JOB DESCRIPTION
Job title : Counsellor cum Project Coordinator – AQRITI STEM Education Program
Department: Program Implementation
Based in location : Ghaziabad, Gautam Budha Nagar
Duration: 31st March 2027
Reports to: Senior Programme Manager-Projects
Level of Contact with Children: 1
(Direct contact with children)
The position holder shall be responsible to adhere & work within the ambit of Plan India’s Safeguarding Policy & Gender Equality Policy.
ABOUT PLAN INDIA
Plan India is a nationally registered non-profit organization that aims to advance children’s rights and equality for girls, thus creating a lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable and excluded children, their families, and communities.
Since 1996, Plan India has improved the lives of millions of children by providing them access to quality education & healthcare services, a healthy & secure environment, livelihood opportunities, and participation in important life decisions. Plan India is a member of the Plan International Federation, an independent development and humanitarian organization that strives for a just world that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan International is active in more than 75 countries
SUMMARY OF THE OVERALL JOB
Project Aqriti is an education-focused initiative aimed at strengthening STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning environments in schools by upgrading infrastructure, enhancing teaching methodologies, and fostering practical, hands-on learning. The project will establish well-equipped STEM, Computer, and Science Labs in selected schools, enabling students to explore and apply scientific concepts effectively. By integrating modern learning tools, engaging pedagogy, and capacity-building for teachers, Project Aqriti seeks to create a robust platform for nurturing curiosity, innovation, and problem-solving skills among students, ultimately preparing them for future academic and career opportunities.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Counsellor-cum-Project Coordinator position is critical to ensuring that infrastructure investments and programmatic interventions translate into meaningful behavioural and educational outcomes. While the project strengthens STEM, digital learning, WASH facilities, and safety systems, sustained impact requires continuous student guidance, psychosocial support, and on-ground coordination.
Many students, particularly adolescents, face academic stress, career uncertainty, digital risks, and socio-emotional challenges that can affect attendance, participation, and learning outcomes. A dedicated counsellor ensures early identification and support for at-risk students, helping prevent dropouts and improve engagement.
OBJECTIVES
1. To Strengthen Quality and Experiential Learning Ecosystems in Schools
• Establish and strengthen STEM laboratories in 6 schools, including 3 new labs and 3 existing labs as Centres of Excellence.
• Establish or upgrade science laboratories in 3 schools (2 existing and 1 new) and continue Science Lab learnings in 11 schools to promote hands-on, inquiry-based learning.
• Set up fully equipped computer laboratories in 8 schools (ensuring at least 80% student access) and strengthen digital learning initiatives in 3 existing schools.
2. To build Capacity of teachers for Inclusive, Safe and Future-Ready Education
• Train at least 100 teachers in experiential, inclusive, and gender-responsive pedagogies to improve classroom engagement and learning outcomes.
• Promote safe and supportive learning environments by building awareness on legal literacy, child protection, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and digital safety among students, teachers, and school stakeholders.
3. To Strengthen School Systems, Infrastructure, and Community Engagement
• Upgrade Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in three schools to ensure safe, hygienic, and gender-sensitive facilities, complemented by orientation sessions on hygiene awareness and proper usage of WASH facilities.
• Strengthen community engagement and accountability by facilitating active participation of School Management Committees (SMCs), parents, and key stakeholders across 18 schools to ensure sustainability and ownership.
KEY FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent will oversee all operational, technical, and community engagement aspects of the project, ensuring compliance with timelines, budgets, and donor requirements while delivering measurable educational impact.
1. Counselling & Student Support:
• Provide individual and group counselling sessions to students on:
1. Academic stress and learning challenges
2. Career guidance and future pathways
3. Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
4. Digital safety and responsible technology use
5. Psychosocial well-being
• Conduct assessment of each student in 18 schools and
• Identify at-risk students through regular interaction and assessments
• Develop and implement support plans to improve student attendance and retention
• Maintain confidential counselling records and case documentation
2. Project Coordination & Implementation
• Coordinate implementation of project components including:
1. STEM education activities and labs
2. Digital learning initiatives
3. Science lab engagement
4. WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) interventions
5. Vendors engaged by Plan India for setting up various labs/WASH in schools etc.
• Ensure smooth execution of activities in collaboration with school staff and project teams
• Monitor day-to-day project progress and address operational challenges
3. Training & Capacity Building
• Coordinate with Master trainers for teacher training programs on STEM pedagogy, inquiry-based learning, and use of lab equipment.
• Coordination with computer trainers and STEM facilitators are onboarded, supported, and delivering effective sessions.
• Facilitate refresher training sessions and workshops to enhance teaching quality.
4. Community & Stakeholder Engagement
• Engage with teachers, school management, parents, and community members
• Facilitate awareness sessions on student well-being, safety, and education
• Strengthen school-community linkages to support student development
• Plan and implement monthly parent engagement sessions to promote awareness and encourage participation in STEM and digital learning.
5. Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance
• Track student progress, attendance, and participation levels
• Prepare regular reports on counselling outcomes and project implementation
• Ensure compliance with project timelines, budgets, and donor requirements
• Support documentation of success stories, case studies, and impact data
• Coordinate and prepare monthly, quarterly, and project reports, including documentation of impact, best practices, and lessons learned.
• Keep a track of project budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and compliance with organizational and donor financial policies.
6. Programme Quality & Impact
• Ensure that project interventions lead to measurable improvements in:
1. Student engagement
2. Attendance and retention
3. Learning outcomes
• Provide feedback for programme improvement and innovation
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counselling, or a related field
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in counselling and/or education or development sector
• Experience working with adolescents and school-based programmes
• Strong understanding of child protection, SRHR, and psychosocial support
• Understanding of STEM pedagogy, digital literacy, and gender-transformative education approaches.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
• Strong counselling and interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication and facilitation abilities
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities (counselling + coordination)
• Strong organizational and reporting skills
• Sensitivity to gender, child rights, and inclusion issues
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Hindi.
• Ability to troubleshoot implementation challenges and adapt plans as necessary.
• Commitment to gender equity, inclusion, and local context adaptation.
COMPENSATION & EMPLOYMENT
Plan is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women candidates are encouraged to apply. Our policies and procedures reflect our commitment to child rights and child protection.
How to apply
Please send us your updated resume at planindiacareers@planindia.org . Please mention “Counsellor cum Project Coordinator” in the subject.
Last date of application is 10th May 2026
Given the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.