JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: State Lead
Location: Patna, Bihar
Nature of Employment: Full-Time Consultancy (1 year, extendable based on performance)
About the Organization
Language and Learning Foundation is a leading nonprofit organization working to improve Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) outcomes in India. LLF partners with state governments to strengthen teacher capacity, academic systems, and classroom practices through technical support, program design, and large-scale implementation.
Program Context
LLF is working as a technical partner with State Council of Educational Research and Training and Bihar Education Project Council (BEPC) to strengthen FLN implementation across the state.
The program focuses on:
- Strengthening teacher professional development systems
- Improving classroom practices and learning outcomes
- Building sustainable academic and program management systems within the government
In addition, LLF supports demonstration districts to develop scalable models of high-quality FLN implementation.
Role Overview
The State Program Coordinator will serve as a central anchor for program planning, coordination, and execution at the state level. The role requires strong program management, stakeholder engagement, and cross-team coordination skills to ensure that LLF’s technical support is effectively implemented across the state and demonstration districts.
This role goes beyond coordination and requires active problem-solving, ownership of outcomes, and the ability to work across systems and teams.
Role Purpose
To ensure effective planning, execution, and monitoring of FLN interventions in Bihar by:
- Strengthening coordination between LLF and government stakeholders
- Ensuring high-quality implementation across districts
- Supporting demonstration models for scale
- Enabling smooth collaboration between academic, program, and field teams
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Program Planning & Execution
- Lead development of annual, quarterly, and monthly implementation plans aligned with government priorities
- Ensure timely execution of agreed plans across state and districts
- Track key milestones, deliverables, and timelines
- Proactively identify risks and implementation bottlenecks and drive solutions
Government Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with SCERT, BEPC, DIETs, District and block-level officials
- Ensure alignment, ownership, and active participation of government stakeholders
- Represent LLF in State-level meetings, different Review forums and Coordination platforms
- Facilitate effective communication between government and LLF teams
Demonstration District Management
- Lead planning and implementation of demo district interventions
- Ensure Timely execution of activities, Adequate resource allocation and Regular monitoring and follow-up
- Support districts in becoming models of effective FLN implementation
- Document learnings, innovations, and success stories for scale-up
Cross-Team Coordination (Academic + Program + Field)
- Facilitate coordination between Academic team, District implementation team and Central LLF team members.
- Ensure alignment between Academic design and Program implementation
- Support smooth flow of information, feedback, and action points across teams
Monitoring, Review & Data-Driven Decision Making
- Establish strong systems for Progress tracking, and Review and follow-up
- Use data from Field visits, Reports, and Assessments to inform decision-making
- Organize and facilitate State and district review meetings
- Ensure timely follow-up on decisions and action points
Capacity Building & System Strengthening
- Support capacity-building efforts for District teams, and Field staff
- Strengthen program management practices within the system Planning, Review, and Documentation
- Enable districts to independently manage and sustain FLN interventions
Documentation, Reporting & Knowledge Management
- Ensure high-quality Program documentation, Progress reports, and Donor reports
- Capture Best practices, Case studies, and Implementation learnings
- Support proposal development and knowledge-sharing initiatives
Field Engagement & Quality Assurance
- Conduct regular field visits to Districts to participate in Trainings, and Review meetings
- Ensure implementation quality and consistency across locations
- Provide real-time feedback and support to teams
Key Deliverables
- Timely and effective execution of state FLN program plans
- Strong government partnerships and stakeholder alignment
- High-quality implementation of demo district models
- Improved coordination across LLF teams and stakeholders
- Robust monitoring, review, and reporting systems
- Documented learnings and scalable practices
Qualifications & Experience
- Master’s degree in Education, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or related field
- 6–8 years of experience in Program management in education/development sector and Working with government systems (SCERT, DIETs, districts)
- Experience managing state-level or multi-district programs
- Experience leading teams and coordinating across stakeholders
Core Competencies
- Strong program planning and execution skills
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building ability
- Ability to work in complex government systems
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Effective communication and coordination skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Preferred Experience
- Experience in FLN / foundational learning programs
- Familiarity with NIPUN Bharat or similar initiatives
- Experience in Bihar or similar contexts
Travel Requirement
- Willingness to travel extensively across districts as per program needs
Language and Learning Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.