Swaniti Initiative - Senior Project Officer

About the Organization

Swaniti Initiative is a non-partisan, social enterprise that delivers development solutions to policymakers and representatives. Swaniti works with State Governments and Parliamentarians across 17 states. Swaniti supports addressing the issues of health, education, gender, water, sanitation, climate change, and livelihood. We work through a three-pronged approach: provide research support on key government programs and initiatives, on-ground implementation insights for delivery of public service, and technological intervention to improve service delivery

Position Summary

We are looking for a passionate and experienced professional who is keen on working closely with the government in catalyzing change in some of the most vulnerable communities and regions of India. The chosen candidate shall work as part of a five-member Planning and Monitoring Unit (PMU) that shall work with the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) to monitor, plan for and implement development works in mining-affected regions. The senior project officer shall focus on streamlining the overall execution of activities in collaboration with the District Administration and will be responsible for maintaining linear reporting to Swaniti Initiative.

Qualifications

- Candidates should have a Master's degree from a recognized University/Institute or an MBA or equivalent from a recognized Premier University/Institute. Candidates must have at least 2+ years of work experience in the Development sector. Preference will be given to candidates possessing experience of working in project management roles preferably in the development sector.

Responsibilities -

- Responsible for maintaining cohesive functioning of the Planning and Monitoring Unit (PMU) in close collaboration with the Team Lead.

- Build and maintain a high-performing team in the PMU.

- Supporting the team lead in effective program management, managing human and financial resources to effectively achieve the objectives of the DMF.

- Collaborate and conceptualize a wide range of innovation projects for improved public service delivery.

- Carry out a diagnostic study to understand the socio-economic conditions in mining-affected villages and analyze the impact (or deficit) of existing government schemes.

- Conduct participatory planning and need assessment exercises in all mining-affected villages in the district.

- Facilitate Gram Sabhas and organize discussions on development issues in the village/Panchayat.

- Arrange the village-wise - list of projects into Annual Action Plans, based on the immediate and long-term priorities, as determined by the people in the mining affected villages.

- Evaluate projects submitted by different stakeholders to be taken up under District Mineral Foundation (DMF).

- Converge with various line DMF(T) administrations to improve the effectiveness of interventions on the community

- Facilitate the approval of the Annual Action Plans in the Managing / Executive Committee and Governing Board of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).

- Oversee the implementation of the approved projects, through regular field visits and raise flags at appropriate levels in case of potential delays or cost overruns.

- Promote community-based monitoring tools like Social Audit of projects executed under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).

- Undertake action research to discover more appropriate ways of doing things under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).

- Demonstrate the effectiveness of various projects taken up under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) on the lives of the mining-affected communities through various communication mediums.

- Prepare documentation of success stories, lessons learn, and impact at periodic intervals.

- Report to the Chief Executive Officer, (District Collector/ Deputy Commissioner Cum Member Secretary) District Mineral Foundation (DMF)/ Deputy Development Commissioner/ District Planning Officer, and District Mining Officer.

- Any other duties may be assigned.

Competencies and Skills

- High integrity and ethical standards.

- Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships.

- Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze information and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

- Ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently, articulate issues, and recommend solutions.

- Competency in the usage of IT tools including proficiency in MS Office suite.

- Strong oral and writing skills in English.

- The ability to communicate in Hindi is desirable.

Job-Type: Full-time

Remuneration: Commensurate with the experience and market standards

Joining: As soon as possible