Position Title: District Coordinator
Location: Saharapada, Keonjhar District of Odisha
Reports To: Project Leader
Last date for application : 19th February 2025

About the Program:
The Gram Panchayats play a pivotal role in addressing key development issues, including providing essential services like clean drinking water, health, education, minimum wage employment (MGNREGS), land entitlements under FRA, and the regulation of collection and sale of Minor Forest Produce (MFPs). Despite substantial financial resources from the Central and State Finance Commissions, there exists a significant gap in translating these resources into effective development. This program aims to strengthen grassroots governance, enhance community capacity, and address the development deficits at the Gram Panchayat level.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Community Engagement & Empowerment:

• Empower community leaders to address the needs of vulnerable groups including the poorest, single women, widows, persons with disabilities, landless individuals, and distressed migrants.
• Build awareness in the community regarding entitlements and social security benefits.
• Promote increased community participation in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of programs at the Gram Panchayat level.

2. Planning & Implementation:

• Facilitate the development of SDG-aligned, need-based Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP) in 20 targeted Gram Panchayats.
• Oversee the development and piloting of gender-sensitive, nutrition-sensitive, child-friendly, and climate-resilient disaster mitigation plans in 3 Gram Panchayats.
• Ensure integration of issues of women and children into the development plans, programs, and practices of the Gram Panchayat.

3. Data Management & Monitoring:

• Support the development and implementation of the Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) for 20 Gram Panchayats on an annual basis.
• Ensure identification of eligible beneficiaries under key entitlements (FRA, MGNREGS, NFSA, Social Security Pension) and support their access.
• Establish effective monitoring mechanisms to track the delivery of entitlements and the realization of development goals.

4. Child and Gender Protection:

• Work towards achieving "Zero Drop-out" and "No Child Marriage" in the targeted Gram Panchayats.
• Ensure that cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) are reported to the appropriate authorities for redressal.

5. Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Facilitate multi-stakeholder collaborations involving community leaders, local authorities, and other development partners for improved planning and monitoring.
• Foster coordination with state and national-level training institutes like State Institute for Rural Development (SIRD) for mainstreaming IEC materials and capacity-building frameworks.

6. Policy Advocacy & Knowledge Sharing:

• Develop and share knowledge products, including policy briefs related to the devolution of power and resources to local bodies, to inform policymakers and relevant departments.
• Disseminate broad learning outcomes from the program across multiple states to enhance program effectiveness.

7. Resource Mobilization & Utilization:

• Ensure optimal utilization of grants provided by effective planning and monitoring at the Gram Panchayat level.
• Support communities in leveraging resources and achieving identified needs through transparent processes.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree in Social Work, Rural Development, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 /3 years in program management, with at least 2 years in rural development, community empowerment, or local governance projects.

Skills:

• Strong understanding of decentralized governance and development processes.
• Proven ability to engage with and empower marginalized communities.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to design and implement community-driven development plans.
• Knowledge of gender, child rights, and social protection issues.
• Experience in monitoring, evaluation, and data management.

Desirable: Familiarity with the Panchayat Raj system and experience working in the areas of entitlements, social security schemes, or rural development.
Key Competencies:

• Leadership & Empowerment: Ability to lead and inspire a diverse team of community leaders and stakeholders.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to understand community challenges and propose practical solutions.
• Community-Centric: Deep understanding of community-driven development and participatory approaches.
• Advocacy & Policy Influence: Ability to advocate for policy changes and build relationships with policymakers.;

Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit their resumes and a cover letter outlining their experience and qualifications in this link https://forms.gle/1qUgk7sZUiSh7vhS8