Position: Senior Program Manager, Youth Program

Organization: Quest Alliance

Location: Delhi

Apply: https://questalliance.zohorecruit.com/careers

Role Description

Program Design and Management

• Ensuring the regional work connects to the needs of the region as well as the larger program strategy. The team is aligned to a strong regional vision, rooted in the realities of the region.

• Being on top of youth development trends and realities, being reflective, connecting the dots and giving meaningful direction and feedback to the team

• Strong Perspective on the key thematics such as career development, 21st century skills, gender, employability skills and hence planning advocacy efforts and alignment with the program strategy. Hold the teams accountable on the same and drive thought leadership

• Being able to hold the scale and depth perspective at a regional level and being able to balance between the two

• Using a consultative approach, grow the program in line with the organizational goals and national framework

• Develop and incorporate program sustainability strategies into the existing and future programs and projects

• Ensure data that is generated from time to time is being looked at while making key decisions

Program Performance Management

• Ensure strong systems and processes are in place for operational excellence

• Work closely with other teams who are contributing to the program 

• Work with the monitoring and evaluation focal persons to develop monitoring and reporting systems aligned with Quest's Strategic Framework and Project MoUs

• Ensure reporting timelines and commitments are adhered to

• Guide and support program team during program review processes

Relationship Building 

• Build a thriving ecosystem of partners in the region and work towards making them into  a community of practice

• Develop, maintain and manage different stakeholders relationships at national level and manage state level engagements (if needed)

• Ensure ongoing management of partnerships with NGOs, CSOs and State governments as necessary for effective, coordinated delivery

• Interface with the donor(s) regularly 

• Support in writing proposals to grow the program

• Hold and facilitate group spaces for conversations

Developing and Managing budgets

• Development and management of regional budgets. 

• Monitor program budget to ensure that spending is kept within the budgeted amount

• Ensure that the existing finance procedures and policies are complied with

• Contribute to local fundraising as well fundraising for the Org/Program

Team Management

• Inspiring the team, build alignments that collaborate seamlessly, role model culture

• Ensuring work connects to the big picture and the larger program strategy, and supporting the team in doing the same

• Drive innovation mindset with the team

• Build a culture of learning and growth as well as regular reflections within the team

Requirements

Required Skills and Experience: 

• 10-12 years of work experience, in the development sector, preferably in the youth development and/or education sectors

• Hands on experience of working with NGOs

• Experience of managing projects, tight deadlines and teams of people for at least 5 years

• Strong communication skills, written and oral in English and local language. Strong negotiation skills and articulation are key

• Ability to questions things and ask good questions

• Post Graduate degree/ qualifications in Youth Development/ International Development/ Social work/ Rural Development or Related field would be preferred

• Ability to hold scale and depth perspective - at state/region level 

• Ability to build strong key stakeholder relationships and build external visibility and branding for the work

• Experience in managing M&E and project finances 

• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills in English and Hindi 

• Proven experience of networking and building relationships with government, NGOs and donors. Ability to train, build capacity of, and manage relationships with partner NGOs

• Excellent IT skills. Ability to troubleshoot, give direction

• Willingness to travel extensively

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with other teams