Senior Program Associate

Job Title

Senior Program Associate

Organization: Karta Initiative India Foundation (KIIF)

Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Employment Type: Full-time (Work from Noida Office with extensive field travel across India)

Contract Duration: 12 months (renewable based on performance review)

Experience Required: 5–10 years

Openings: Multiple Positions

About Karta Initiative India Foundation (KIIF)

Karta Initiative India Foundation is committed to enabling talented young people from underserved backgrounds to access transformative higher education opportunities and build pathways to leadership. Through partnerships, mentorship, and systemic engagement, KIIF aims to unlock potential and create equitable access to education and career pathways.

About the Role

Karta Initiative India Foundation (KIIF) is seeking passionate, dedicated, and committed individuals for the role of Senior Program Associate to lead and strengthen program implementation across the region.

The role provides a unique opportunity to work at the grassroots level and contribute to equitable education access for marginalized and underprivileged youth. It requires a strong blend of program management, field leadership, team management, stakeholder engagement and management, and youth mentorship.

Key Responsibilities

Program Design, Implementation & Management

• Lead end-to-end program planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Mentor youth and lead sessions on 21st-century skills, workplace readiness, academic exposure, and career development.
• Support students in Classes 11 and 12 to prepare for competitive examinations for central and state universities, new-age universities, and quality public universities.

Mentorship & Scholar Development

• Design and manage structured mentorship frameworks for undergraduate scholars (2nd–4th year).
• Engage external mentors from national and international universities, IISERs, and research/STEM organizations.
• Provide career guidance, counselling, and exposure to academic and professional pathways.

Career Development & Partnerships

• Build and strengthen partnerships with research and educational institutions, universities, and organizations for internships and placements.
• Align student aspirations, academic strengths, and career goals with relevant opportunities.
• Support job placements and career transitions for graduating scholars.

Stakeholder & Team Management

• Lead field teams and coordinate multi-location and multi-level program execution.
• Build and maintain relationships with schools, universities, parents, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
• Manage stakeholder engagement, communication, and partnerships at regional, state, and national levels.

Program Operations & Grant Support

• Support fundraising efforts, donor engagement, and grant management in coordination with the Founder’s/CEO’s Office.
• Maintain documentation and reporting of field activities and outcomes.

Field Engagement

• Travel extensively to rural areas (minimum 100 days annually) to ensure on-ground program impact.
• Take ownership of field implementation and continuous program improvement.

Other Responsibilities

• Take on additional duties and assignments as delegated by the supervisor or senior management, particularly during audits, organizational and program reviews, or financial transitions.
• Contribute to cross-functional collaboration and ensure systems are responsive to the evolving needs of the organization.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM-related discipline (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or any other STEM-related field) is mandatory.
• Master's degree or PhD in a STEM-related discipline, Public Policy, Development Studies, Education, or a related discipline is highly desirable. Candidates with a Master's degree or PhD in English, Economics, or Commerce will also be considered.
• Experience mentoring youth aged 14–25 years or teaching in STEM subjects will be an added advantage.
• 5–10 years of progressive experience in program management, field program implementation, team management, stakeholder management, youth development, education, nonprofit sector, or handling complex problem-solving initiatives, including at least 2 years in field leadership or state-level program implementation.
• Candidates transitioning from corporate, consulting, think tanks, or FMCG sectors are also encouraged to apply.
• Strong experience in stakeholder management, team leadership, and complex problem-solving.
• Demonstrated ability to work with children and youth, with a strong commitment to improving educational opportunities for underprivileged communities.
• Strong values of compassion, integrity, resilience, exceptional people skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Firm belief in constitutional values of secularism, equality, and fraternity.
• Scientific temperament and critical thinking skills.
• Institution-building mindset with a hands-on approach.
• Ability to turn empathy into action.
• Willingness to travel extensively to remote rural areas for a minimum of 100 days per year. Official travel expenses will be reimbursed as per KIIF policy.
• Based in Delhi/NCR or willing to relocate.
• Willingness to commit to the organization for a minimum of 3–5 years.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to go beyond the call of duty and prioritize the organization's mission.

Compensation

• Gross annual compensation: ₹8 lakh – ₹12 lakh.
• Final compensation will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, and demonstrated competencies.

Medical Insurance Benefits

• Comprehensive medical insurance of ₹5 lakh for self, spouse, parents, and children (if applicable).
• Accident insurance cover of ₹5 lakh.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about mentoring youth and creating meaningful impact in education, KIIF would love to hear from you.

Apply by filling out the application form:

https://forms.gle/7KpAVv7cbPCkV6UMA

Applications are open immediately. Early applications are encouraged.

 

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