Position Title: Program Associates (two positions) Status: Full Time – Two years, with extension contingent upon funding Location: Kolkata/ South 24 Parganas (Sundarbans)

Position Title:            Program Associates (two positions)

Status:                             Full Time – Two years, with extension contingent upon funding

Location:                  Kolkata/ South 24 Parganas (Sundarbans)

Classification:         Not applicable.  Not eligible for overtime pay.

Date:                         19.09.2022

 

Gram Niyojan Kendra (GNK) is a national level organization working towards transforming the lives of women and children from disadvantaged and deprived communities. Started in 1977, Gram Niyojan Kendra has implemented comprehensive community development interventions across various states of the country.

Gram Niyojan Kendra has been instrumental in strengthening grassroot level organisations engaged in rural transformation by building their capacities and support towards organisational development.

 

Job Summary:  GNK is hiring for Program Associates position, (preference for women candidates) for a mangrove’s restoration and climate change program to be based in Sundarbans district of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The program is fund supported and implemented in collaboration with Landesa (US based international non-profit). The Program Associate will be responsible for coordination and implementation of program strategy in one or more districts of Sundarbans.  The goal of the program strategy is to improve the lives of rural women and men by providing secure land rights and mitigating the climate change impacts by protecting Sundarbans. The Program Associates is responsible for exploring and maintaining key partner relationships with program partners, community, and local government. 

The Program Associates manages projects in district(s), monitors work and supports Program Manager in evaluating results to ensure that departmental, organizational objectives and operating requirements are met and are in line with the needs. The Program Associates will also support the team members as needed for the implementation of this project. The Program Associates will also support in the assessment of land related issues, review and revision of existing training materials, and production of new materials and conducting trainings at various levels.

Reporting and relationships: Reports to Program Manager.  Works in close collaboration with team members, NGO partners and government.

Travel requirements: Extensive local travel within the Sundarbans blocks of West Bengal, occasional regional travel, total up to 60% of time, including overnight travel to rural areas.

Essential job functions:

Program management

·         Work with the Program Manager and Director to develop and implement program strategy in the select district(s) and explore, cultivate partnership with various stakeholders, including governments institutions, community leaders and other non-profits and CSOs.

·         Support the Program Manager to ensure that the projects are implemented with high quality, within budget and on time.

·         Supervise, guide and build capacity of Sangha and SHGs, local CSOs, PRIs, community leaders, and rural women on various aspects related to mangroves preservation and protection.

·         Monitor progress against program workplan and organizational metrics and milestones. 

·         Support Program Manager in developing program management reports with field insights as and when required

·         Work with other team members in the state to achieve deliverables.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

·         A deep commitment to the mission of a better, safer future for women and men through land ownership and secure land rights.

·         Gender sensitivity and commitment to the empowerment of vulnerable communities, including ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples.

·         Highly energetic with strong desire to work within the mangrove’s community and travel extensively in rural and Sundarbans areas. Ability to work in teams. Creative and independent thinker with a track record of success in achieving organizational objectives.

·         Training skills, ability to raise program issues with local administration, good written and verbal communication skills. 

·         Proactive in building relationship with local stakeholders, with ability to overcome field level program related challenges.  

·         Proven ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders and partners and at all levels of the organization.

·         Ability to think creatively and strategically to mediate and negotiate successfully with government stakeholders, individuals and partners. 

·         Strong program and project management skills. Ability to balance competing priorities, work effectively in complex situations and within tight deadlines.

Education and experience:

·         Postgraduate or professional degree in a relevant field (Environment, rural development, sociology, economics, social science, agriculture etc.).

·         At least three years of relevant experience in program implementation.

·         Knowledge of environment, climate change and rural development issues with experience working in land reforms sector is desirable.

·         MS Office 365 proficiency. 

·         Language skills: Bengali and English both written and verbal,  

 

Work environment and working conditions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to working conditions and hazards which are prevalent in the location of assignment.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Work is primarily performed indoors with some potential for exposure to safety and health hazards related to electronics work.  The employee may be required to travel overseas and domestically.  When traveling, the employee may be exposed to physical hazards (illnesses, noise, extreme temperatures, wet or humid climates, etc.), road hazards (unfinished/dirt roads, potholes, traffic-related accidents, etc.), and atmospheric conditions (odours, dust, fumes, smog, etc.). 

Additional Comments:  The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

GNK is an equal opportunity employer. Women candidates are encouraged to apply.