ACCESS Development Services
REPORTS TO: CEO, Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission & Vice President, ACCESS
About ACCESS:
ACCESS Development Services (ACCESS) is a national non-profit organization with a focus on incubating innovations and developing sustainable models for livelihoods promotion of the poor. ACCESS, with its head office in New Delhi has a pan-India presence with operations across 13 states.
More at www.accessdev.org
About ACCESS – BRAC UPGI Partnership:
BRAC is one of the world’s largest development organizations, dedicated to empowering people living in poverty. Working across 12 countries in South Asia and Africa, BRAC impacts more than 120 million people worldwide. BRAC takes a holistic approach to alleviating poverty with programmes that include microfinance, education, healthcare, food security programmes, and more. The Ultra-Poor Graduation Initiative (UPGI), an initiative of BRAC International, aims to support governments to scale the Graduation approach and facilitate 21 million more people lift themselves from extreme poverty by 2026.
In India, BRAC has signed an MoU with DAY-NRLM under the Ministry of Rural Development, GoI, to support the implementation of an inclusive livelihoods programme for households living in extreme vulnerability. BRAC International is signing an MoU with ACCESS to set up the state programme management unit (SPMU) within MSRLM (UMED) to facilitate comprehensive coordination and oversight of MILP. ACCESS will be responsible for managing, coordinating, and aligning various facets of the initiative, ensuring integration with different components and supporting the programme’s overall implementation in the state of Maharashtra.
Position Summary:
In this context, ACCESS is inviting applications from self-driven professionals who are interested to take on the role of State Anchor. The State Anchor will be responsible for timely and high-quality implementation of the programme.
The Anchor will facilitate the design, implementation, and coordination of the programme strategy with different thematic coordinators, and MSRLM, along with other technical partners. The position will work in coordination with the National PMU set up by BRAC International at National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) and operate within MSRLM. This position will have dual reporting to CEO, MSRLM and Vice President, ACCESS.
Responsibilities:
1) Programme Strategy and Design: The State Anchor is responsible for contributing to the development and refinement of strategic plans for MILP. This involves aligning programme objectives with the broader goals of MSRLM and ensuring that the unique needs of the poorest of poor are addressed.
2) Implementation Support: The State Anchor will support MSRLM in overseeing the design and implementation of interventions within MILP. This includes tailoring initiatives to suit the context and diverse needs of the poorest of poor, focusing on economic empowerment, social inclusion, and sustainable livelihoods. Furthermore, the State Anchor emphasizes integration and coordination with key stakeholders, including MSRLM, DAY-NRLM, and partner agencies, ensuring a seamless collaborative approach in programme implementation.
3) Team Building and Management: The State Anchor is dedicated to fostering a positive work culture by supporting team members to effectively deliver their responsibilities. The person will take on the role of a mentor, guiding individuals to unlock their optimal potential within their respective roles. Additionally, the State Anchor actively creates an environment conducive to learning and sharing, facilitating collaborative efforts at both the team and individual levels.
4) Deployment of SPMU Staff: The Anchor oversees adherence to the approved SPMU structure, promptly addresses any vacancies through proactive measures, and supports the selection and recruitment process as well.
5) Programme Progress and Performance Measurement: The State Anchor will use a data-driven approach to measure the effectiveness of interventions, gather insights to facilitate MSRLM to make informed decisions and adjustments to programme activities. This person will also facilitate regular reviews, quarterly steering committee meetings and stakeholder meetings at the state level. The State Anchor will conduct weekly reviews with the team and participate in meetings for the improvement of the programme. The person will also track the progress of the households as per the graduation life cycle.
6) Reporting and Documentation: Providing regular updates, reports, and documentation on the progress and outcomes of MILP. This includes communicating successes, challenges, and lessons learned. Publish quarterly reports and share monthly reports with MSRLM and BRAC International.
7) Capacity Building: Facilitate the development of Resource Materials- Training Modules, Coaching modules and Community Operation Manuals for the programme and ensure capacity building of the programme staff and implementation partners.
8) Innovation and Adaptation: Encouraging innovation and adaptability within the programme. The State Anchor explores new approaches, technologies, and best practices to enhance the effectiveness and relevance of interventions for the extreme poor.
Qualifications:
The candidate should have professional experience in programme management, working with government, working experience in poverty alleviation in India in the areas of social services delivery/microfinance/ livelihoods or enterprise promotion either directly or through development partners, national or international development sector agencies or international donors. Experience in research and data handling and management is required. Experience of working with state / central government in the capacity of technical support provider/advisor / funder with proven experience of providing services to government for improving their systems and programmes is desirable.
Education & Experience:
• Masters Degree/Diploma in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Statistics, International Relations, Legal studies, Sociology, Economics, Rural Development/ Management, Social Development and Development studies or equivalent degree/diploma from a reputed institution.
• 15-20 years of relevant work experience as outlined above
Skills and Competencies:
● Strong understanding of field-level challenges in rural India concerning the delivery of government programmes and schemes.
● Strong understanding of databases, analytical tools, and research methodologies. Should possess excellent programme management skills and be proficient in MS Office.
● Should have excellent written and oral communication skills in Hindi and English.
● Understanding of policy landscape and government frameworks.
● Strong leadership skills, a passion for working for the most vulnerable and creating transformational impact.
● Demonstrated experience in nurturing and building a team.
● Proficiency in spoken Marathi is essential. Ability to read and write Marathi is desirable.
Travel Requirement: Willingness to travel and stay in remote areas, as and when required.
COMPENSATION: The salary range for this position is commensurate to industry standards and will be determined based upon experience set of the candidate and the HR policies of the organization.
ACCESS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and is committed to providing an environment of fairness, and mutual respect where all applicants have access to equal employment opportunities. ACCESS values diversity and inclusion, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age and disability.
Interested candidates should send their details at the link below:
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
