Information Technology Project Manager

Location: Kolkata, with travel to project sites as required

Type: Full-time, Project-based Contract (minimum 2 years)

Reports to: Project Director, Mukti

About Mukti

Mukti is a leading NGO working in the Sundarbans and beyond for over 21 years, implementing large-scale development and technology projects with national and international partners. Mukti is the lead implementing partner for the prestigious Virtual Herbarium Project along with other Vendors and Sponsors, responsible for digitizing millions of botanical records and enabling future-ready biodiversity research.

Role Overview

The IT Project Manager will be responsible for end-to-end management and delivery of Mukti's Virtual Herbarium Project. This includes planning & execution of project, vendor coordination, stakeholder management (Multi-vendors platform), fund management oversight, risk mitigation, and ensuring timely delivery of digitization, AI/ML tools, GIS integration, mobile applications, training programs, and reporting.

The position demands strong IT project management expertise, vendor contract handling, reporting discipline, and leadership skills to safeguard Mukti's accountability and reputation.

Key Responsibilities

1.     Project Planning & Execution

·      Develop and monitor detailed project plans, timelines, and deliverables.

·      Ensure digitization of herbarium specimens and delivery of all software modules (DBMS, AI/ML, GIS, Mobile App) within agreed scope.

·      Coordinate AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract) and ensure service continuity.

2.     Vendor & Contract Management

·      Act as primary interface with software vendors.

·      Ensure back-to-back contract compliance so Software Vendors obligations mirror Mukti's commitments to Sponsor.

·      Negotiate penalties, indemnities, and manage change requests (CRs) effectively.

3.     Financial Accountability

·      Support Mukti's finance team in fund flow management.

·      Track project budgets, vendor invoices, and ensure transparency for Sponsor and Mukti's audits.

·      Flag risks of cost overruns or payment delays.

4.     Stakeholder Coordination

·      Facilitate collaboration among Sponsor, Beneficiaries, and technical vendors.

·      Provide fortnightly project updates and coordinate review meetings.

·      Ensure hardware procurement, custody, and final transfer to beneficiaries.

5.     Risk & Issue Resolution

·      Anticipate risks (financial, legal, operational, reputational) and develop mitigation plans.

·      Resolve issues related to data quality from stakeholder and ensure dependencies are addressed.

·      Manage cloud hosting continuity planning beyond initial funding.

6.     Reporting & Compliance

·      Deliver timely and accurate progress, financial, and compliance reports to Sponsor and other stakeholders.

·      Ensure audits, closure documentation, and final system handover are properly executed.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's/Master's degree in IT/Computer Science/Project Management or related field.

–10 years of proven experience managing large-scale IT projects (preferably in NGO, GovTech, or system integration roles).

Strong knowledge of software development life cycle (SDLC), vendor management, and cloud hosting.

Experience in contract management, AMC oversight, and risk management.

Familiarity with AI/ML, GIS, and database projects desirable.

PMP/Prince2/Agile certifications will be an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

Excellent project management & leadership skills.

Strong negotiation and vendor management ability.

High financial discipline and reporting accuracy.

Ability to manage multi-stakeholder communication (sponsor, beneficiary, vendor).

Problem-solving under pressure, with strong risk awareness.

Commitment to Mukti's mission and ability to work in non-profit accountability frameworks.

What We Offer

Opportunity to lead a nationally significant biodiversity project with cutting-edge IT components.

Exposure to high-level stakeholders (Govt/Non-Govt Organizations, national research ecosystem).

Competitive salary aligned with NGO sector leadership positions.

A chance to contribute to science, technology, and social development at scale.