Project Manager, State Reform, Tamil Nadu

About The Education Alliance

The Education Alliance (TEA), registered as the Network for Quality Education Foundation, is a non-profit organization in India dedicated to promoting high-quality education in the public school system through strategic partnerships. Our goal is to ensure that every child in India has equitable access to quality education. A high-quality education for every child in India would call for a system that is accountable, collaborative, and equitable.

TEA sets up a Project Management Unit (PMU) to support the State education departments to partner more strategically with non-state actors. Through these partnerships, we work towards designing and delivering programs that build governments’ own capacities to sustain initiatives, post the exit of external partners.

In order to deliver on its goals, TEA engages in three broad areas of work: dialogue with governments to design the frameworks for suitable partnership models, identify high-quality and mission-aligned non-profit partners willing to engage with government, and conduct research to test the efficacy of the model in order to inform the rest of our work.

Why TEA?

Working with TEA is an amazing opportunity to drive meaningful and lasting change within the education system, by collaborating closely with the government, leading civil society organisations, and a dynamic team of over 40 young professionals. 

Our focus on autonomy means you’ll have the freedom to develop your skills and drive large-scale reform projects in a range of exciting ways, while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

Who are we looking for?

TEA is seeking passionate and driven young professionals who are eager to build a career in public policy and public administration, with a focus on education. We value resilience and determination in our team members. Our ideal candidates are eager to expand their knowledge and thrive in a dynamic environment. If you are excited about making a meaningful impact in education, we invite you to join our team of change-makers.

About the Role:

Job Summary

The current opportunity involves working with the Tamil Nadu School Education Department on a System Reform project in Chennai. You will be part of a team that will oversee the implementation of visionary projects aimed at transforming public education in Tamil Nadu. TEA and the State Project Director (SPD) will both participate in the hiring process of individuals for the TEA team who will work closely with the state of TN for the education reform process being carried out in Tamil Nadu. The consultants will however be full-time employees of TEA.

The TEA employees will be based out of Chennai for the duration of the project. During this period, they will be expected to connect with the central TEA team based in Delhi on a fortnightly basis.

Key Responsibilities:

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.
• Travel across districts in Tamil Nadu to oversee the groundwork.

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

• Preferred minimum work experience of 2-3 years including 1-2 years of post-graduation work experience (MBA or MPP/MPA or Bachelor’s degree with exceptional work experience)
• 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
• High level of spoken and written fluency in English and Tamil

Salary: 09-12 Lakhs per annum

Expected date of Joining: Immediate

Employment Type: Permanent / Full Time

Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Please fill in this form to submit your details with us.