Position: District Programme Lead
[Gender in Governance, Trainer and Facilitator]
|
Location:
|
Select districts of Chhattisgarh
|
|
Duration:
|
15 months (with possibility of extension based on performance)
|
|
Emoluments:
|
Rs 83,000/- per month (covers field, travel, and work-related expenses)
|
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Voices Project strengthens women Sarpanches to represent the demands of female citizens in local governance through Mahila Sabhas. Transform Rural India (TRI) trains women Sarpanches through a customized, four-phase curriculum and facilitates peer networks to foster solidarity and collective action—all within the framework of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.
While the 73rd Constitutional Amendment has significantly increased women's representation in local governance, the transition from 'presence' to 'power' remains a challenge. Issues like sarpanchpati—where male relatives exercise informal authority—continue to limit women's autonomy.
The Voices Project is a collaborative initiative between Transform Rural India (TRI), Stanford University, and IIT Gandhinagar designed to bridge this gap by:
- Improving public service delivery.
- Strengthening the exercise of authority and agency by Elected Women Representatives (EWRs).
Central to this project is the District Programme Lead, who anchors and leads the training programme, facilitates networks of women Sarpanches, and supports them in conducting Mahila Sabhas.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
This position seeks inspired changemakers ready to work in a challenging, exciting, and continuous learning environment to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Education: Minimum of a Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree or higher preferred.
- Age: Around 30 years.
- Experience: Relevant work experience (3 years for graduates, 2 years for postgraduates) with a minimum of 3 months of rural exposure and experience living in rural settings.
- Training Background: Demonstrated interest and proven experience in conducting training and/or facilitating group learning events (independently or as part of a team).
- Linguistic Skills: Proficiency in English and Hindi (reading, writing, and speaking). Knowledge of local dialects spoken in Chhattisgarh is a significant advantage.
- Digital Literacy: Proficiency in office software/tools and the ability to navigate government portals.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We are seeking women professionals with demonstrated interest, experience, and skills in gender training and facilitation. The role focuses on training and mentoring women Sarpanches and building their networks within the Panchayati Raj and local governance framework. This is a 15-month, field-immersive journey for professionals passionate about gender equity, grassroots governance, and systemic change.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead Evidence-Driven Interventions: Implement research-based curricula to strengthen women's agency and promote gender-inclusive governance.
- Facilitation & Mobilization: Conduct high-impact training sessions, mobilize women leaders, and facilitate peer networks.
- Systemic Coaching: Mentor women Sarpanches to navigate institutional challenges and exercise independent leadership.
- Action Research Exposure: Engage with cutting-edge research connecting grassroots practice and global academia.
|
Requirement Note:
Success in this role hinges on your ability to conduct training programmes, facilitate groups, and communicate with empathy and authority. We are looking for women candidates who can command a room, facilitate difficult conversations regarding gender norms, and inspire confidence in women leaders.
|
HOW TO APPLY
Recruitment is conducted at the national level. Selection decisions are made on a rolling basis; interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
- Application Link: https://www.trif.in/careers/
- Deadline: August 28, 2026, 11:55 PM
- Candidates who applied for the 'District Programme Lead' (DPL) position between November 17, 2025, and February 26, 2026, need not re-apply.
- Payroll Note: This is a third-party payroll position.