Program Manager

Job Description

Position: Program Managers

Organization: The STEP Foundation

Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Contract: 6 months (with possibility of extension)

Experience: 2 - 5 years

Overview

Within STEP Foundation, the UP Skill Connect Cell has been conceptualized to bridge the gap between industry demand and workforce supply in the state. The Program Manager will play a pivotal role in setting up and operationalizing the Cell within Invest UP, working closely with government departments, industry stakeholders, and training institutions.

The Program Manager will manage research, industry consultations, and data analysis to generate actionable insights on talent supply and demand. Additionally, they will coordinate with ecosystem partners to strengthen workforce planning, and prepare outputs for decision-makers at various forums.

Role and Responsibilities

Talent Mapping and Data Analysis

• Collect and analyze data on workforce availability across ITIs, polytechnics, universities, and skilling institutions.
• Map geographic distribution of talent across districts and industrial clusters.
• Segment and assess workforce by skill levels (unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled) and competencies (technical, digital, soft skills).
• Prepare insights and reports on workforce supply for use by government and industry stakeholders.

Industry Demand Assessment

• Engage with existing and incoming industries to capture role-wise hiring requirements.
• Identify workforce needs across high-priority sectors (e.g., textiles, electronics, logistics, green energy).
• Track short and medium-term demand to align workforce strategies with investment opportunities.

Gap Identification and Reporting

• Compare workforce supply with industry demand to highlight mismatches by geography, sector, and role.
• Support Invest UP in identifying agencies that can bridge hiring and training gaps.
• Generate concise reports, briefs, and presentations to inform policy and investment decisions.

Stakeholder Engagement and Project Management

• Act as the coordination point between Invest UP, government departments, industries, and training providers.
• Support review mechanisms and strategic discussions with Invest UP leadership and TCF.
• Ensure timely project delivery, progress tracking, and documentation.
• Communicate updates and insights effectively to diverse stakeholders.

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelors degree in economics, public policy, management, engineering, or related fields (Masters preferred but not mandatory).
• 2 to 5 years of relevant work experience in program management, consulting, industry engagement, or government-facing roles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights.
• Prior exposure to workforce development, skilling, industry clusters, or government projects is desirable.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English and Hindi.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality outputs.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to work collaboratively with senior officials, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners.
• Comfort with field visits and travel across districts.
• Operating style suited to a small, fast-paced team with high ownership and resourcefulness.
• The PM will directly report the Invest UP Cell Team Lead