Senior Program Associate

Position: Senior Program Associate (SPA), Solution Development, Competency-based Learning & Development (L&D)

Location: New Delhi

Experience: 3- 6  years

Project and Position Summary

We are seeking a Senior Program Associate, Solution Development- L&D, to join our team in designing a transformative capacity-building initiative towards strengthening competency-based human resource practices for public officials. The role involves providing analytical and operational support in solution design, contextualisation, implementation and codification, by building frameworks, tools, and knowledge products that enable systemic reform.

The ideal candidate brings a strong ability to synthesise research and analyse datasets by reviewing policies and global best practices to translate evidence and insights into actionable models that can be piloted, refined, and institutionalised with MDOs.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of policy and design thinking, collaborating closely with domain experts, public officials and partner institutions, to convert concepts into usable, scalable, and contextually relevant solutions that drive systemic improvement in public service delivery and strengthen institutional capacity over time. It is ideal for individuals who thrive on intellectual rigour, creative problem-solving, and the pursuit of long-term institutional reform.

Roles and Responsibilities

Research and Solutioning (Competency-based Learning and Development)

• Conducts literature reviews, policy analysis, benchmarking exercises, and diagnostic studies, drawing on national frameworks (such as Mission Karmayogi), policies and global standards to formulate problem statements in the existing learning and development landscape
• Synthesises findings from research, data, and field insights to create evidence-based recommendations to improve the design and delivery of capacity building processes
• Assists in the development of a competency framework, role-competency mapping exercises, training needs assessments, and the design of targeted learning and development interventions (using established learning frameworks such as Blooms Taxonomy, adult learning principles, and instructional design methodologies)
• Supports the conceptualisation and prototyping of frameworks, workflows, tools, and models to facilitate the pilots, iterations and large-scale implementation of L&D initiatives within an MDO
• Monitors policy updates, regulatory changes, and trends in HR, ed tech and capacity-building practices to ensure solutions are scalable, contextually appropriate, and aligned with evolving government priorities

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 and course completion, and course quality, competency growth patterns) to generate actionable insights on improving the quality of assessment tools and courses
• Prepares reports, dashboards, policy briefs, and presentations to support decision-making
• Maintains and updates the database of competencies, assessments, and courses, and assists with onboarding assessment and course providers as needed

Project and Knowledge Management

• Develops work plans, ensuring accountability for timelines with minimal supervision and tracks completion of project milestones
• Develops knowledge tools, templates, training materials, and process guides to facilitate effective dissemination and implementation of the solution
• Supports the state delivery teams in the planning, implementation and monitoring of competency-based solutions across projects and state engagements
• Documents and codifies learnings from pilot initiatives and internal reviews, contributing to solution testing, refinement and institutional knowledge creation

Collaboration and Team Engagement

• Supports the team in coordinating with internal verticals, delivery teams and partner organisations to align solution design objectives with implementation needs
• Facilitates communication and knowledge exchange by organising meetings, workshops, and presentations to share progress, feedback, and insights on solution development and maturity
• Builds and maintains productive working relationships with internal and external subject matter experts, assessment and content providers, by ensuring regular interactions, capturing inputs, and identifying opportunities for co-creation and refinement of solutions
  
  

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: Understands Indias governance and policy landscape to ensure solutions are contextually relevant and aligned with governmental priorities
• Competency-based Learning and Development: Understands the components of the learning and development (L&D) cycle, adult learning frameworks and methodologies to support L&D programs

Functional Competencies

• Research & Analytical Acumen: Ability to conduct research, interpret patterns, and synthesise information into findings
• Data Analysis & Insights: Accurately interprets data, identifies patterns, and develops reports
• Solution Design and Innovation: Understands design thinking principles to support the development of solution prototypes
• Communication & Knowledge Practices: 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.