Job Title: Project Lead – ITI Transformation (Maharashtra State)
Location: Pune, Maharashtra
(Base location: Pune/Pimpri-Chinchwad. This is a state-wide role with significant travel to ITI clusters across Maharashtra.)
Travel: Extensive, as per project requirements.
About Lend A Hand India (LAHI)
Lend A Hand India is a premier national Think Tank and NGO with over two decades of experience shaping India's skill and vocational education landscape. We don't just run programs; we drive systemic reforms. We partner with over 20 State and UT governments to provide technical advisory and Project Management Unit (PMU) support, translating policy into tangible, on-the-ground impact.
Our Mission: To equip school students to maximise their potential through skill education.
Our Reach:
- 20+ States and UTs
- 15,000+ Schools
- 1.5 Million+ Students
- 250+ Dedicated Team Members
The Opportunity: Lead the Future of Skill Development in Maharashtra
This is not just a project management role; it is a state-level leadership opportunity to architect and drive the transformation of the ITI ecosystem in Maharashtra. As the Project Lead, you will be the linchpin of our State Project Management Unit (PMU), holding the vision and driving the execution of a comprehensive 10-pillar transformation playbook.
You will operate at the intersection of strategy, government policy, and field execution. You will empower a team, engage with industry leaders, and partner with the government to create lasting change that directly impacts the employability and future of thousands of youth. This role is for a leader who is passionate about building a skilled India and possesses the grit to drive change in a dynamic environment.
Key Responsibilities: A Role with Purpose and Impact
1. Strategic Leadership & Program Execution
- Lead the end-to-end planning, rollout, and management of the ITI transformation project across your assigned clusters in Maharashtra.
- Own the delivery of the 10-pillar playbook, from student mobilization and aspiration-building to post-placement mentorship and tracking.
- Mentor and manage a team of Cluster Project Coordinators, setting ambitious targets, reviewing progress, and removing roadblocks to ensure success.
- Drive the baseline assessment process, using data to inform cluster-level planning and prioritize interventions where they are needed most.
2. Government & Ecosystem Orchestration
- Be the primary interface with the Maharashtra State Skills Department, building trust and fostering a collaborative partnership.
- Coordinate with the Central PMU, ensuring strategic alignment and sharing learnings to strengthen the national program.
- Cultivate a powerful network of partners – industry bodies, NGOs, and technology providers – to ensure seamless, coordinated delivery across all pillars.
- Empower ITI principals and faculty by strengthening institutional processes under the Admin Strengthening and Faculty Development pillars.
3. Bridging the Industry-Academia Gap
- Lead the charge in local industry engagement, connecting with employers in Maharashtra's robust manufacturing and industrial corridors to build a strong bridge between training and employment.
- Oversee the development of apprenticeship pipelines and placement support, converting training into high-quality job outcomes.
- Champion post-placement mentorship and retention initiatives, addressing the critical challenge of first-year drop-off to ensure long-term success for graduates.
4. Data-Driven Management & Technology
- Champion a culture of data-driven decision-making. Ensure accurate, timely reporting from the cluster to the state and central levels.
- Use data and MIS tools to identify trends, anomalies, and areas needing intervention, proactively managing risks and ensuring project milestones are met.
- Track progress against the program roadmap, from the pilot phase to scale-up, and flag risks early to keep the project on course.
5. Team Building & Stakeholder Representation
- Build and lead a high-performing, motivated state team. Be a coach and mentor, responsible for hiring, developing, and managing performance.
- Represent Lend A Hand India and the state program in high-level reviews with donors, government counterparts, and the Central PMU.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of the ITI playbook, bringing on-ground learnings to refine the operating model.
The Leader We're Looking For -
Experience & Background:
- 8–10+ years of experience in program/project management, with a significant focus on skilling, vocational training, education, or livelihoods.
- Proven track record of managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs involving government departments, NGOs, and industry partners.
- Prior experience working with or within the ITI/vocational training ecosystem (DGT, MSDE, State Skill Development Missions) is highly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience managing geographically dispersed field teams and driving delivery across multiple locations.
Education:
- A Graduate/Postgraduate degree in any discipline. A background in Social Work, Development Studies, Education, Engineering, or Management is a strong advantage.
Core Competencies:
- Stakeholder Acumen: You are comfortable and confident liaising with government officials at the highest levels.
- Analytical & Data-Driven: You can translate data from dashboards and MIS tools into actionable strategies and on-the-ground interventions.
- Inspiring People Leader: You have a knack for hiring, coaching, and empowering teams to achieve their best.
- Resilient & Adaptive: You thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment and possess a "build-as-you-go" mindset.
- Excellent Communicator: You have superior written and verbal communication skills in English, Marathi, and Hindi.
- Willingness to Travel: You are ready to travel extensively across Maharashtra to ITI clusters and district offices.
Personal Attributes:
- Relationship-Oriented: You build trust and rapport quickly.
- Proactive & Self-Driven: You don't wait for instructions; you find solutions.
- Adaptable & Resilient: You can navigate challenges with a positive and persistent attitude.
- Strong Ownership & Accountability: You take full responsibility for your projects and your team's success.
Why Join Lend A Hand India?
- Purpose-Driven Work: Directly contribute to building a skilled and employable workforce for India.
- Scale & Impact: Work on a state-level program with the potential to transform the lives of millions of youth.
- Leadership Role: Lead a high-visibility project and represent a respected national organization.
- Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a dedicated team of experts and passionate individuals.
- Professional Growth: Gain unparalleled experience in systemic reform, government consulting, and large-scale program management.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you are a visionary leader with a passion for skill development and a drive to create systemic change, we want to hear from you. Apply today to join us on this transformative journey.
Link to Apply