Job Description
Job title: Project Officer
Department: Program Implementation
Reporting to: Project Lead
Location : Keonjhar, Odisha
No. Of Vacancy : 1
Level Of Contact With Children: 1 (Direct contact with children) The position holder shall be responsible to adhere & work within the ambit of Plan India’s Safeguarding Policy & Gender Equality Policy.
ABOUT PLAN INDIA
Plan International (India Chapter), also referred to as Plan India, is an Indian registered not-for- profit organisation that is constantly striving to advance welfare and development for children and equality for all girls and women in India. Through its grassroots social development work, Plan India seeks to create lasting impact in the lives of poor and vulnerable children, their families and communities, by gender transformative child-centered community development.
Since 1996, Plan India has improved the lives of millions of children and young people by enabling them to access and benefit from the safety nets and schemes of the government for child protection, quality education and healthcare services, healthy environment, livelihood opportunities and participation in community development. To know more about Plan India, visit www.planindia.org
Project Overview
The SMART Schools Initiative in Harichandanpur Block, Keonjhar District aims to transform seven government middle schools by integrating digital learning facilities, enhanced WASH infrastructure, Mathematics & Science Parks, sports utilities, and dedicated mid-day meal sheds. The project addresses high dropout rates, poor digital access, and inadequate school infrastructure, ensuring quality, inclusive, and future-ready education. It aligns with NEP 2020, Digital India, and SDG goals, bridging the digital divide and fostering STEM education, hygiene awareness, and skill development. Through community participation, teacher training, and sustainable infrastructure, the project seeks to enhance learning outcomes and student retention in rural Odisha.
Key Functions and Responsibilities
1. Project Planning & Implementation
- Support the execution of the SMART Schools Initiative in Harichandanpur Block, Keonjhar District.
- Ensure the successful integration of digital learning, WASH infrastructure, STEM education, mid-day meal sheds, and school infrastructure improvements.
- Develop detailed implementation plans, timelines, and work schedules for project activities.
- Ensure project alignment with NEP 2020, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Digital India, and DMF utilization guidelines.
2. Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination
- Liaise with government departments, School Management Committees (SMCs), teachers, and local communities to ensure smooth project execution.
- Work with corporate donors, CSR initiatives, and local authorities to facilitate collaboration and funding alignment.
- Conduct regular meetings with education officials, school heads, and infrastructure teams to monitor progress.
3. Capacity Building & Training
- Organize training programs for teachers, students, and community members on digital literacy, STEM education, and hygiene practices.
- Conduct awareness campaigns on WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) in schools, promoting best practices.
- Support school staff in utilizing smart classrooms, e-libraries, and digital learning platforms effectively.
4. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
- Ensure timely data collection on student participation, learning outcomes, and infrastructure development.
- Conduct baseline surveys, progress assessments, and post-implementation evaluations to measure impact.
- Maintain detailed documentation, including field reports, success stories, and case studies, for donor reporting.
5. Infrastructure & Resource Management
- Oversee the construction and maintenance of WASH facilities, smart classrooms, and mid-day meal sheds, ensuring adherence to PWD construction norms and safety standards.
- Coordinate procurement and installation of digital learning equipment, STEM kits, and e-library resources.
- Ensure proper utilization and sustainability of project resources.
6. Community Engagement & Advocacy
- Mobilize community participation to promote school enrollment, retention, and digital literacy adoption.
- Advocate for policy adoption and replication of the SMART Schools model across other blocks.
- Engage parents, teachers, and students in decision-making processes for long-term project sustainability.
EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE
Education:
- Master’s/Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Rural Development, Public Administration, Diploma in Electrical/Civil Engineering, or a related field.
- Additional certifications in Project Management, Digital Learning, or WASH Infrastructure are an advantage.
Experience:
- Preferably 5-7 years of experience in civil construction/ electricals/ education projects, school infrastructure development, digital learning programs, or community engagement initiatives.
- Hands-on experience in implementing digital education, smart classrooms, and STEM-based learning interventions.
- Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, CSR-funded projects, or donor-supported initiatives.
- Background in managing WASH infrastructure projects, including sanitation and drinking water systems in schools.
- Proven experience in community mobilization, teacher training, and school management committee (SMC) engagement.
Compensation and Employment:
Plan is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women candidates are encouraged to apply. Our policies and procedures reflect our commitment to child rights and child protection.
HOW TO APPLY? : Please send us your updated resume along with a suitability note in one file (Word Format only) for the position of “Project Officer SMART” at planindiacareers@planindia.org .
Please mention “Project Officer SMART School Project” in the subject line. Last date for sending applications is 23 rd March, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For more information, please visit our website www.planindia.org