Work With Us

 

Position

Program Officer – Youth Capacity Building

Experience

1-2 years (preferably from the social sector)

Reporting To

Manager, Praja Foundation

Location

Mumbai

 

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 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 Youth Capacity Building for urban governance in Mumbai, India.

The individual will be responsible for capacity building of stakeholders such as civil society, colleges, academia on issues related to 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:

  • Facilitate relationships with a broad range of stakeholders to ensure that advocacy messages are disseminated in an effective manner.
  • Coordinate the planning and execution of workshops, training sessions, and capacity-building programs for diverse stakeholders.
  • 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 level 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, videos and training module.
  • Work extensively and engage colleges, academia and CSOs.
  • Prepare and submit detailed event and activity reports.
  • Manage Mumbai fellowship program.
  • 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

  • Graduate/ Postgraduate in Public Administration/ Social work/ Development Studies any other relevant course
  • Proven working experience (1-2years) in the social sector or (2-3 years) from other sectors (open to people from corporate/education sectors)
  • Strong research and analytical skills.
  • Ability to read and comprehend complex literature such as Municipal Acts, Municipal Budgets, state & union government policies, etc.
  • Enthusiastic about engaging with college students and the community to raise awareness of urban governance. Highly self-driven, with a strong sense of dedication and the capability to work independently.
  • Comfortable and adept at building strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including elected representatives, bureaucrats, civil society organisations, various colleges, academia and NGOs.
  • Excellent communication skills, both spoken and written in English, Hindi and Marathi.
  • Should be ready to travel at short notice.
  • Good knowledge of Microsoft Word/Excel/ PowerPoint and Internet/social media. Ability to clearly articulate his/her views in both written form and through presentations.
  • People Management, Training, Analytics & Process Orientation skill

Please send your resume to hr@praja.org  with a cover letter why you wish to join Praja Foundation and how the work profile will help you to achieve you goal.

While applying for the position, kindly keep the email subject as “Applying for Program Officer – Youth Capacity Building”