Position Summary:
CSF is seeking a Program Manager (ECE, Academics) full-time based in Bhubaneswar to support the Project Management Unit (PMU) in driving a comprehensive foundational learning program. The role involves leading state-level academic initiatives, including the design and implementation of high-quality academic materials (such as teacher guides, workbooks, assessments, and educational videos), training plans, and mentoring protocols. With a balance of individual contribution and cross-functional collaboration, the Project Manager will play a key role in academic advocacy and program execution. This position requires regular coordination with the PMU and state government officials to strengthen classroom practices and improve student learning outcomes across critical academic workstreams. The core areas of contribution:
Roles and Responsibilities of the PM/SPM:
- Lead the design of state curriculum for foundational grades (including Learning Outcome Frameworks, Lesson Plans, Worksheets, Assessment Tools) and Teaching Learning Materials (TLMs) that align with the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS)-2022, and NIPUN Bharat Guidelines.
- Provide academic inputs to relevant stakeholders on pedagogical approaches for foundational grades.
- Design strategies/interventions to effectively teach multilingual and multigrade classrooms, involving research, pilot intervention, and scale-up.
- Identify and solve gaps in the academic design for foundational grades in the state.
- Develop Teacher Professional Development (TPD) strategies for the state, based on an understanding of the field realities and needs, and knowledge of evidence-based best practices across the globe.
- Conduct training of different stakeholders including teachers, Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs), block officials, and district officials.
- Design and implement a program for the onsite coaching and mentoring of teachers, including the capacity building of coaches/mentors.
- Support the SPMU in other critical workstreams such as monitoring, institutional structures, communication, and political salience.
- Enhance and update the academic knowledge of team members through appropriate forums/mediums.
- Prepare timely and accurate proposals and reports.
Required Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities
- Masters degree (preferably in education, development studies, public policy, and social sciences)
- Minimum 6 years of work experience preferably in the education sector demonstrating remarkable project delivery and stakeholder management including teaching experience.
- Prior experience working with state/district-level governance and institutional structures in designing/supporting academic and Teacher Professional Development (TPD) programs is highly desirable
- Ability to undertake field travel (schools, clusters, blocks, districts) for at least 10 days in a month
- Fluent in both Assamese and English with excellent written and oral communication skills. Proficiency in Bodo or Bengali will be an added advantage
- Strong skills in stakeholder management, problem-solving, and analytical thinking
- Excellent project execution skills, including the ability to break down tasks, adhere to timelines, balance multiple priorities at a time, and hold oneself and others accountable to deliverables
- Will to thrive in ambiguous and evolving environments
- A strong intent to solve educational problems at scale
