State PMU Lead

Role: State PMU Lead

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of experience in project management, public policy, or program implementation, preferably in the education or child development sectors.

Location: Bhubaneshwar (Odisha)

Proficiency in Odiya mandatory

Role Overview:

The State PMU Lead will be a key figure in aligning Rocket Learning’s initiatives with the objectives of the Department of Women and Child Development in the states. With 70% of their time spent within these departments, the PMU Lead 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 state government relationships management, which would include leading regular cadences with state government stakeholders, ensuring weekly/monthly/quarterly updates as per stakeholder prioritization and leading the PMU team to ensure 100% delivery of all stakeholder commitments.

In this role, the State PMU Lead 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 PMU Lead will be instrumental in navigating policy complexities and maximizing the impact of our work on the ground.

Qualifications:

Education: Post Graduate degree in Public Administration, Social Sciences, Education, Management, or a related field.

Experience:

A minimum of 5-10 years of experience in project management, public policy, or program implementation, preferably in the education or child development sectors.

Requirements

● Proven experience working with government departments or in a liaison role, particularly

within the education or social sectors. Minimum of 4 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 and Hindi (both written and spoken) & local language of the state.

Other Requirements:

● Project Management and Team Management skills for a dynamic environment

● 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.

● 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: Lead systematic research

and strategic planning related to Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) related

policies in Odisha.

● 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 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.

Critical Factors for Success

• 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 working for low-

income communities