Program Leader (PL) – Education Program

Program Leader (PL) – Education Program

Location: Gadchiroli, Maharashtra
Experience: 2–3 Years
Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role

The Program Leader (PL) will be responsible for leading the implementation of district-level education programs focused on improving Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) (Skill Based) outcomes in government schools. The PL will directly mentor and manage a team of Fellows, build strong relationships with education stakeholders, drive school improvement initiatives, and ensure high-quality program execution.

The role demands a strong blend of leadership, coaching, stakeholder management, data-driven decision-making, and a deep commitment to improving learning outcomes for children in rural and tribal communities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fellow (Youth) Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead and mentor a team of 2–4 Fellows working across schools and communities.
• Conduct regular Debrief coaching conversations focused on professional growth and impact.
• Build Fellows' capabilities in school transformation, stakeholder engagement, FLN, project management, and systems thinking.
• Create a psychologically safe environment that encourages learning, reflection, feedback, and accountability.
• Support Fellows in overcoming field challenges and sustaining motivation.

2. School Improvement & FLN and Skill Based Outcomes

• Drive implementation of FLN and Skill focused interventions across assigned schools.
• Guide Fellows in planning and conducting high-quality school visits.
• Ensure classroom observations, teacher mentoring, and academic support are aligned with program objectives.
• Track learning outcomes and support data-driven action planning at school and Block/cluster levels.
• Identify and scale effective practices that improve student learning.

3. Stakeholder Management & System Strengthening

• Build strong working relationships with Headmasters, Teachers, Cluster Resource Persons, Block Education Officers, Panchayat representatives, and district officials.
• Facilitate convergence between schools, communities, and local governance institutions.
• Represent the organization in meetings with education department officials and local stakeholders.
• Support government-led education initiatives and contribute towards strengthening public education systems.

4. Data Analysis & Program Monitoring

• Analyze school-level FLN data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities.
• Review Fellows' progress and program indicators regularly.
• Develop action plans based on evidence and field insights.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of program progress and outcomes.
• Use data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.

5. Community & Panchayat Engagement

• Support Fellows in mobilizing communities around children's learning.
• Strengthen School Management Committees (SMCs) and Panchayat engagement in education.
• Facilitate community-led initiatives that support school improvement and student attendance.
• Build local ownership for educational outcomes.

6. Program Operations & Quality Assurance

• Ensure high-quality implementation of program activities across locations.
• Conduct regular field visits and Debrief / review meetings.
• Document best practices, case studies, and learning insights.
• Ensure compliance with organizational processes and reporting requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, Management, or related fields.
• Master's degree preferred but not mandatory.
• 2–3 years of professional experience in education, social development, community engagement, rural development, or related sectors.
• Experience working with government schools, education departments, NGOs, or development programs is highly desirable.

Required Competencies

Leadership & People Development

• Strong coaching and mentoring skills.
• Ability to build high-performing teams.
• Strong feedback and conflict-resolution skills.
• Emotional intelligence and empathy.

Stakeholder Management

• Ability to influence and collaborate with government officials and school leaders.
• Strong relationship-building capabilities.
• Effective communication and facilitation skills.

Program Management

• Planning, execution, and monitoring of field programs.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.

Data & Analytical Skills

• Ability to interpret FLN and school performance data.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Comfortable using Excel, Google Sheets, and data dashboards.

Personal Attributes

• High ownership and accountability.
• Growth mindset and learning orientation.
• Resilience and adaptability in challenging field contexts.
• Commitment to educational equity and social impact.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of NEP 2020 and NIPUN Bharat Mission.
• Understanding of FLN frameworks and pedagogy.
• Experience in tribal and rural contexts.
• Proficiency in Marathi, Hindi, and English.
• Experience conducting trainings, workshops, and facilitation sessions.

Why Join?

This role offers an opportunity to create meaningful impact in one of Maharashtra's most aspirational districts by working directly with schools, communities, and government systems to improve children's learning outcomes and strengthen public education.

Application Procedure

If you are Interested in the above role: E-mail your resume to pslrecruitment@gandhifellowship.org   with the subject as Program Leader (PL) – Education Program _Maharashtra.

Tags Jobs in Maharashtra Jobs in Gadchiroli Jobs in Leadership Jobs in Education Jobs in NonProfit