Opening for Senior Program Manager, Tamil Nadu
Urban Management Centre is looking for a passionate and driven professional to join us as State Program Manager – Tamil Nadu, based in Chennai, to help build safer and more dignified working environments for sanitation workers across the state. Ensuring Sanitation Workers’ Safety and Dignity has been one of UMC’s core initiatives, grounded in our belief that cities must work for everyone—not just those who live in them, but also those who keep them running.
In this role, you will work closely with the Government of Tamil Nadu to help turn policy into meaningful impact. If you believe in strengthening public systems, enjoy solving real urban challenges with committed teams, and are excited about working with government stakeholders to create change that matters—this role is for you. You will lead program implementation, support work happening across cities, and ensure that the voices and safety of sanitation workers are at the centre of progress.
About Urban Management Centre
Urban Management Centre (UMC) is a mission-driven non-profit working to make Indian cities more inclusive, resilient, and well-managed. For over 25 years, we have partnered with governments, communities, and sector experts to strengthen urban systems and improve the everyday lives of citizens.
Our team of 60+ professionals—spanning urban planning, public health, technology, finance, social development, design, and governance—works hands-on with cities across India to solve real problems. From improving sanitation and water systems, enabling heritage conservation, and driving climate action, to enhancing public health, municipal finance, and community engagement, we bring practical solutions backed by research, innovation, and field experience.
At our core, we believe cities thrive when people do—and we are committed to building urban environments that offer dignity, safety, equitable access, and opportunity for all.
Key Responsibilities
1. Drive program implementation of the Sanitation Workers Development Scheme and the ongoing support to Govt. of TN, ensuring timely execution, monitoring, and delivery of results across cities.
2. Represent the program with government stakeholders, build strong partnerships, and coordinate with the Head Office for strategic and technical support.
3. Lead, mentor, and empower state and city teams to strengthen capabilities, ensure compliance, and enable smooth on-ground operations.
4. Track progress and analyze program data to generate insights and prepare high-quality reports on achievements, learnings, and challenges.
5. Identify new opportunities for program growth, contribute to proposals, and support high-impact presentations and strategic discussions.
6. Ensure operational excellence by overseeing administrative and financial processes, and adherence to organizational HR and compliance policies.
Qualifications and Competencies:
• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Urban Planning and Management, Public Policy or related field
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience; minimum of 5 years’ experience working with state government and multiple stakeholders will be an added advantage
• Experience in urban settings, preferably in sanitation, skilling, poverty, occupational health & safety and community development
• Engaging Diverse Stakeholders: Proven ability to build trusted relationships and collaborate effectively with senior government officials, elected representatives, civil society partners, and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Agility: ability to thrive in fast-paced and evolving environments, balancing multiple priorities and delivering high-quality outcomes under tight timelines.
• Displays sensitivity and inclusiveness for all gender, religions, race, nationalities and ages
• Excellent communication (both oral and written) in English and Tamil is essential.
Urban Management Centre is an equal opportunity employer, and we strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.
If this role resonates with you, please send your application to jobs@umcasia.org, with a copy to shiva@umcasia.org, using the subject line: “Application – State Program Manager, Tamil Nadu”. Please include the following:
• Updated CV
• Cover letter describing your suitability for the position
• Proof of last drawn remuneration (any one of the following: last 3 months’ salary slips, bank statements showing salary deposits for the last 3 months, employment letter, or contract document)
• Contact details of three recent professional references who can speak to your experience and strengths