JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Program Manager
Department: Program Implementation & Strategic Partnership
Based in Location: Delhi
Reporting to: Director – PI & SP
Level Of Contact with Children: 1 Direct interaction with children
The position holder shall be responsible to adhere & work within the ambit of Plan India’s Child Safeguarding & Gender Equality Policies.
About Plan International (India Chapter):
Plan Internationally (India Chapter) is a nationally registered not for profit organization striving to advance children’s rights and equality for girls, thus creating a lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable and excluded children and their communities. It is commonly referred to as Plan India. Since 1979, Plan India and its partners have improved the lives of millions of children and young people by enabling them access to protection, quality education and healthcare services, a healthy environment, livelihood opportunities and participation in decisions which affect their lives.
Plan India is a member of the Plan International Federation, an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan International is active in more than 70 countries. To know more about Plan India visit www.planindia.org
About the Role:
The Program Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership for two flagship education initiatives:
• Model School Project in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• Comprehensive School Improvement Project in Bengaluru Rural, Karnataka
The incumbent will ensure effective implementation, quality assurance, donor compliance, stakeholder engagement, financial stewardship and achievement of program outcomes across both projects while strengthening partnerships with government institutions, communities, schools and donor agencies.
About Model School Project:
The Model School project initiative (under Comprehensive School Improvement Program) aims to provide access to high-quality holistic school education at the block level, promoting excellence and all-round development among students in Varanasi. The primary objective of Model Schools is to ensure high-quality education at the block level, creating centers of excellence that inspire educational growth. The holistic development of students is a central goal, encompassing academic, co-curricular, and personal growth aspects. Schools that enable all children to attend regularly, learn, effectively and graduate.
About Comprehensive School Improvement Project:
The Comprehensive School Improvement Program (CSIP) aims to provide access to high-quality holistic school education in rural Bangalore at the block level, promoting excellence and all-round development among students. The primary objective of project is to ensure high-quality education at the block level, creating centers of excellence that inspire educational growth. The holistic development of students is a central goal, encompassing academic, co-curricular, and personal growth aspects. Schools that enables all children to attend regularly, learn, effectively and graduate
Key Roles & Responsibilities:
Program Leadership & Strategic Management:
• Provide overall leadership, strategic direction, and management of the Model School Project
• Ensure effective planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of program activities in line with approved project objectives, timelines, and budgets.
• Develop annual implementation plans, budgets, and resource allocation strategies to achieve program outcomes.
• Identify risks, challenges, and opportunities and ensure timely corrective actions.
• Ensure integration of innovative and evidence-based approaches to improve educational outcomes.
Project Oversight & Quality Assurance:
• Supervise and mentor the Project Lead and project team to ensure efficient implementation of all project activities.
• Monitor project progress against agreed deliverables, indicators, timelines, and budgets.
• Ensure quality standards are maintained across all interventions and project locations.
• Review project reports, documentation, case studies, and learning products for quality and accuracy.
• Lead periodic reviews and assessments to measure program effectiveness and impact.
Stakeholder & Government Engagement:
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with government departments, including Education Department, Samagra Shiksha, DDPI, BEOs, Panchayati Raj Institutions, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Represent Plan India at district, state-level forums, consultations, and coordination meetings.
• Strengthen engagement with School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMCs), school leadership, community institutions, and partner organizations.
• Facilitate strategic collaborations to enhance program effectiveness and sustainability.
Donor Management & Reporting:
• Serve as the primary focal point for donor engagement and relationship management.
• Ensure timely submission of high-quality donor reports, presentations, financial updates, and impact narratives.
• Organize donor visits and provide strategic updates on program progress and achievements.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements, contractual obligations, and reporting standards.
Team Leadership & Capacity Building:
• Lead, mentor, and develop project staff to foster a high-performance culture.
• Identify capacity-building needs and facilitate learning opportunities for project teams and stakeholders.
• Promote collaboration, accountability, and effective communication within the team.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide regular coaching and feedback to direct reports.
Financial Management & Compliance:
• Oversee program budgets and ensure efficient utilization of resources.
• Monitor expenditure against approved budgets and ensure financial compliance.
• Ensure adherence to Plan India policies, safeguarding standards, statutory requirements, and donor guidelines.
• Support internal and external audits and ensure timely closure of observations.
Knowledge Management & Learning:
• Promote documentation of best practices, success stories, innovations, and lessons learned.
• Lead program reviews, evaluations, and learning initiatives.
• Support research and evidence generation to inform program design and advocacy efforts.
Additional Responsibilities:
• Ensure adherence to all statutory and organizational requirements.
• Undertake any other responsibilities assigned by the reporting manager.
Candidate Eligibility:
Education:
• Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW), Sociology, Education, Development Studies, Public Policy, Management, or related discipline.
Experience:
• 8-10 years of relevant experience in managing large-scale education, community development, or social sector programs.
• Demonstrated experience in donor-funded projects and government stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams and complex program operations.
Competencies:
• Strong program and project management skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and partnership-building abilities.
• Strong budgeting, planning, monitoring, and reporting skills.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English & Hindi
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and project management tools.
• Good understanding of education systems, school improvement frameworks, and government education programs.
Travel Requirements: Up to 50–60%
COMPENSATION & EMPLOYMENT:
Plan is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women candidates are encouraged to apply. Our policies and procedures reflect our commitment to child rights and child protection.
How to apply:
Please send us your updated resume at planindiacareers@planindia.org . Please mention “Program Manager-Delhi (MSP+CSIP)” in the subject. Last day of application is 29th October 2026.
Given the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications will be assessed in rolling basis.