Data Literacy & Analysis: Accurately interprets data, identifies patterns, and develops reports
• Project Management: Supports project delivery by drafting plans, coordinating resources, tracking timely deliverables, and maintaining documentation. Communication and Knowledge Practice: Communicates and documents ideas clearly across formats

Behavioural Competencies

• Leading Self: Takes ownership of tasks and ensures timely completion
• Learning Orientation: Seeks feedback, applies guidance, and adapts work practices to evolving needs
• Collaboration: Keen on building relationships, sharing responsibilities, and contributing effectively to team goals

Note

• The role will be based in New Delhi
• Proficiency in Hindi and English
• Remuneration will be competitive with Indian philanthropy and social sector pay scales, depending on the candidates experience levels
• CEGIS is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.

Pre-reads for the application process

Please review the following materials before submitting your application.

• CEGIS website
• CLOP Initiative website
• Karmayogi Bharat website
• Concept note on CEGIS
• Chapter 5 of Accelerating India's Development: A State-Led Roadmap for Effective Governance by Prof. Karthik Muralidharan
• You are also encouraged to read more of Prof. Karthik Muralidharans work here.