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Location: State Capital (Kolkata) | Frequent travel across states
Type: Full-time
Expected Start Date: As soon as possible
About Rocket Learning
Rocket Learning is a high growth ed-tech non-profit with the mission of catalyzing early childhood education and community engagement in India. We work with the central government and state governments and are currently impacting over 4 million children. Established by a passionate founding group (IIT, IIM, HBS, Rochester, MBB, start-up alumni) and backed by reputed funders, we are a diverse team of passionate, energetic and optimistic folks with a shared ambition of transforming India's education system.
About the Role
This is a high-ownership, mid-senior role at the intersection of government partnerships, policy design, and execution. The Senior Program Manager (SPM) State PMU will work closely with the Department of Women and Child Development / ICDS in the state and help drive Rocket Learning's work on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).
The SPM will work closely with senior government stakeholders, while also coordinating across Rocket Learning's internal teams (product, operations, policy, and research) to ensure effective implementation, scale-up, and institutionalization of ECCE initiatives.
This role is ideal for someone who can navigate government systems, drive execution, and contribute to shaping program strategy at the state level.
Key Responsibilities
Build and sustain trusted relationships with key government stakeholders in the state to strengthen the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) ecosystem.
Lead and manage the State PMU to support the design, implementation, and monitoring of ECCE-related initiatives in partnership with state departments.
Develop high-quality knowledge products such as briefs, strategy notes, presentations, review documents, proposals, and reports to support government decision-making and program implementation.
Collaborate closely with Rocket Learning's National Initiatives & Policy team, as well as functional and operational teams, to provide implementation inputs, document best practices, coordinate field visits, and support state-level priorities.
Use data and field insights to track progress and solve problems, ensuring that programs are implemented effectively and aligned with government priorities.
Demonstrate ownership, initiative, and agility, consistently delivering high-quality outputs in dynamic and unpredictable environments.
Key Outcomes
Strong partnerships with state and district government stakeholders
High-quality implementation of Rocket Learning's ECCE programmes in the state
Smooth coordination between government priorities and Rocket Learning's work
Stronger systems for monitoring, problem-solving, and program delivery
Progress towards improving ECCE outcomes for children aged 06 years
6-10 years of work experience in program management, policy, government partnerships, or implementation roles
At least 2-3 years of experience working closely with government departments or in a government-facing role
Bachelor's degree in public policy, economics, management, education, social sciences, or a related field
Master's degree is preferred
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
Strong writing and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and work well in a fast-paced environment
Comfort with data, reporting, and structured programme tracking
Fluency in English / Hindi / Bengali
Preferred Criteria
Experience in education, ECCE, child development, or related social sectors
Experience working with State Governments, especially WCD / ICDS / Education departments
Experience managing field implementation and state coordination
Willingness to travel regularly across districts in the state
Ability to work both independently and with cross-functional teams
Comfort working in dynamic and sometimes unpredictable government environments
Job ID: 145314141
