Senior Program Associate

Position: Senior Program Associate

Organization: Karta Initiative India Foundation (KIIF)
Base Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Office Address: B-33, Sector 40, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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 & management, and youth mentorship.

Key Responsibility Areas

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 11th and 12th grades to prepare for competitive exams for various 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 the regional, state or 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 for a minimum of 150 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.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related discipline such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or any other STEM-related field is mandatory.
• A 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 in the 14–25 years age group or teaching any of the above subjects will be an added advantage.
• 5–10 years of progressive experience in program management, field program implementation, team management, stakeholder management, youth development, complex problem solving, education, or the nonprofit sector, including at least 2 years in field leadership or state-level program implementation.
• Non-social sector experience in corporate, consulting, think tanks or FMCG will also be considered for candidates transitioning into the development sector.
• Strong experience in stakeholder management, team handling and complex problem-solving programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work with children and youth and a zeal to contribute to the education of underprivileged youth.
• Strong values of compassion, integrity and resilience, with exceptional people skills, a multi-dimensional personality, go-getter attitude and entrepreneurial nature.
• Firm belief in constitutional values of secularism, equality and fraternity.
• Scientific temperament and critical thinking.
• Non-linear thinker, institution builder and action-oriented mindset with a hands-on approach.
• Mindset and capacity to turn empathy into action.
• Ready to travel extensively to remote rural areas for a minimum of 150 days a year with minimal supervision. All official travel expenses will be reimbursed as per KIIF policy.
• Based in Delhi/NCR or willing to relocate.
• Long-term outlook and willingness to commit a minimum of 3–5 years to the organization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, problem-solving and presentation skills.
• Ability to go beyond the call of duty and put the cause before self.

Compensation Offered

The position offers a gross compensation of ₹8 lakhs to ₹12 lakhs.

The compensation offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on their qualifications, relevant quality experience and demonstrated competencies.

Medical Insurance Benefits

Comprehensive medical insurance with ₹5 lakh cover for self, spouse and dependents (parents and children, if any), plus an accident policy with ₹5 lakh cover

Application Process

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

Application Form:
https://forms.gle/7KpAVv7cbPCkV6UMA

Early applications are encouraged.

Deadline: Apply immediately.

 

Tags Jobs in Uttar Pradesh Jobs in Noida Jobs in Program Associate Jobs in NonProfit