Assistant Project Lead

Job Description

Job Title: Assistant Project Lead
Department: Programme Implementation
Based in location : Delhi
Reporting to: Senior Manager / State Project Lead
Contract Duration: Till June 2027
Travel: 50 % in the field

Level of Contact with Children: 2 (Sporadic or occasional contact with children)
The position holder shall be responsible to adhere & work within the ambit of Plan India’s Safeguarding & Gender Equality & Inclusion Policies.

ABOUT PLAN INTERNATIONAL (INDIA CHAPTER)
PIIC is a nationally registered non-profit organization that aims to advance children’s rights and equality for girls, thus creating a lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable and excluded children, their families, and communities.

Since 1996, PIIC has improved the lives of millions of children by providing them access to quality education & healthcare services, a healthy & secure environment, livelihood opportunities, and participation in important life decisions. PIIC is a member of the Plan International Federation, an independent development and humanitarian organization that strives for a just world that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan International is active in more than 75 countries.

SUMMARY OF THE JOB
The Assistant Project Lead will be responsible for providing overall support in the implementation and management for CCCD Bal Pratinidhi project implementation at the assigned district as well as the technical support for the assigned theme across all programme districts in the State level.

Under the CCCD – Baal Pratinidhi- Delhi project, the position is responsible for

• Ensuring implementation of comprehensive CCCD programme in the assigned district of Delhi as per the approved Project Outline (PO)
• Providing technical support for Education projects (Pre-primary, Elementary, Senior Secondary, Supplementary) in Delhi

KEY FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Project Management and support at district level

• Plan & lead execution of all project activities in the assigned district in consultation with key stakeholders/duty bearers and under guidance of the State Project Lead
• Organise and conduct capacity building activities for the project team in consultation with the State Project lead.
• Prepare monthly activity plan and ensure timely implementation of project activities and utilization of planned budget while adhering to procurement policy and approval process
• Liaison with relevant department and officials at department/district level.
• Provide required information, IEC, tools and frameworks to field team for effective implementation of activities;
• Organise project review meeting with SBVMs and share project monthly report.
• Ensure timely delivery of outputs as per plan and utilisation of budget
• Track and monitor the achievement of the outcomes and milestones as per Plan’s Country and Thematic Strategy and ensure periodic reporting to the State Project Lead.
• Ensure that gender transformative and safeguarding approach is applied in the project implementation
• Representation of Plan in the regional and district level meetings/ seminars/ etc.
• Coordinate and facilitate donor visits and other key stakeholder’s visits.
• Ensure recruitment, capacity building of the staff based on project need
• Ensure mentoring and regular tracking staff performance with required course correction.
• Regular field visits in the program areas and support program teams in quality assurance in the program through trainings, handholding and providing them job-aids to facilitate their work0

2. Technical support at State level

• Design intervention strategies and project activities for the state to ensure the committed outcomes are achieved on time and with high quality
• Develop a detailed implementation plan in consultation with the team
• Develop SoPs/Manuals/minimum quality standards for ensuring uniformity in implementation and high quality of processes
• Build technical capacity of the team in all districts for effective implementation of activities
• Develop/make available necessary IECs to the field team and design SBCC strategies for campaigns and interventions as and when required
• Organize periodic review meetings to monitor progress against outcomes/objectives and incorporate required corrective revisions, if required.
• Provide technical and operational guidance and regular handholding support to Asst Project Leads for timely completion of the project activities on the ground within the defined timeline and achieve the expected outcomes
• Develop an impact framework for assessing progress against the committed objective and outcomes including the development of a Thematic MIS (in consultation with M&E Dept)
• Coordinate assessment exercises as and when required – develop tools, train staff for data collection, analyses data for improved programme planning
• Prepare and submit state level programme progress report within the stipulated time and as per the reporting guidelines
• Support in the development of new projects on respective theme aligning with Plan India’s overall Country and Thematic Strategy and based on the field level learnings
• Design and pilot innovations for building proof of concept and further scaling up.
• Liaise with block, district and state levels on the respective thematic issue in support of project objectives
• Support in developing an effective partnership with the key stakeholders such as Government Departments, civil society and corporate at the national, state and district level to ensure visibility of Plan India through advocacy and campaigning initiatives
• Provide any other support required by the Line Manager and as per the requirements of the organization

3. Financial Planning and Monitoring

• Develop project/thematic budget, monitor the expenditure and ensure PO modifications as required.
• Review and verify all the financial and account transactions at the district or for technical support.
• Ensure 100% budget utilization for sponsorship programmes at district and thematic level.
• Coordinate the stipulated statutory audits/donor audits at the state

4. Reporting and Documentation

• Ensure compliance to project reporting as per agreed format, intervals and timeline at district/thematic level.
• Provide monthly district thematic updates to respective thematic leads
• Regular documentation of good practices and develop case stories to incorporate in the Monthly, quarterly, Annual Reports and in other organizational communication process at district / technical level.
• Develop Project Completion Report (PCR) for district and theme.

5. Monitoring and Control / Evaluation

• Develop systemic processes and metrics for project monitoring with support from MERL team at thematic level and ensure implementation at district level.
• Design tools and support assessment, baseline /endline, mapping exercise as well as periodic programme reviews in consultation with MERL team at thematic level.
• Review periodically the M&E results, and develop and implement technical solutions, as required.
• Maintain project MIS and build capacity of the team members to maintain the same.
• Develop Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the engagement of external agencies or consultants for planned activities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Education, Development Studies, Rural Development, Sociology, or any related field from a recognized university.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in managing and implementing education/development projects at district and state level.
• Experience in coordination with Government departments, schools, donors, and other key stakeholders.
• Strong skills in project planning, team management, capacity building, monitoring & evaluation, reporting, and budget management.
• Knowledge of gender transformative approaches, safeguarding, MIS, documentation, and report writing.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills with willingness to travel extensively.

COMPENSATION & 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.