Karnataka State Lead, Youth Program

Location: Bangalore

About Quest Alliance:

At Quest Alliance we transform learning ecosystems through education technology, capacity building, and collaboration to build 21st-century skills for learners and facilitators

We are a not-for-profit trust that focuses on research-led innovation and advocacy in the field of teaching and learning. We engage with educators, civil society, government institutions and corporate organizations to demonstrate and enable scalable and replicable solutions in school education and vocational training

At Quest you will get the opportunity to apply your skills and contribute to addressing issues around quality education and skills training. The organization gives you the space to learn and grow in a fun and engaging environment. We have an eclectic group of people working at

Quest drawn from diverse disciplines including Education, Technology, Design, Youth

Development and Business.

About the Role

Quest Alliance has been working with NGOs, community organizations, Industrial Training

Institutes and Polytechnics for over a decade, helping them conceptualize and/or improve their skills training strategies for youth.

As Program Manager, you will drive more the strategic aspects than the operational aspects of the Youth Program work for the state. You will ensure it is delivered with the highest quality by ensuring a clear vision and plan, the team is managed well and relationships are built at state and national level with government, NGOs etc. It is an exciting role for a person who has proven experience of working on multi state projects, involving government as well as civil society partners.

You'll lead a 10 people team, with 4-5 team members reporting to you directly.

Role Description

Program Design and Management

● Ensuring the state work connects to the needs of the state as well as the larger program strategy. The team is aligned to as strong state vision, rooted in realities of the state

● Being on top of youth development trends and realities, being reflective, connecting the dots and giving meaningful direction and feedback to the team





● Strong Perspective on the key thematics such as Career development , 21st century skills, gender, employability skills and hence planning advocacy efforts and alignment with the program strategy. Hold the teams accountable on the same and drive thought leadership

● Being able to hold the scale and depth perspective at a state level and being able to balance between the two

● Using a consultative approach, grow the program in line with the organizational goals and national framework

● Develop and incorporate program sustainability strategies into the existing and future program and projects

● Ensure data that is generated from time to time is being looked at while making key

Decisions

Program Performance Management

● Ensure strong system and processes are in place for operational excellence

● Work closely with other teams who are contributing to the program

● Work with the monitoring and evaluation focal persons to develop monitoring and reporting systems aligned with Quest's Strategic Framework and Project MoUs

● Ensure reporting timelines and commitments are adhered to

● Guide and support program team during program review processes

Relationship Building

● Build a thriving ecosystem of partners in the state and work towards making them into a community of practice

● Develop, maintain and manage different stakeholders relationship at national level and manage state level engagements (if needed)

● Ensure ongoing management of partnerships with NGOs, CSOs and State governments as necessary for effective, coordinated delivery

● Interface with the donor(s) regularly

● Support in writing proposals to grow the program

● Hold and facilitate group spaces for conversations

Developing and Managing budgets

● Development and management of state budgets.





● Monitor program budget to ensure that spending is kept within the budgeted amount

● Ensure that the existing finance procedures and policies are complied with

● Contribute to local fundraising as well fundraising for the Org/Program

Team Management

● Inspiring the team, build alignment that collaborate seamlessly, role model culture

● Ensuring work connects to the big picture and the larger program strategy, and supporting the team in doing the same

● Drive innovation mindset with the team

● Build culture of learning and growth as well as regular reflections within the team

Required Skills and Experience:

● 7-8 years of work experience, in the development sector, preferably in the youth development and/or education sectors

● Hands on experience of working with NGOs & Govt.

● Experience of managing projects, tight deadlines and teams of people for at least 5

years

● Strong communication skills, written and oral in English and local language. Strong negotiation skills and articulation is key

● Ability to questions things and ask valuable questions

● Post Graduate degree/ qualifications in Youth Development/ International

Development/ Social work/ Rural Development or Related field would be preferred

● Ability to hold scale and depth perspective - at state/state level

● Ability to build strong key stakeholder relationships and build external visibility and branding for the work

● Experience in managing M&E; and project finances

● Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills in English and Kannada

● Proven experience of networking and building relationships with government , NGOs and donors.

● Ability to train, build capacity of, and manage relationships with partner

NGOs

● Excellent IT skills. Ability to troubleshoot, give direction

● Willingness to travel extensively

● Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with other teams

Women candidates are encouraged to apply!

Due to the enormity of applications received, Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted!

📌 Karnataka State Lead, Youth Program (Bengaluru)
🏢 Quest Alliance
📍 Bengaluru