Program Manager

Position Summary:

Within CEGIS, the Outcome Measurement (OM) teams role is to support the institutionalisation of data-driven decision-making by setting up the required infrastructure and technical capacity with the Planning department and relevant line departments in the state. The Program Managers (OM) will play a crucial role in executing this vision in the state, working closely with both the OM technical team and the State team.

The Program Manager will oversee complex digital data collection operations, work with senior academics and government stakeholders to tailor research design and protocols to the local context, and ensure adherence to data quality protocols. Additionally, they will support the development of high-quality outputs summarising project progress, data analyses, and research findings for dissemination at various forums.

Role and Responsibilities:

Data Collection and Quality Control:

• Provides appropriate templates for gathering and quality controlling administrative data from relevant government line departments and front-line functionaries.
• Designs and administers questionnaires for data collection using tools like interviews and focus group discussions.
• Manages all primary, secondary, and administrative data by following data management and security protocols.
• Ensures adherence to data quality protocols, including auditing enumerators, monitoring data collection, and conducting data quality audits.
• Creates protocols on data sharing for validation of data sources and conducts verification checks to guarantee data reliability.
• Maintains records of data quality control processes and identifies areas for enhancing quality control processes.
• Replicates analyses and processes to verify the rigor and quality of project outputs.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Evaluates data quality, analyzes trends, and interprets findings using statistical software and analytical tools.
• Creates visual representations of data to enhance understanding and prepares data diagnostic reports.
• Reviews administrative data and conducts analysis as required.
• Develops high-quality outputs such as reports, analysis, etc., for dissemination at various forums.

Communication and Project Management:

• Communicates project updates, findings, and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Supports managers in developing effective engagement strategies with external stakeholders.
• Sets, assesses, and reports specific goals for self and remains receptive to feedback.
• Owns learning and focuses on self-development by seeking opportunities for growth.
• Demonstrates willingness to take up additional responsibilities and collaborate with team members based on project priorities.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:

• Collaborates with project delivery teams and stakeholders to ensure alignment of data diagnostics and analysis plans with project objectives.
• Supports the creation of technical notes, measurements, and analysis protocols for projects.
• Designs and supports smaller-scale survey operations in-house and supervises intricate digital data collection operations executed by external agencies.
• Assists in defining metrics and drafting project diagnostics reports after conducting feasibility studies.
• Engages in discussions with stakeholders to explore and understand use cases of ongoing interventions.

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities:

• Masters degree or equivalent in economics, statistics, public policy, engineering, social science, or related fields from a reputed institution.
• 4 to 7 years of relevant work experience, including extensive field research, managing evaluations, basic quantitative analysis, and managerial experience
• Experience in quantitative data management and analysis using STATA, R (strongly preferred), or Python programming
• Understanding of experimental and non-experimental research methods, including the design and implementation of field sample surveys
• Excellent problem-solving and strategic thinking skills, strong research aptitude, ability to analyze complex quantitative and qualitative data, and formulate solutions
• Excellent writing and communication skills to communicate complex ideas effectively within and outside the organization
• Demonstrated relationship-building ability and management of high-level relationships with partner organizations, ideally based on experience of working with Indian state governments
• Strong planning and organizational skills, ability to set priorities, plan timelines, and meet deadlines
• Passion for improving the effectiveness of Indian States, and alignment with CEGISs theory of change/impact
• Operating style suited to working independently and in a small-organization setting, where teamwork and resourcefulness are highly valued
• Ability to work under pressure, handle competing priorities, maintain attention to detail, and deliver high-quality outputs
• Ability to think creatively, willingness to take risks to experiment with new ideas, and ability to turn ideas into action
• High ability to collaborate and actively listen to others, understanding and valuing others views
• Versatility to be comfortable taking on different projects and quickly diving into new sectors

Location and Compensation

Location: 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 below

Note: 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 process:

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

• Concept note on CEGIS
• A glimpse into life at CEGIS - CEGIS Retreat 2024
• CEGIS Snapshot
• 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 and through his book Accelerating Indias Development: A State-Led Roadmap for Indias Development.