Job ID: 291554

Cluster Coordinator

Chotanagpur Kalyan Niketan

Location: Simdega, Jharkhand

Apply by: 04 Jun 2026

Relevant Sectors

Health, Doctors, Nurses, HIV/AIDS, Nutrition

Chotanagpur Kalyan Niketan (CKN) is a grassroots non-governmental organisation based in Simdega, Jharkhand. CKN works with women, children, and marginalised communities including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and LGBTQIA+ groups. Its focus areas include child protection, prevention of child marriage and trafficking, malnutrition, community childcare, and strengthening access to social welfare entitlements.

The Rural Creche Initiative (Shishu Ghar) operates community-based childcare centres for children aged 7 months to 3 years in Simdega Sadar Block. These centres serve children of informal sector and seasonal worker families, providing nutritional support, early stimulation, growth monitoring, and linkages to health and social protection schemes. CKN implements this initiative in partnership with the Azim Premji Foundation.

The Cluster Coordinator is a core programme position responsible for the complete creche operations of the assigned cluster. In CKN’s context, the Cluster Coordinator may also be required to perform certain functions of a Program Manager, given the scale and staffing structure of the project.

Roles and Responsibilities
The Cluster Coordinator is centrally responsible for coordinating, demonstrating, observing, supporting, and managing all aspects of creche operations in sync with the Program Manager / Project Coordinator.

A. Pre-Setup Phase
Support in necessary arrangements and coordination for the Programme Team Orientation and Caregivers’ Pre-Service Training.
Co-visit with the Program Manager to meet block-level functionaries including CDPO, ICDS supervisors, and Panchayat representatives.
Analyse and use ICDS data received to prepare the village intervention plan. Share the plan with Supervisors and other cadres.
B. Setup Phase
Based on the community intervention plan, identify villages and lead community interventions.
Coordinate with PRIs, Anganwadi Workers, and ASHA Workers in conducting small group meetings and Gram Sabhas.
Lead efforts for space identification, modifications, and readiness of creche premises.
Support Supervisors in Line Listing and co-visit households for community interactions.
Take the lead in conducting Gram Sabhas and Caregivers’ selection, and support necessary documentation processes.
Audit identified creche spaces on safety parameters as per the checklist (in the absence of a Safety Coordinator).
Together with Supervisors, ensure safe and prepared spaces for creche centres before opening.
Coordinate with the Logistics Coordinator for necessary materials and resources for the centres.
Coordinate with the team for Caregivers’ Pre-Service Training and ensure all necessary arrangements are in place.
Lead and support the overall Centre Setup for operations.
C. Operational Phase
Prepare the plan for Day of Operations and community mobilisation at each centre.
Support child enrolment and conduct home visits for follow-up on absent, dropped-out, or malnourished children.
Prepare a weekly plan and support Supervisors in doing the same.
Regularly visit centres, support Caregivers and Supervisors by demonstrating practices and extending handholding.
Identify capacity building and support needs of each Supervisor through daily observations and make plans to address gaps.
Demonstrate and support growth monitoring (MUAC, weight, height) at centres on a regular basis.
Conduct weekly review and planning meetings with the team.
Regularly assess safety and security of creche centres.
Use the Shishu Ghar mobile application for check-ins, relevant updates, and use data for effective review and planning.
Ensure smooth creche operations through regular visits, structured observation, and monitoring.
Document observations, field notes, and relevant case information for reference and reporting.
Regularly visit households and support referrals of SAM/MAM children and other cases wherever needed.
Coordinate with frontline health personnel (ASHA, ANM, Anganwadi Workers) for health and nutrition interventions.
Organise and attend Creche Management Committee (CMC) meetings and other community meetings regularly.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Criteria

Details

Education

Graduate in Social Work, Sociology, Nutrition, Public Health, Education, or any related field. BSW / MSW preferred.

Experience

Minimum 3-4 years of field experience with an NGO or government programme in community development, childcare, health, or nutrition.

Language

Proficiency in Hindi and Sadri (spoken and written). Knowledge of local tribal languages (Mundari, kharia) is an added advantage.

Preferred Background

Prior exposure to ICDS, ASHA, or Anganwadi systems. Familiarity with the RCI / Shishu Ghar model or similar creche/childcare programmes is desirable.

Gender

Women candidates strongly preferred in keeping with CKN’s gender inclusion commitments. All genders are encouraged to apply.

Residence

Candidates from Simdega district, preferably Simdega Sadar Block or adjoining areas, are strongly preferred.

Mobility

Two-wheeler with valid driving licence preferred. Travel allowance will be provided as per CKN norms. Willingness to travel extensively within the block is essential.

Key Competencies
Competency

What it looks like in this role

Programme and Field Knowledge

Understanding of creche operations, child nutrition, early stimulation, and RCI protocols

Community Facilitation

Ability to conduct Gram Sabhas, CMC meetings, and household follow-up with confidence

Supervisory and Mentoring Skills

Supportive, observational approach to guiding Caregivers and Supervisors

Data and Documentation

Accurate use of Shishu Ghar App, registers, and monthly MIS for planning and reporting

Coordination

Effective liaison with government functionaries, frontline workers, and internal team members

Problem-Solving

Identifies field challenges, escalates appropriately, and takes initiative in resolution

Accountability and Reliability

Meets deadlines, follows through on commitments, and maintains programme standards consistently

Selection Process
Step

Stage

Details

1

Application Screening

Review of applications for minimum eligibility criteria and relevant experience

2

Written Test / Task

Short written test on child development, nutrition basics, or a practical documentation task

3

Personal Interview

Interview with Project Coordinator and CKN Director or designated panel in Simdega

4

Field Assessment

Structured interaction with a community or field observation (if needed)

5

Reference Check

Verification with at least one professional reference from prior work

6

Offer and Joining

Formal offer letter issued; joining date confirmed by CKN

Remuneration and Benefits
Monthly salary/honorarium: Rs. 30,000 to 35,000 (based on qualification and experience).
Travel allowance for field visits as per CKN norms.
Capacity building and professional development opportunities within CKN and through partner organisations, including Azim Premji Foundation.
Supportive work environment with structured mentoring and review mechanisms.
Certificate of service and letter of recommendation upon satisfactory completion of contract.
Equal Opportunity Statement
CKN is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and safe workplace. We strongly encourage applications from women, persons from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, persons with disabilities, and candidates from the LGBTQIA+ community. Selection is based entirely on merit and suitability for the role.

Job Email ID:

Hr(at)ckn.org.in