Founded in 1998, Praja is a non-partisan organization enabling accountability in governance. Praja empowers citizens to participate in governance by providing knowledge and perspective so that they can become politically active and involved beyond the ballot box. It undertakes extensive research and highlights civic issues to build the awareness of, and mobilize action by the government and elected representatives.
Praja believes that uninformed and disengaged elected representatives and administration, rather than existing systems or policies, are responsible for the lack of good governance. Additionally, there is a paucity of tools to facilitate effective interaction between citizens and the local government.
Praja conducts data driven research and provides information on civic issues to citizens, media, and government administration and works with elected representatives to identify and address inefficiencies in their work processes, bridge the information gaps, and aid them in taking corrective measures
The Role
The Project Officer is responsible for assisting Head of Research and Data Team in ensuring the project activities schedule, research and dissemination of reports. Under the direction of Head, the Project Officer is expected to take on all tasks in the quest to execute the project related activities for all vertical issues flawlessly. The Project Officer will assist the Head in all phases and aspects of each vertical i.e. Civic, Health, Education, Crime, Elected Representatives and Housing & Transport by providing support to staff as well as follow the organization’s practices.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and ensure efficient coordination between the teams for timely data collection, data crunching and analysis to draft organization’s yearly reports.
Identify research gaps and needs for each vertical and develop a strategy to fill those needs in conjunction with data coordinator.
Conduct new research on issues related to the verticals to enrich the reports (includes field work).
Support the coordinators with data management, analysis along with MIS and Master Cycle control.
Manage and work closely with Analysis team to analyse raw data and draft findings by the means of yearly reports / whitepapers.
Analyse overall findings and recommendations of reports and work on collaterals for reports including inferences, foreword, press note/presentations, etc.
Conceptualize and prepare newsletter on thematic issues every month.
Provide research support to capacity building team, including preparation of sample questions to white papers, and accompanying in outreach.
Provide support to dialogue and advocacy team for national research of specific cities in citizen participation, urban governance, basic services, etc.
Meet with different stakeholders to discuss our reports in order to enhance the quality and impact.
Meet administrators for new data or change in data.
Organize and assist in workshops and events for various stakeholders.
Assist in building a network of likeminded organizations that are open to partnering with Praja.
Prepare and write detailed event and activity reports.
Support monitoring and communication team with regard to white paper related outreach (social media), by providing monthly details of the team and assisting in preparation of fund proposals and annual funder reports for the team as per requirement.
Any other assistance as required such as in data collection and processing, reporting, outreach, etc.
Educational Qualifications
Graduate or Post graduate, preferably, in Public Administration/Political Science/Public Policy/Urban Governance/Urban Planning. Even graduate/post-graduate in other subjects with an inclination towards development sector/public policy work will be considered.
Previous work (Internships) in the Urban Governance / Urban Policy sector or voluntary experience/exposure to the sector would be an added advantage.
Required Skills
Basic knowledge of urban governance including civic, health, education, law and order, housing and transport, functioning of elected representatives.
Be willing to travel within Mumbai city and outstation as required.
Understanding of Right to Information Act would be helpful
Ability to work on quantitative data sets
Has a mix of strategic and tactical approach towards work and planning
Good computer skills: Microsoft Word/Excel/ PowerPoint and Internet/Social media
Good communication skills (written and oral) in English
Basic working knowledge of Hindi and Marathi is preferred
Self-motivated with a strong sense of commitment to work under minimal supervision
Ability to work in a team and co-ordinate effectively
Ability to work in a deadline driven and dynamic environment
Unquestioned integrity
Flexible and adaptable
Multi-tasker with attention to details
The selected candidate will be based in Mumbai. Remuneration will be commensurate with knowledge and experience levels. Please apply with your resume (please include current and expected salary) to info@praja.org. For further information please log on to www.praja.org