Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development
Job Description
Job Title: Project Manager- Programmes (PDWP Project)
Location: Idukki District, Kerala with extensive travel in Munnar, Vandiperiyar and Nilgiris
Department: Programme
Reports to: Senior Technical Director
Supervises: Programme Officers
Duration: One year (renewable) Level: Manager
Category: Short Term Contract
About CMID
Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development (CMID) is a non-profit organisation registered in India with its core office in Perumbavoor, Kerala. CMID focuses on social inclusion of migrant workers and advocates for and promotes evidence informed policies and programmes that foster migrant inclusive development. Its work ranges from grassroots interventions to advocacy for policy change. International Labour Organisation (ILO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), National Health Mission, Aajeevika Bureau, Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives, Wipro Foundation, Dasra, Gram Vikas, ESAF, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals, Cochin Shipyard Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, etc. are some of CMID’s recent collaborators. CMID implements various projects in Ernakulam district, Kerala which is the commercial capital of Kerala with the largest concentration of interstate migrant workers in Kerala.
The Partnership for Decent Work in Plantations (PDWP) project seeks to strengthen labour standards, promote responsible business practices, and improve the working and living conditions of plantation workers in the tea estates of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Through collaboration with tea estate management, workers' representatives, government agencies, and other key stakeholders, the project aims to support sustainable remediation measures, enhance workers' welfare, and foster compliance with national labour laws and internationally recognized standards. The project places a strong emphasis on worker participation, capacity building, and the development of systems that contribute to long-term improvements in labour practices and social sustainability.
Position Summary
The Project Manager will be responsible for establishing and managing the implementation of the PDWP in the designated tea estates. The incumbent will lead the operational setup of the project, coordinate with tea estate management, workers' representatives, government departments, and other
stakeholders, and ensure effective implementation of project activities in accordance with approved work plans and timelines.
The Project Manager will play a critical role during the inception phase by establishing field operations, recruiting and supervising project staff, developing implementation systems, and ensuring that project activities are delivered efficiently while maintaining high standards of quality and accountability.
Key Responsibilities
Project Establishment
- Lead the establishment of project operations in the selected tea gardens.
- Support in developing detailed implementation plans aligned with project objectives and timelines.
- Establish project management systems, operating procedures, and reporting mechanisms.
- Coordinate logistical arrangements for project implementation.
Human Resource Management
- Lead the recruitment, induction, and deployment of field staff.
- Supervise, mentor, and build the capacity of project personnel.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and ensure effective team functioning.
Project Implementation
- Oversee day-to-day implementation of all project activities.
- Ensure timely achievement of project milestones and deliverables.
- Monitor field implementation and address operational challenges proactively.
- Ensure compliance with project guidelines, donor requirements, and organizational policies.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with tea estate management, workers' representatives, local authorities, government departments, health services, community organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Facilitate regular coordination meetings and consultations.
- Represent the project in district-level forums as required.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
- Implement systems for monitoring project progress and outputs.
- Ensure accurate collection, validation, and reporting of project data.
- Support documentation of best practices, case studies, and lessons learned.
Financial and Administrative Oversight
- Financial management of grant, preparation of mandated internal and external programme reports/documentation.
- Ensure compliance of organisational policies and regulations across the programme and field offices.
Quality Assurance and Risk Management
- Monitor implementation quality across project sites.
- Identify operational risks and develop mitigation measures.
- Ensure adherence to safeguarding, occupational safety, and ethical standards.
Qualifications
- Master's degree in Social Work, Rural Development, Public Health, Development Studies, or a related discipline.
- Additional training in project management will be an advantage.
Experience
- Minimum 2–5 years of progressively responsible experience managing development projects.
- Experience in setting up and managing field-based programmes is desirable.
- Experience working with plantation communities, migration, labour rights, livelihoods, public health, or community development initiatives is highly desirable.
- Experience managing teams and coordinating with government agencies, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders.
- Experience in working on donor-funded projects will be an added advantage.
Essential Competencies
- Project planning and implementation skills.
- Leadership and people management abilities.
- Stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
- Sound analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Working knowledge of Hindi, Malayalam and/or Tamil/Bengali is mandatory.
- Ability to work independently in challenging field environments.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to quality.
Travel
The position requires extensive travel across project locations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Duration
Full-time position, 1 year contract, subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding the position will be extended to another year.