Job ID: 291479

Innovation Fellow

Project DEFY

Location: Chitalanka Village, Dantewada, Chhattisgarh

Apply by: 19 May 2026

Relevant Sectors

Capacity Building, Training, Advocacy

Social, Gender, Education, Youth, Child

Innovation Fellow – Dantewada Nook

Innovation Fellow – Dantewada Nook

There are two kinds of changemakers in the world: the first ones are the 'Fixers' who
perpetually attempt to make existing institutions such as schools and colleges
better. And then, there are the 'Creators' who try to design and implement
alternatives to the existing system because they know you can't fix a broken system.
If you are a Creator, this fellowship is for you!
Role: Innovation Fellow
Location: Chitalanka village, Dantewada, Chhattisgarh
Duration: 18 months (renewal basis on performance)
Languages: Hindi (Mandatory), English (Functional), Gondi/Halbi(optional)
Stipend: 25,000 - 30,000 INR (based on experience)

About Nooks
Nooks are community-owned, self-designed learning spaces—often described as
"schools without teachers"—that empower youth from marginalized communities to
take agency over their education. Operated by Project DEFY, these spaces provide
free access to a range of technology, tools, and resources, allowing learners to solve
real-world problems through hands-on creation.
At a Nook, there are no fixed curricula, exams, or traditional teachers. Instead,
learning is driven by curiosity and cross-disciplinary projects spanning electronics,
media, ecology, music, art, coding, robotics, sustainability, and traditional

craftsmanship like carpentry and tailoring. Our goal is to nourish a decentralized
learning model that is eventually led and sustained by the community itself.
Learn more about Nook at: www.projectdefy.org

What does an Innovation Fellow do?

We are looking for a hands-on person who is skilled in and passionate about several
of the fields and areas stated above. We are particularly keen to hire individuals
with an affinity for and track record in projects related to the fields of electronics &
technology, as well as practical experience in building things from scratch using
manual and electronic tools or technology.

Responsibilities:
1. Hands-on Workshops and Projects:
? Plan and facilitate engaging hands-on workshops and projects that
encourage creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
? Provide guidance and technical support to learners during learning
activities, ensuring their safety and proper use of tools and materials.
? Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where learners can
explore their interests, share ideas, and learn from each other.

2. Nook Management:
? Organize and maintain the nook, ensuring it is clean, well-stocked, and
equipped with necessary tools and materials.
? Develop and implement safety protocols and procedures to ensure a
safe and inclusive learning environment.
? Train learners on the proper use of tools and equipment, emphasizing
safety and responsible practices.

3. Mentorship and Support:
? Serve as a mentor and guide for learners, providing them with
feedback, encouragement, and technical expertise throughout their
learning journeys.

? Support learners in developing their ideas, troubleshooting challenges,
and exploring new techniques and technologies.
? Foster a growth mindset and resilience, helping learners learn from
failures and iterate on their designs.
4. Collaboration and Community Engagement:
? Collaborate with the Community Fellow to integrate learning activities
into the broader community and learning goals.
? Foster partnerships and collaborations with external organizations and
experts to provide additional learning opportunities and resources.
? Encourage learners to showcase their projects and participate in
exhibitions and community events.

5. Documentation and Evaluation:
? Document and showcase learner projects, progress, and achievements
through photographs, videos, and other forms of documentation.
? Evaluate the effectiveness of learning activities and programs,
gathering feedback from learners, educators, and community members
? Contribute to reports and presentations highlighting the impact of
learning initiatives on learners' skills, creativity, and engagement.

Qualifications:
? Strong passion for hands-on learning and encouraging creativity.
? Experience in facilitating projects, workshops, or similar hands-on learning
experiences.
? Proficiency in a wide range of making skills and techniques, such as
woodworking, electronics, 3D printing, coding, or crafting.
? Knowledge of safety protocols and best practices in a learning environment.
? Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage and support
learners of various ages and backgrounds.
? Strong organisational and time management skills to plan and coordinate
learning activities and resources.
? Familiarity with educational theories and practices related to hands-on,
experiential learning is preferred.
? Passion to support others in achieving their project goals
? English, Hindi, and Halbi/Gondi language proficiency

? Strong interest in exploring new approaches and methods of learning outside
the mainstream education system
If this opportunity sounds exciting to you, please apply here to become the
innovation fellow for the Chitalanka Nook.
We encourage women and those who identify themselves as transgender or other
non-male genders to apply for this position.

Apply at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BDZBQZDOIkUm8_8C_qbttj6qeWzjqENu/view