Work With Us

Position

Associate Manager – Outreach

Experience

4-5 years (preferably from the social sector)

Reporting To

Manager, Praja Foundation

Location

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

About Praja

Over the last 25 years, Praja Foundation has been working towards enabling accountable governance. In the past we have partnered with the Mumbai Corporation to come up with its first Citizen Charter to revamp their Citizens’ Complaint Grievances Mechanism (GRM). The complaint number 1916 is still functional with some enhancements.

Praja conducted an Urban Governance Reforms Study to map the implementation status of 74th Constitution Amendment Act. The first of its kind study, led to developing an ‘Urban Governance Index’ (UGI) with the larger goal of forging a network of key influencers, thought leaders and local government bodies to democratize city governments and improve delivery of services. The data and information from the UGI are regularly used by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and NITI Aayog.

Currently, Praja has multiple partnerships with state governments for initiatives such as capacity building of elected representatives, advisory support on enhancing municipal finances, etc. We have worked with the Urban Development Department, Jammu & Kashmir to give advisory support on policies and programs such as Aspirational Town Planning Program, implementation of Property Tax, etc. Praja Foundation also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies (DULB), Uttar Pradesh as a knowledge partner for various urban governance issues like Training of Elected Representatives, Strengthening Corporation Procedure Rule, and Strengthening Municipal Finance.

Praja has also partnered with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) on multiple projects and programs including a pan India study on Fiscal Empowerment of City Governments which covers 44 cities across 28 states and 2 UTs and Prajatantra, a National Youth Festival of Democracy where more than 1000 youth from across the country come together and function as a model city government, deliberating on policies and vision for the city.

The Role

Praja’s continuous engagement with local elected representatives (ERs) and administration through capacity building, research and advocacy has had a positive impact on city governance. This role primarily focuses on outreach for urban reforms in Uttar Pradesh and subsequently other cities in India.

The individual will be responsible for working closely with the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies (DULB), and UDD, Uttar Pradesh. responsibilities of the Associate Manager will be coordination and managing the Lucknow team and Fellows, with that, coordinating the outreach and capacity building of stakeholders such as ERs, administration, and civil society, on issues related to urban governance and engaging with various colleges, academia, and CSOs for capacity building on urban governance. He/she will also be responsible for (a) research and analysis to help build the case for introducing a coherent package of reforms to transform the way urban governments function to make them more accountable, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the citizens, (b) assist in building a network of organisations and individuals that have a deep knowledge of urban governance issues and are willing to partner with Praja to take this initiative forward. This role also involves fieldwork and travel to different cities on short notice.

Main Responsibilities

  • Working closely with the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies (DULB), and UDD, Uttar Pradesh
  • Coordinate the Lucknow team of Praja Foundation.
  • Coordinate and run Governance Fellowship program of Praja Foundation.
  • Facilitate relationships with a broad range of stakeholders to ensure that advocacy messages are disseminated in an effective manner, in UP.
  • Help organise workshops, trainings, and other capacity building programs for all stakeholders. Identify, create, and manage a pool of resource persons for workshops and training programs.
  • Initiate and maintain collaboration and follow-up of initiatives with key program stakeholders and partners.
  • Establish a network of project partners at municipal, state, and national levels to create a professional platform for further networking and partnership between CSOs, youths, and government at all levels to initiate dialogue on governance matters.
  • Assist in preparing promotional material on the project, including pamphlets, and videos.
  • Work extensively and engage with elected representatives, executives, colleges, academia, and CSOs.
  • Handle communications and related outreach activities with all stakeholders.
  • Prepare and submit detailed event and activity reports.
  • Conduct research and collect data on various governance and service delivery issues.
  • Willing to travel extensively within the city and outstation as required (70% time will be spent on the field; 30% within the office).

Qualification, Experience and Competencies:

  • Postgraduate in Public Administration/ Social Sciences/ Development Studies.
  • Proven working experience (4-5 years) in the social sector.
  • Ability to understand, read, and interpret documents such as Municipal Corporation Act, Municipal Finance; etc.
  • Research & analysis skills.
  • Ability to clearly articulate his/her views in both written form and through presentations.
  • Comfortable and adept at building strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including elected representatives, bureaucrats, civil society organisations, think tanks, and NGOs.
  • Excellent spoken and written communication skills in English and Hindi.
  • Should be ready to travel at short notice.
  • Self-motivated with a strong sense of commitment and ability to work under minimal supervision.
  • Good knowledge of Microsoft Word/Excel/ PowerPoint and Internet/Social Media.

Please send your resume to hr@praja.org