State Project Manager

Position Purpose The State Project Manager is the core operational lead for work in Jharkhand. The role is responsible for ensuring effective, timely, and high-quality implementation of state and district- level programs by closely monitoring field operations, supporting district teams, strengthening coordination across functions, and resolving operational challenges on the ground. While academic leadership (FLN/MLE/Numeracy) continues to be anchored with the State Manager and academic specialists, the State Project Manager ensures that plans translate into execution, systems function smoothly, and implementation risks are identified and addressed proactively using field insights and M&E data. This role requires extensive field travel, strong people management, operational rigor, and the ability to work across programs, data, finance, and administration.

Roles and Responsibilities Program Operations & Implementation Oversight Oversee day-to-day implementation of programs across districts in Chhattisgarh, ensuring adherence to approved plans, timelines, and deliverables. Track implementation progress across districts and blocks, identifying bottlenecks and ensuring timely resolution. Conduct frequent field visits to districts and blocks to monitor implementation, mentor district teams, and provide on-ground problem-solving support. Ensure coordination and alignment between district plans and state-level priorities.

District & Team Management Provide direct supervision, guidance, and support to District Program Managers (DPMs). Conduct regular review meetings with DPMs to track progress, risks, and support needs. Strengthen district-level planning, execution discipline, and reporting practices. Facilitate coordination between district teams and state-level academic, M&E, and operations staff.

Monitoring, Review & Use of Data Work closely with the M&E Officer to review program data, dashboards, trends, and field insights. Use M&E findings to identify implementation gaps, course-correct strategies, and improve program effectiveness. Ensure timely submission of accurate program data, reports, and reviews to the State Manager and central teams. Support district teams in strengthening data quality, data use, and compliance with M&E processes. Support the State Mgr to plan monthly/ quarterly reviews of the program by the State Quality Cell, Education Department.

Operations, Finance & Administrative Coordination Coordinate closely with the Sr. Accounts and Admin Associate to ensure smooth logistics, travel, workshops, and operational arrangements. Monitor operational expenditures in coordination with the finance function to ensure adherence to approved budgets. Support planning and execution of trainings, workshops, reviews, and field activities from an operational standpoint. Ensure compliance with organizational policies related to procurement, travel, payments, and documentation.

Risk Management & Problem Solving Proactively identify operational risks, implementation challenges, and dependencies across districts. Act as the first point of escalation for operational issues and work with relevant teams to resolve them. Support the State Manager in ensuring implementation continuity during high-pressure periods or transitions.

Coordination with State & Central Teams Work closely with the State Manager to ensure alignment between academic priorities and field execution. Coordinate with central program, M&E, finance, and operations teams as required. Support state-level reporting, reviews, and donor or government engagements from an operational perspective.

Qualifications Master’s degree in Education, Social Sciences, Management, Public Administration, or a related field. Additional training or certification in Project Management, Operations, or Monitoring & Evaluation is an advantage.

Experience Minimum 8–10 years of relevant experience in managing large-scale education or development programs. Strong experience in field-based program implementation, preferably within government school systems. Demonstrated experience in managing multi-location teams and district-level operations. Prior experience working with district and state government systems is highly desirable.

Skills and Competencies Strong operational and execution-focused mindset with attention to detail. Excellent people management and coordination skills. Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and translate insights into operational actions. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage ambiguity in dynamic field contexts. High level of comfort with extensive travel and on-ground engagement. Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel, for tracking, reviews, and reporting. Strong communication skills in English and Hindi; knowledge of local context and languages of Chhattisgarh is a plus. High ownership, resilience, and ability to work under tight timelines.