Job Notification: Manager – Programs & Partnerships

Apply here – https://forms.gle/C2wZu8WcsXbeYEpZA

About GRAAM: Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement (GRAAM) is a development research and public policy engagement initiative (think-and-act tank) in India. GRAAM’s extensive expertise spans over policy research, program evaluation, impact assessment, community engagement, policy engagement, strategic consultation and academic engagements. GRAAM works in collaboration with all the four key stakeholders of development i.e. Government, Citizenry, Civil Society Organizations and Corporate. GRAAM believes that the key stakeholders of development – the community, the State, the NGO/CSO and private sector are essential in the process of development.

GRAAM aims to ensure the ‘voices’ of the communities at the grassroots are significantly accounted for in the process of development. We provide evidence-based and actionable policy/program inputs incorporating grassroots perspectives, aiming towards a citizen centric public policy. GRAAM strives to impact development through building human and social capital. 

Position Title: Manager – Programs & Partnerships

Location: Delhi 

Expected Date of Joining: Mid-August 2025 

Reporting To: Program Lead (for GRAAM Fellowship Specific Tasks) / Senior Leadership (for Regional Strategy & Partnerships)

Employment Type: Full-time

Position Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join GRAAM as the Manager, Northern Region Programs & Partnerships. This pivotal role will be responsible for the overall management and growth of GRAAM’s projects and programs in the Northern part of the country, including significant day-to-day coordination for a prestigious national fellowship program. The Manager will be instrumental in building and nurturing direct relationships with potential partners, including government bodies, international development organizations, and foundations, while ensuring operational excellence and impactful delivery across all regional initiatives. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong execution capabilities and a passion for driving development outcomes.

About the Program:

GRAAM is launching a prestigious national fellowship program designed to cultivate a new generation of highly skilled professionals dedicated to public service and national development. This immersive program will equip fellows with expertise in critical areas, enabling them to contribute directly to significant national initiatives. The fellowship is structured to provide rigorous training, practical experience through placements, and opportunities for fellows to produce impactful research and governance solution-oriented outputs. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a foundational initiative that will shape future leaders and contribute to the nation’s progress.

This pivotal role will be responsible for the overall management and growth of GRAAM’s projects and programs in the Northern part of the country, including significant day-to-day coordination for the national fellowship program. The Manager will be instrumental in building and nurturing direct relationships with potential partners, including government bodies, international development organizations, and foundations, while ensuring operational excellence and impactful delivery across all regional initiatives.

Key Qualification Criteria:

• Education: Master’s degree in Public Policy, Social Sciences, Management, Development Studies, International Relations, or a related field from a recognized institution.
• Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of progressive experience in program management, project coordination, or a similar operational and partnership development role, preferably within the Development and/or Government sectors.
• Regional Experience: Demonstrated experience in managing projects or building partnerships in North India is highly desirable, with a strong understanding of the local socio-political landscape.
• Program Scale: Proven experience in coordinating or managing components of large-scale or national-level programs is essential.
• Language: Fluency in English and Hindi (written and spoken) is essential. 

Mandatory Skills:

• Program Management & Execution: Strong ability to manage complex projects, develop detailed work plans, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines across multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Partnership Development & Liaison: Proven experience in building, cultivating, and maintaining high-level relationships with diverse stakeholders, including senior government officials, international organizations, funding agencies, and corporate CSR teams. 
• Logistical Planning & Coordination: Expertise in planning and executing complex logistical arrangements for multi-day training programs, workshops, conferences, and events (both virtual and in-person), including venue management, travel, accommodation, and material preparation.
• Data Management & MIS: Proficiency in developing, maintaining, and utilizing Management Information Systems (MIS) and databases for tracking program progress, participant data, deliverables, and key performance indicators.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction, negotiation, public speaking, and representation with high-level stakeholders. Ability to draft compelling proposals, reports, and presentations.
• Documentation & Reporting: Meticulous attention to detail in preparing comprehensive reports, proposals, official documentation, and maintaining accurate records.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is essential. Familiarity with online collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams), virtual conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet), and designing tools (e.g., Canva) is required.
• Problem-Solving & Proactivity: Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify operational and strategic challenges, troubleshoot issues efficiently, and proactively propose effective and innovative solutions.

Desired Skills:

• Experience in outreach and mobilization campaigns, particularly for large-scale application processes or recruitment drives for national programs.
• Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) or other educational technology platforms for program delivery.
• Prior experience in reviewing, editing, or overseeing the design/formatting of research outputs, policy reports, or academic publications.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also being a strong team player in a collaborative environment, capable of guiding junior staff.
• Prior experience working within a fellowship program, capacity-building initiative, or a similar academic/research-oriented project.
• A keen interest in public policy, governance, and national development issues, with an understanding of the socio-economic context of Northern India.

Detailed Job Description:

The Manager, Programs & Partnerships, will be a vital member of the GRAAM team, working under the direct supervision of the Program Lead (for fellowship-specific tasks) and reporting to Senior Leadership for broader regional strategy. This role requires a high degree of proactivity, organizational skill, strategic thinking, and attention to detail to ensure the seamless execution and growth of GRAAM’s presence and impact in the Northern region.

Key Responsibilities Include:

1.Northern Region Program Management & Growth:

• Provide overall operational and strategic management for GRAAM’s existing and new projects/programs within the Northern part of the country.
• Actively identify and explore new program opportunities, conduct preliminary needs assessments, and contribute significantly to the development of compelling project proposals relevant to the region’s development challenges.
• Ensure that all regional program activities are meticulously planned, executed, and aligned with GRAAM’s overarching strategic objectives and national development priorities.

2.Partnership Development & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Proactively build, cultivate, and maintain direct, high-level relationships with potential partners, including key government departments, international development organizations, philanthropic foundations, and corporate CSR entities in the Northern region.
• Represent GRAAM effectively at regional forums, conferences, workshops, and networking events to enhance the organization’s visibility, promote its work, and identify strategic collaboration opportunities.
• Lead initial discussions, prepare concept notes, and conduct follow-ups for potential partnerships, contributing directly to resource mobilization efforts for regional initiatives.

3.National Fellowship Program Coordination (Day-to-Day):

• Manage the day-to-day operational flow and administrative tasks specific to the national fellowship program, ensuring smooth execution across all phases.
• Provide comprehensive assistance to the Program Lead in the overall management of fellowship tasks, initiatives, and ensuring strict adherence to program timelines and milestones.
• Develop, maintain, and regularly update the comprehensive project Management Information System (MIS) for the fellowship, meticulously tracking fellow progress, deliverable submissions, logistical statuses, and key performance indicators.

4.Learning Program Logistical Coordination:

• Lead all logistical arrangements for the fellowship’s intensive learning components, including multi-day virtual policy bootcamps (for approximately 100 participants across multiple batches)
• Manage relationships with and coordinate all aspects related to external resource persons and trainers for the learning programs, including scheduling, material collection, contract management, and processing remuneration.
• Provide essential technical and administrative support during online bootcamps, ensuring a seamless virtual learning experience for all participants.

5.Fellow Support & Output Management:

• Serve as a primary operational point of contact for fellows, addressing their day-to-day queries, providing necessary support, and facilitating their engagement with the program.
• Coordinate the regular submission, tracking, and initial quality control of all fellow outputs, including research progress reports, draft articles (blogs, popular newspaper articles), components of comprehensive solution documents, and video presentations.
• Oversee the formatting, design, and presentation standards of all fellow deliverables, ensuring consistency, professionalism, and adherence to program guidelines before submission for expert review.

6.Application Mobilization & Selection Support:

• Play a key role in the national mobilization of applications for the fellowship, including developing and executing outreach strategies, managing the online application platform, and providing timely responses to applicant inquiries.
• Provide comprehensive logistical and administrative support for the rigorous fellow selection process, including coordinating assignments, organizing group discussions, scheduling interviews, and managing applicant communication.

7.Reporting & Documentation:

• Prepare and maintain all critical program documentation, including fellow records, training materials, meeting minutes, official correspondence, and contracts.
• Assist the Program Lead in preparing accurate, data-driven, and timely periodical progress reports for internal reviews and external partners.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive and organized database of fellows, mentors, resource persons, government contacts, and other key stakeholders.

8.Cross-Functional Coordination:

• Liaise effectively and proactively with internal GRAAM teams (e.g., finance, administration, communications, IT) to ensure seamless operational and financial management across all regional programs, including budget tracking and expense processing.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are invited to fill in the application form https://forms.gle/J67Vk3zEHur92Txc8 and upload their updated detailed CV and a compelling cover letter outlining their suitability for the role and relevant experience. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.