ECD Expert

Job Titles: ECD Expert

Organization: Vikramshila Education Resource Society

Locations: Kolkata

Tenure: 15 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 ECD Expert, you will lead early childhood development (ECD) interventions, ensuring the program aligns with best practices in play-based learning, inclusion, and community engagement. The candidate should have extensive experience in curriculum development, teacher training, and program design related to early childhood education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead role and responsibility in ensuring program alignment with relevant ECD framework, guidelines & policies (National & State)
• Seamless coordination with State program team, Vikramshila headquarter team, ECD experts and VLF team
• Conducting a policy landscape review, identifying gaps and opportunities of existing ECD frameworks, guidelines & policies in the States of UP and Odisha
• Development of relevant ECD operational guidelines, SOPs, and policy frameworks through consultative and iterative processes.
• Developing policy briefs, reports, and knowledge resources to inform decision-making.
• In coordination with the program team, develop evidence-based, relevant policy inserts and recommendations to strengthen ECD components in State ECD Mission in UP and Odisha.
• Managing the vetting process and final resource packaging submission for approval.
• Lead Responsibility for customizing Paalan 1000 parenting programme and incorporate parental wellbeing, responsive caregiving and early stimulation in First 1000 days program collaterals.
• Provide expertise and devise a strategic plan for setting up Knowledge resource centres at district & state level.
• Conceptualizing the establishment and activation of a Care Block in both districts to streamline the provision of ECD services
• Lead the consultation at state with respect to program collaterals
• Support dialogues, discussions and community participation in early childhood development under Pilot programme.
• Undertake additional assignments, which may be assigned from time to time by the reporting manager and authority.

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities:

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Development Studies, Social Work, or a related field.
• 10-12 years of experience in early childhood development (ECD) program design and implementation.
• Expertise in play-based pedagogy, inclusive education, and early learning frameworks, first 1000 days
• Experience in training Anganwadi workers, Asha Workers, ANMs, Supervisors, and government stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of child development principles and gender-transformative practices.
• Knowledge of government policies related to ICDS, ECCE, and foundational learning.
• Proven experience in developing training content and capacity-building frameworks.
• Strong research and documentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Hindi/Odia (or local language, if applicable).
• Ability to coordinate with government officials, NGOs, and other stakeholders to enhance program impact.

Compensation and Tenure:

Remuneration for this role will be in the range of 7 to 8.80 LPA and will depend on the candidate's qualifications and experience levels.

Application Process:

To apply for the position of ECD Expert, 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 ECD Expert."
• 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