Program Manager, Hunar Sikhia Schools, Punjab

Salary: 08+ LPA

About The Education Alliance

The Education Alliance (TEA), registered as the Network for Quality Education Foundation, is a non-profit organisation established in 2014 with a vision to ensure equitable access to quality education for every child in India. In line with this vision, TEA works as a system reform organisation, focusing on strengthening public education systems and creating access to learning-ready schools for every child.

TEA believes that access to learning-ready schools with strong infrastructure, adequate teacher deployment, effective leadership, and robust instructional systems in place, is essential to ensuring quality education for children.

Currently operating across five states Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand,  TEA is supported by a dedicated team of 40+ young professionals committed to driving meaningful change in the education sector.

Why TEA?

• Drive meaningful change in the education system by contributing to large-scale, statewide reform projects.
• Collaborate closely with top government leaders, including ministers and IAS officers, shaping the future of education in India.
• Work in a certified Great Place To Work® that values positivity, purpose, and people.
• Benefit from progressive policies that prioritize well-being, flexibility, and professional development.
• Build a fulfilling career with opportunities for growth, learning, and impact in the not-for-profit sector.
• Live our core values: Build Together, Rise Above, Take Charge, and Chase Perfection.

About: Hunar Sikhia Schools (HSS):

In Punjab, approximately 2.5 Lakh students leave the government school system annually with around 1.5 Lakh entering the workforce immediately post-school. The government of Punjab is enhancing school-to-work vocational education by establishing Hunar Sikhia Schools (Schools of Applied Learning).

The HSS program represents a strategic effort to enhance the state’s skill-based education offerings for Grade 11 and 12 students. Building upon the foundations laid by existing national schemes such as the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and traditional state schemes, HSS aims to deliver a more comprehensive, industry-aligned approach to skill development. This program seeks to equip students with practical, job-ready competencies that enable a seamless transition into the workforce or further educational pursuits in their chosen trade.

The project focuses on three key areas:

1. Reforming Vocational Trades: This involves rationalising existing vocational offerings and introducing industry-relevant in the state through collaboration with industry experts. To deepen skill sets provided in vocational courses, a new curriculum closely aligned with industry expectations is being envisioned.
2. Upgrading resources to enable effective vocational education: Enhancing the capabilities of school teachers to transact the curriculum effectively, building and modernizing infrastructural facilities to improve overall skill training.
3. Building Industry-School Synergy: Establishing a sustainable relationship between industries and schools, ensuring a seamless transition from education to employment.

The goal is to create a vocational education system that aligns with the needs and aspirations of students, equipping them with industry-relevant skills and facilitating their smooth transition into the workforce.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Curriculum Review and Implementation:

• Facilitate workshops and focus group discussions with industry experts, trainers, and students to gather input and feedback on curriculum development.

• Work with curricular experts to review curriculum, assessments, training plans, etc. and provide ongoing support and training to ensure effective delivery.

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the vocational curricula and make necessary adjustments.
• Ensure curricula meet educational standards and regulatory requirements.

Support program strategy and approach

• Support State Head and external partners’ team on designing program strategy and creating an action plan for state transformation based on on-ground learnings
• Conduct research and analysis (both quantitative and qualitative) to develop the team’s understanding of system problems, evidence-based solutions, and innovations in the sector
• Design an M&E framework with clearly defined performance indicators, targets, and milestones

On-ground implementation and monitoring

• Oversee and guide associates on specific verticals in executing the program strategy
  Coordinate with partners (government officials, TEA team, partner organizations, etc.) to deliver on program objectives.
• Enable implementation partners, including government officials, to meet outcome, budget, and timeline targets.
• Ensure availability, timely deployment, and efficient utilization of resources
• Identify operational bottlenecks and weaknesses, wherever applicable, and devise work-around strategies
• Track program progress on key indicators according to the M&E framework
• Ensure the quality of documents prepared by TEA team members, including reports, presentations, proposals, etc.

Communication & Documentation

• Documentation and communication related to program achievements/outcomes and program implementation through concept notes, presentations, reports, approval letters, etc.
• Documentation on on-ground learnings and knowledge received from external partners to support TEA’s internal capacity/knowledge building

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum 3-4 years of work experience in consulting/government/education sectors.
• Experience with on-ground program implementation is crucial for the role
• • Strong analytical (read quantitative) and problem-solving skills
  • Experience with M&E rubrics and program evaluations preferred
  • Desired skills include written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills and networking skills, and the ability to work on tight deadlines
  • Experiences working with government and in the education sector are desirable, though not necessary
  • Candidates should possess basic AI literacy and comfort using AI tools. 
  • Proficiency in Punjabi (Preferred) and candidates from Punjab are encouraged to apply. 

  Recruitment Process:

  We follow a thoughtful and structured recruitment process to ensure a strong fit and positive experience. 

  To apply, please fill the interest form.