Project Lead

Project Lead

Job Description

Job title: Project Lead

Department: Program Implementation

Reporting to: Dy. Director- Grant Projects

Location : Keonjhar, Odisha

No. Of Vacancy : 1

Level Of Contact With Children: 2 (Occasional or Sporadic 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


Key Functions and Responsibilities

1. Project Planning & Implementation

  • Lead the overall execution of the SMART Schools Initiative in Harichandanpur Block, Keonjhar District.
  • Develop and oversee the implementation roadmap, timelines, and work plans for infrastructure development, digital learning, and WASH improvements.
  • Ensure the project aligns with NEP 2020, Digital India, and government education policies.

2. Stakeholder & Government Liaison

  • Engage with government agencies, district administration, education departments, and funding partners for seamless execution.
  • Collaborate with School Management Committees (SMCs), teachers, and local communities to ensure effective project participation.
  • Strengthen partnerships with corporate donors, CSR initiatives, and District Mineral Fund (DMF) authorities for project sustainability.

3. Team Management & Capacity Building

  • Supervise and guide the Project Coordinators, Field Coordinators, and support staff in achieving project goals.
  • Organize training programs for teachers, school administrators, and community members on digital education and WASH facility management.
  • Foster a strong learning and development culture within the project team.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

  • Establish a monitoring framework to track project progress, outcomes, and impact.
  • Conduct regular field visits, data collection, and progress assessments to ensure quality implementation.
  • Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to funding agencies and government stakeholders.

5. Financial & Resource Management

  • Oversee budget planning, fund allocation, and resource management for infrastructure development, digital learning, and skill training.
  • Ensure financial compliance, procurement standards, and cost-effectiveness in project execution.
  • Work with finance teams to ensure transparent fund utilization and donor reporting.

6. Risk Management & Problem-Solving

  • Identify challenges in project implementation and develop effective solutions.
  • Address issues related to infrastructure delays, community engagement, or digital learning adoption.
  • Ensure sustainability strategies are in place for long-term project impact.

7. Advocacy & Scalability

  • Advocate for replication and scaling of the SMART Schools model across other aspirational districts in Odisha.
  • Document best practices and lessons learned to influence policy recommendations and government adoption.
  • This role is critical in ensuring the success and sustainability of the SMART Schools Initiative, bridging the digital divide, improving infrastructure, and enhancing learning outcomes for students in rural Odisha.


EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE

Education: Master’s degree with more than 15 years experience in development sector and working experience in the target district.

Experience:

  • Experience (5+ years) in end to end project management
  • Familiarity with project management tools and processes.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Familiarity with relevant government policies, schemes, and guidelines
  • Fluency in spoken, reading, and writing English and Hindi is essential
  • Excellent team management and interpersonal skills
  • Proactive and result oriented
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.


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 Lead SMART” at planindiacareers@planindia.org .

Please mention “Project Lead 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