Deputy Program Lead

Job Titles: Deputy Program Lead

Organization: Vikramshila Education Resource Society

Locations: Fatehpur (UP), Koraput (Odisha)

Tenure: 17 months

About the Organization:

Vikramshila Education Resource Society, a non-profit organization established in 1989, is dedicated to enhancing school education, particularly early childhood education, literacy, numeracy, and primary and secondary learning. With a focus on curricular and co-curricular areas, Vikramshila with state systems to drive curricular reform, resource development, capacity building, and on-the-ground model creation for strategic, demonstration, and scaling initiatives. Headquartered in Kolkata, Vikramshila operates field offices in Lucknow, Guwahati, Pune, Ranchi, and Patna, impacting schools, Anganwadi centres, madrasas, and community learning centres across West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.

Position Overview:

Vikramshila, in partnership with the Van Leer Foundation (VLF), has been working on the First 1000 Days Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiative in two aspirational districts of Fatehpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Koraput (Odisha) since 2022. The initiative focuses on strengthening the ECD ecosystem during the critical window from conception to age three, with a strong emphasis on responsive parenting and early stimulation.

In the first phase, Vikramshila supported the development of intersectoral coordination mechanisms, capacity building of frontline workers, and resource materials, including storytelling cards, demonstration tools, and activity calendars for families.

Building on the learnings from Phase I, the project is now entering Phase II, with an expanded focus on institutionalization of ECD systems at both district and state levels, integration of Paalan 1000 into routine service delivery, and scaling of best practices. This initiative seeks to mainstream nurturing care practices into public systems through advocacy, convergence, and sustainable capacity building — ensuring that every child receives the care and support they need in the most critical period of their life.

As the Deputy Program Lead, you will be responsible for overseeing program implementation at the district level, ensuring effective coordination with government departments and stakeholders. This role requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and the ability to drive program execution while maintaining quality and compliance standards. The candidate should have experience in government liaising, project management, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operationalize and effectively implement the First 1000 Days program in the pilot districts, focusing on improving the availability and quality of services.
• Monitor and address any gaps in service delivery, ensuring that programs are reaching the intended beneficiaries.
• Identify and implement strategies to improve the quality of care, including training and on-site skills building for healthcare providers.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with district-level government officials, development partners, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Support Program Manager to develop sensitization plan for other development departments like Health, Social Welfare, PRI, Education, State Rural Livelihood Mission, and Local NGOs.
• Participate in relevant district meetings and forums to ensure alignment and collaboration.
• Provide technical support to Program Manager and Govt. Engagement Lead, ensuring they are equipped to strongly advocate for program activities at State level.
• Ensure the accurate collection and use of data to monitor program performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Utilize data to inform decision-making and resource allocation.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of data-driven management systems.
• Provide training and support to district staff to enhance their skills and knowledge around First 1000 Days program.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve the capacity of district-level institutions.
• Coordinate activities with other District steering committee and other stakeholders.
• Ensure effective communication and information flow between the state team and district team.
• Undertake joint field visits with District steering committee, Vikramshila team and other development partners for regular learning.
• Document best practices and learning from pilot interventions and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
• Undertake additional assignments, which may be assigned from time to time by the reporting authority/ Program Manager.

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities:

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Development Studies, or a related field.
• 10-12 years of experience in program implementation, preferably in the education or social development sector.
• Proven experience in managing teams at the district level (prior involvement in ECD initiatives will be considered an added advantage)
• Strong understanding of government structures, policies, and implementation mechanisms.
• Experience in engaging with district and block-level government officials.
• Strong problem-solving, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Hindi (or local language, if applicable).
• Experience in working with monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks and data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Compensation and Tenure:

Remuneration for this role will be in the range of 9 to 10 LPA and will depend on the candidate's qualifications and experience levels.

Application Process:

To apply for the position of Deputy Program Lead, please follow the application process outlined below:

• Prepare your application: Update your CV and write a Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications, and motivation for applying. Be sure to demonstrate your understanding of the role and how your skills align with the responsibilities.
• Email your application: Send an email to recruitment.vikramshila@gmail.com. In the subject line of your email, please write "Application for the Position of Deputy Program Lead."
• Attach your CV and Cover Letter to the email as separate documents.
• Please provide the names and contact details of two professional references who can speak for their qualifications and work experience
• Application deadline: 11 June

Safeguarding and Code of Conduct:

Vikramshila is committed to a Safeguarding Policy, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, and Code of Conduct. As an applicant, you are expected to adhere to these principles, and the organization has a zero-tolerance policy in this regard.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Vikramshila is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. The organization is committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of individuals from diverse backgrounds. We appreciate your interest in joining our team. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further evaluation. If you do not receive a response within two weeks from the submission of the application, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion. Thank you for your understanding.

Note:

All personal data collected during the application process will be treated confidentially and used solely for recruitment purposes.

Job Email ID:

recruitment.vikramshila(at)gmail.com