Job Position: Program Facilitator – Gender & Governance
Location: Ajaigarh block of Panna District
Organization Overview
Samarthan is a registered Public Charitable Trust working primarily in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh since 1996. Samarthan works as a strategic support organization with a vision to promote participatory governance. The organization strengthens civil society organizations, Panchayats, and Urban Local Bodies, providing a supportive bridge between the voices of marginalized communities and governance institutions.
Position Overview
The “Program Facilitator – Gender & Governance” will support on-ground implementation of the Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) initiative at Panchayat and district levels. The role focuses on working directly with Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), women representatives, community cadres, and local officials to ensure that planning and budgeting processes respond to the needs and priorities of women and marginalized communities.
The position requires regular field visits, close coordination with Panchayats and departments, and hands-on facilitation of meetings, trainings, and planning processes.
Key Roles & Responsibilities:
1. Field Facilitation of Gender Responsive Planning:
• Facilitate Gram Sabha and GPDP processes to ensure women’s active participation.
• Support Panchayats in identifying gender gaps in access to schemes, services, and public resources.
• Initiate discussions at village level on issues such as unpaid care work, division of labour, mobility, safety, and access to entitlements.
• Help translate women’s concerns into actionable points within Panchayat plans and budgets.
• Provide regular handholding support to PRI representatives, especially elected women members.
2. Strengthening Budget Processes at Local Level:
• Support Panchayats in reviewing existing allocations from a gender lens.
• Assist in tracking funds related to women-focused schemes and priorities.
• Facilitate meetings between Panchayats and line departments for better convergence.
• Help local institutions understand how departmental schemes can address gender-specific needs.
• Promote use of simple gender-responsive budgeting tools in local planning.
3. Capacity Building & On-site Support:
• Conduct field-level trainings for PRI members, frontline workers, and community leaders on gender and governance.
• Build capacities of women leaders to speak, negotiate, and engage in decision-making forums.
• Provide ongoing mentoring and support during planning and review meetings.
• Develop and use simple Hindi training materials and participatory tools.
4. Community Engagement & Inclusion:
• Work closely with women’s collectives, SHGs, and marginalized groups to ensure their voices are reflected in governance processes.
• Encourage participation of youth and vulnerable groups in discussions on development priorities.
• Facilitate community-level discussions linking household realities (division of labour, unpaid care work) with public planning and budgeting.
5. Documentation & Reporting:
• Document field processes, challenges, and success stories.
• Support preparation of progress reports and case studies.
• Maintain basic data and field records related to gender-responsive planning activities.
Qualifications & Experience:
• Graduation/Post-Graduation in Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Rural Development, Public Policy, or related fields.
• 3–5 years of experience in gender and governance or community-based development work.
• Experience working directly with Panchayati Raj Institutions and rural communities.
• Strong understanding of gender issues in rural contexts.
• Basic understanding of government schemes and budgeting processes.
• Good facilitation and communication skills in Hindi.
• Willingness to travel extensively and spend significant time in villages.
Remuneration:
Samarthan offers renewable contractual employment. Compensation and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience and role responsibilities within the development sector. The Cost to Organization (CTO) will be decided based on experience and suitability.
SAMARTHAN is an equal opportunity organization and women candidates are encouraged to apply. Interested candidates may send their CVs to hr@Samarthan.org with “Programme Facilitator” as the subject line.