Position: Program Manager

Organization: Quest Alliance 

Location: Patna

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

Responsibilities

Implementing the State, District, Block and School activities as per program and project guideline

• Anchor the school strategy for the state and hold the operational plan for the year. This will include the following:

  • State liasioning: Being part of various networks and systems with other civil society organisations. Build and sustain the relationship with the SSA department positioning Quest’s work strategically with the education department’s priorities. 

  • Advocacy: Devise strategies and ensure integration of the different components of the school program like the Enrichment Program, Early Warning System, STEM curriculum, MasterCoach and HM leadership program in the state’s curriculum, teacher capacity building plan and frameworks 

  • District strategy - Build and sustain relationships with the different bodies at the district level - DIET, DEO’s office - be present in different district forums and advocate for adoption of program elements at the district level. Support the capacity building of different functionaries at the district level as per the demand of the district as a resource person 

  • School and block level demonstration - Anchor the strategy, design and plan for one school - Kalaunjar and ensure the implementation of the program strategies in Kalyanpur block. 

  • Participate in the program strategy and planning meetings and represent the state thought process 

State Strategy for the Youth Program

• Anchor the state strategy going deeper with needs and aspirations of young people in the regional and planning the work in line with that

• Working with ecosystem, project, and thematic leads closely and leading the integration of the strategic thought process around VTI and ITI ecosystem in the state and ensuring its customised for the region

• Diversify partner base for VTIs in line with strategic engagement models that are evolving

• Ensuring the work in the state with VTIs and  ITIs, is in line with the larger strategic thought process of FRSN and it’s governance model

• Ensure the expenditure across projects allocated for the state, in line with commitments to the donor.

• Ensure that there is a healthy and ongoing exchange between state teams on key learning, insights and best practices.

• Ensure delivery on the DET commitments in line with MoU commitments.

Program Design and Project Management 

• Using a consultative approach, support in designing and developing the program in line with the organizational goals, national framework and donor requirement 

• Support the program Lead in Developing the annual goals for Bihar and lead the development of the  annual operational plans 

• Lead the development of systems to ensure high quality delivery of the program managed

• Lead, Guide, mentor and support team during program review and design processes

• Conduct field visits to review program progress, sharing feedback as required

Support in  the conceptualisation in events conducted in the region

Grant Management 

• Ensure timely and accurate internal financial and narrative reporting to donor  

• Work in close coordination with the Grant management team for operational planning, review and donor reporting  

• Liaise with the finance, monitoring and evaluation teams and other teams engaged in the project to ensure timely development and submission of external reports  

• Support communications with donors and partners in collaboration with the B.D focal point.

• Ensure smooth coordination with all teams engaged in grant implementation for the project you are leading 

• Oversee the work of other teams related to the grant managed 

• Coordinating or organizing the donor visits 

• Support B.D team  in writing  proposal

• Represent quest Alliance in Donor meetings and forums 

Efficient Delivery and Program Quality :

• Work closely with the Finance team to develop project related budgets and review the reports in a timely manner

• Call out the M&E requirements to the Impact team and ensure there are systems and process in place to track progress and ensure donor reporting expectations are met 

• Ensure Budget Planning, Review and Management. 

• Ensure data management and tracking of all the M&E processes and data with program team at state and district level in coordination with Research and Impact team

• Support in the development of the research focus for the state 

• Work closely with the Communication focal point for print and social  media attention 

• Ensure the spending is kept within limits and there are no deviations. Ensure the donor budgets are utilized for their purposes. 

Relationship Management

• Ensure state level engagement with Government and Civil Society organizations including Coordination, review process, ongoing continuous communication such as BEPC, SCERT, Education Department, Zonal deputy director, Directorate of employment and training (DET) department.

• Ensure district level engagement with Government (Education and DET Department)  and Civil Society organizations including Coordination, review process, ongoing continuous communication 

• Ensure Media engagement at state, zone & District level and contribute to the Social media presence of the School and Youth program.

• Leading and Facilitating the process to build relationships with stakeholders

• Be the focal point for the State, Zone & District Officials and keep them informed about the progress of work and plan along with them.

• Support the program lead  in coordination and Liasoning with the Education and DET  department at state, zone and  district level.

• Manage electronic and print media networks at state, zone and  district level 

• Support and Ensure ongoing management of partnerships with the Education & DET department and other like minded organizations as necessary for effective, coordinated delivery at state, zone & district level.

• Represent Quest Alliance in District and state forums and platforms on education, adolescents, Skill development, and youth

• Be part of Sector facing Working Group and other relevant networks at state & district levels

• Ensure monthly and quarterly reporting of our activities to Education & DET Departments and participation as required in meetings and events