QUEST Alliance
Website:
questalliance.net
Job details:
Karnataka State Lead, Youth Program
Location: Bangalore
About Quest Alliance:
At Quest Alliance we transform learning ecosystems through education technology, capacity
building, and collaboration to build 21st-century skills for learners and facilitators
We are a not-for-profit trust that focuses on research-led innovation and advocacy in the field
of teaching and learning. We engage with educators, civil society, government institutions and
corporate organizations to demonstrate and enable scalable and replicable solutions in school
education and vocational training
At Quest you will get the opportunity to apply your skills and contribute to addressing issues
around quality education and skills training. The organization gives you the space to learn and
grow in a fun and engaging environment. We have an eclectic group of people working at
Quest drawn from diverse disciplines including Education, Technology, Design, Youth
Development and Business.
About the Role
Quest Alliance has been working with NGOs, community organizations, Industrial Training
Institutes and Polytechnics for over a decade, helping them conceptualize and/or improve
their skills training strategies for youth.
As Program Manager, you will drive more the strategic aspects than the operational
aspects of the Youth Program work for the state. You will ensure it is delivered with the
highest quality by ensuring a clear vision and plan, the team is managed well and relationships
are built at state and national level with government, NGOs etc. It is an exciting role for a
person who has proven experience of working on multi state projects, involving government as
well as civil society partners.
You'll lead a 10 people team, with 4-5 team members reporting to you directly.
Role Description
Program Design and Management
● Ensuring the state work connects to the needs of the state as well as the larger
program strategy. The team is aligned to as strong state vision, rooted in realities of
the state
● Being on top of youth development trends and realities, being reflective, connecting
the dots and giving meaningful direction and feedback to the team
● Strong Perspective on the key thematics such as Career development , 21st century
skills, gender, employability skills and hence planning advocacy efforts and alignment
with the program strategy. Hold the teams accountable on the same and drive thought
leadership
● Being able to hold the scale and depth perspective at a state level and being able to
balance between the two
● Using a consultative approach, grow the program in line with the organizational goals
and national framework
● Develop and incorporate program sustainability strategies into the existing and future
program and projects
● Ensure data that is generated from time to time is being looked at while making key
Decisions
Program Performance Management
● Ensure strong system and processes are in place for operational excellence
● Work closely with other teams who are contributing to the program
● Work with the monitoring and evaluation focal persons to develop monitoring and
reporting systems aligned with Quest's Strategic Framework and Project MoUs
● Ensure reporting timelines and commitments are adhered to
● Guide and support program team during program review processes
Relationship Building
● Build a thriving ecosystem of partners in the state and work towards making them
into a community of practice
● Develop, maintain and manage different stakeholders relationship at national level and
manage state level engagements (if needed)
● Ensure ongoing management of partnerships with NGOs, CSOs and State governments
as necessary for effective, coordinated delivery
● Interface with the donor(s) regularly
● Support in writing proposals to grow the program
● Hold and facilitate group spaces for conversations
Developing and Managing budgets
● Development and management of state budgets.
● Monitor program budget to ensure that spending is kept within the budgeted amount
● Ensure that the existing finance procedures and policies are complied with
● Contribute to local fundraising as well fundraising for the Org/Program
Team Management
● Inspiring the team, build alignment that collaborate seamlessly, role model culture
● Ensuring work connects to the big picture and the larger program strategy, and
supporting the team in doing the same
● Drive innovation mindset with the team
● Build culture of learning and growth as well as regular reflections within the team
Required Skills and Experience:
● 7-8 years of work experience, in the development sector, preferably in the youth
development and/or education sectors
● Hands on experience of working with NGOs & Govt.
● Experience of managing projects, tight deadlines and teams of people for at least 5
years
● Strong communication skills, written and oral in English and local language. Strong
negotiation skills and articulation is key
● Ability to questions things and ask good questions
● Post Graduate degree/ qualifications in Youth Development/ International
Development/ Social work/ Rural Development or Related field would be preferred
● Ability to hold scale and depth perspective - at state/state level
● Ability to build strong key stakeholder relationships and build external visibility and
branding for the work
● Experience in managing M&E and project finances
● Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills in English and Kannada
● Proven experience of networking and building relationships with government , NGOs
and donors.
● Ability to train, build capacity of, and manage relationships with partner
NGOs
● Excellent IT skills. Ability to troubleshoot, give direction
● Willingness to travel extensively
● Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with other teams
Women candidates are encouraged to apply!
Due to the enormity of applications received, Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted!
Click on Apply to know more.
