Job Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES The Manager / Sr Manager, Strategy and Partnerships will independently shape, lead and deliver many of the above work-streams, and in the process, get a great vantage point from which to view the urban sector in India. This role provides an excellent orientation of how strategic system-reform non-profits operate to solve complex issues, and provides a bird s eye view of Janaagraha s work across thematic areas and priorities. This is an exciting institution building opportunity for an impact-minded mid-career professional looking for a steep learning curve. It also affords a great opportunity to work closely with (and learn directly from) the CEO and other senior members in the leadership team and in our advisory board. Landscaping and Learning Gradually and methodically expand and codify Janaagraha s understanding of various topics that play out in, and impact, urban India through secondary research and stakeholder meetings. Undertake quick landscape studies on specific pre-identified topics to formulate our house view of the same. Continuously track key trends in the philanthropy, policy and civil society ecosystem and strategise our response to the same across time horizons. Partnerships (refers to broader impact sector, beyond just donors and governments) Act as the internal champion of partnerships and coalitions, and proactively work with various program and state teams to identify and close potential partnership opportunities. Anchor and further incoming partnership conversations in collaboration with relevant program and state teams, assess potential and take them to their logical conclusion. Represent Jana at multi-organizational alliances, build relationships with a variety of impact sector actors and scope partnership opportunities. Strategic Priorities and Project Management Work closely with the CEO to identify specific strategic and cross-cutting institutional priorities and take them to closure, working with various teams as required. Build and test contextual, relevant and easy-to-use project management structures and processes for Janaagraha, and eventually embed them organization-wide to boost efficiency and effectiveness. Narrative and Communications Constantly iterate and sharpen organizational narrative, customizing the same for different audiences. Assist Head (S&P) and Head (Development) in crafting compelling and high quality concept notes and presentations for new donors, especially in emerging and intersectional areas of work. Support Head (Communications) to structure, curate and refine our content and narrative for key institutional properties including annual report, newsletter, website etc. Build and implement a findability track for Janaagraha, identifying high-impact spaces and targeted approaches to boosting our branding and discoverability among key stakeholders. Institutional governance Act as the convenor and custodian of institutional processes and platforms including the Advisory Board, Annual Planning process, Quarterly Review, Management Committee. Set process, norms, templates in discussion with the CEO Coordinate with various teams to curate relevant content Ensure appropriate and timely follow-up QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Strong academic background from reputed institutes. Progressive prior experience (5-10 years) at stellar organizations across private (consulting, VC, startup, other) and/or impact sector (foundations, system reform nonprofits, enablers). KEY COMPETENCIES Extremely high analytical, synthesis and problem-solving abilities, being able to understand and synthesize complex ideas and develop an informed perspective. Good research, writing and communication skills, able to create high quality outputs with short turnaround times. Examples of work products include concept notes, project updates, presentations, advocacy decks, and fundraising proposals. Excellent people management and project delivery skills, including ability to lead a small team, create project plans and dashboards, drive execution. Ability to independently work with senior stakeholders internally and externally jointly shaping key deliverables and representing Janaagraha s point of view. Ability to adapt quickly to a dynamic work environment, plan around ambiguity and manage multiple priorities. Curiosity, humility, high level of conscientiousness and a sense of humour ! High intrinsic motivation to contribute to solving problems at scale for India. A desire to build a career in a leading impact organization in the country.