Senior Program Manager PMU Mumbai

Rocket Learning; Mumbai; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Learning seeks a Senior Program Manager to align initiatives with government objectives in Maharashtra. The role balances policy work (70%) with field activities (30%), including district visits and stakeholder engagements across Mumbai.

The ideal candidate has 4–5 years in project management or public policy, with strong analytical and communication skills, and proficiency in MS Office. Willingness to travel is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Social Sciences, Education, Management or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 4–5 years in project management, public policy or program implementation.
• Experience liaising with government departments, preferably in education or social sectors.
• Fieldwork and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Proficiency in MS Office and project management tools.
• Fluency in English, Marathi and Hindi (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Stakeholder management with government departments and NGOs.
• Policy implementation, research, and ECCE program management in Maharashtra.
• Data collection, analysis and reporting to stakeholders.
• Field visits to districts; coordinate district and state ECCE work.

Skills

Policy understanding

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Project management

Communication

MS Office

English‑Marathi‑Hindi

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Project management tools

Job description

Job Description

Role: Senior Program Manager - Program Management Unit – Maharashtra

Experience: A minimum of 4-5 years of experience in project management, public policy, or program implementation, preferably in the education or child development sectors.

Location: Mumbai

Role Overview

The Senior Program Manager (SPM) will be a key figure in aligning Rocket Learning’s initiatives with the objectives of the Department of Women and Child Development and the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Department in Mumbai. With 70% of their time spent within these departments, the SPM will focus on policy implementation, research, and fostering seamless communication between the government and our organization. The remaining 30% of their time will be dedicated to fieldwork, where they will visit districts to monitor program launches, events, and engage with district-level stakeholders to strengthen on-ground efforts.

In this role, the SPM will build and maintain robust relationships with government officials and other key stakeholders. By understanding departmental workflows and management structures, they will strategically enhance the effectiveness of Rocket Learning’s programs and ensure that all initiatives are aligned with government priorities and executed with precision.

This role requires a proactive individual with strong analytical abilities, strategic thinking, and the capacity to work collaboratively across both governmental and NGO sectors. The SPM will be instrumental in navigating policy complexities and maximizing the impact of our work on the ground.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Social Sciences, Education, Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree in any of these areas is preferred.

Experience

A minimum of 4-5 years of experience in project management, public policy, or program implementation, preferably in the education or child development sectors.

• Proven experience working with government departments or in a liaison role, particularly within the education or social sectors. Minimum of 2 years.
• Experience in fieldwork, with a strong understanding of on-ground program implementation and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

• Strong understanding of government operations, particularly in the education and child development sectors.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with government officials and other stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to navigate complex policy environments and enhance program effectiveness.
• Project and program management expertise, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting, with the ability to use data to inform strategic decisions.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and project management tools.
• Fluency in English, Marathi and Hindi (both written and spoken).

Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel regularly for field visits and stakeholder meetings.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

1. Stakeholder Management: Manage relationships with multiple stakeholders within the Department of Women and Child Development and the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan.
   • Liaise effectively with key departmental stakeholders, ensuring strong communication and collaboration.
   • Establish and maintain clear communication channels to keep stakeholders informed about project progress, changes, and ground-level challenges.
2. Policy Implementation, Research, and Project Management: Conduct systematic research and strategic planning related to Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) related policies in Maharashtra.
   • Assist in budget planning and management for ECCE initiatives within the Department.
   • Oversee and manage all aspects of project implementation, ensuring tasks are completed on time and within budget.
   • Continuously monitor project progress, identify bottlenecks, and make necessary adjustments to ensure successful outcomes.
3. Data-Driven Decision Making and Documentation: Collect, analyze, and interpret relevant data to support informed decision-making and program adjustments.
   • Assist the Department with data entry and maintain accurate records.
   • Draft formal communications, including letters and reports, in Hindi, Marathi and English, as required.
   • Prepare and submit regular reports on project progress, challenges, and outcomes to government stakeholders.
   • Use data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions and recommend adjustments to enhance program effectiveness.
4. Program Support and Field Visits: Ensure the smooth implementation of Rocket Learning’s programs across districts in Maharashtra, with a focus on ECCE.
   • Coordinate ECCE-related work at both the district and state levels to ensure alignment and effective execution.
   • Conduct quarterly field visits to 2-3 districts to oversee new program launches, events, and engage with local stakeholders to address on-ground challenges.

Requirements

• Strong aptitude for analytical thinking and data-driven decision making
• Strong communication skills – written and oral - along with ability to liaise with cross-functional teams
• Ability to handle multiple projects and tasks in an entrepreneurial environment
• Taking ownership in ambiguous situations
• User empathy and appreciation for challenges and opportunities of building a product for low-income smartphone users