Job Description

Location: Odisha, , India

Role: State Manager – Policy & Strategic Initiatives, Odisha
Experience: 8+ years
Salary: Up to 15 LPA

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About the role:

We are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated professional to join our State Program Team. The State Manager for Policy & Strategic Initiatives will play a pivotal role in providing state government policy input while leading the planning, execution, and management of strategic programs at the state level.

Key Responsibilities

1. Policy & Technical Support

• Support government departments in implementing, funding, and monitoring interventions for inclusive education and systems transformation.

   

   

• Analyze state government policies, schemes, and budgets to identify gap areas and influence policy action.

   

   

2. Strategic Planning & Implementation

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to conceptualize and design flagship programs, including early identification and entrepreneurship initiatives.

   

• Take ownership of day-to-day execution, ensuring alignment with program goals and timelines.

   

• Oversee budgeting processes, monitor expenditures, and identify cost-saving opportunities.

   

   

3. Stakeholder Engagement

• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, fostering collaboration throughout the program lifecycle.

   

   

• Communicate effectively with leadership and partners to achieve strategic objectives.

   

4. Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)

• Establish robust monitoring frameworks to track performance against predetermined metrics.

   

   

• Prepare comprehensive reports highlighting achievements, challenges, and key learnings for stakeholders.

   

   

5. Innovation & Risk Management

• Identify potential risks in program implementation and develop effective mitigation strategies.

   

• Apply a creative and innovative mindset to enhance the impact of various interventions.

Eligibility Criteria

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  Education: Bachelors degree in a relevant field is required. A Postgraduate degree is strongly preferred in Public Policy, Education, Development Studies, Economics, Public Administration, or related disciplines.

   

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  Experience: 3–10+ years of proven experience in program management or strategic initiatives, specifically working with central or state governments.

   

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  Sector Expertise: Demonstrated experience in government relationships, policy advisory, and education sector reforms.

   

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  Language: Must be fluent in the Official State Language of Odisha.

   

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  Technical Skills: Proficient in technology, including emerging tools like AI.

Required Skills & Attributes

• Self-motivated with a passion for public administration and systems transformation.

   

   

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities with a results-oriented mindset.

   

   

• Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving.

   

   

• Adaptable and open to embracing innovative, "out-of-the-box" approaches.

   

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