Program Lead

Job Titles: Program Lead

Organization: Vikramshila Education Resource Society

Locations: Kolkata, Fatehpur and Koraput

Tenure: 18 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 program lead, you will be responsible for leading the implementation of key initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and government policies. This role requires extensive experience in project management, team leadership, and collaboration with government bodies. The candidate should have a strong background in handling international projects and a deep understanding of government systems, budgeting, and public administration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Overall management and establishing full functionality of the State and District Technical Support Units as planned and ensuring program targets are met
• Establishing clear working relationship with key stakeholders at State and District level and ensuring flow of information, discussions and feedback among the various stakeholders of the program
• Lead responsibility to execute program activities including resource development & dissemination, devising action plans for program interventions, training & capacity building etc.
• Facilitation in preparation and implementation of the Theory of Change & Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning framework
• Design, technical implementation, and overall management of the MEL system, including digital monitoring, and conducting periodic assessments and six-monthly perception surveys.
• Responsible for overall reporting as required by VERS and VLF.
• All other matters relating to the implementation of the program at the state level.
• Assigning responsibilities to all the State and district-level program teams as specified and additional work as deemed necessary for the implementation of the program.
• Responsible for capacity transfer, handover planning and strengthening M&E systems during transitioning out
• Ensure the establishment of all committees and provide adequate technical and managerial support to facilitate effective program implementation
• Undertake additional assignments, which the reporting authority may assign from time to time.
• Identify and implement the strategy to scale up the programme

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities:

• Master’s degree in Rural Management, Public Policy, Public Administration, Development Studies, MBA or a related field.
• 15-20 years of experience in program management, preferably in the social sector.
• Proven experience in leading large teams (10-15 members).
• Strong background in working with government agencies, understanding government systems, policies, and budgets.
• Experience managing international projects and working with global stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Hindi/ Odia
• Experience in working with multilateral organizations, donors, or CSR-funded projects.
• Knowledge of public finance, policy advocacy, and government decision-making processes.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite, data analysis tools (such as SPSS/R/ any other)

Compensation and Tenure:

Remuneration for this role will be in the range of 12 to 13.20 LPA and will depend on the candidate's qualifications and experience levels.

Application Process:

To apply for the position of 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 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