Job Description

About CEGIS

Centre for Effective Governance of Indian States (CEGIS pronounced See-Jis) aims to improve lives by helping Indian state governments deliver better development outcomes. The four key characteristics of any high-performing organisation are (a) measuring outcomes through reliable, high quality data that enables goal setting and monitoring progress towards these goals; (b) strategic use of personnel competency based hiring and training, skilling, and performance appraisals to determine job assignments, pay, and promotions to achieve the goals above; (c) strategic budgeting where resource allocation is based on evidence and cost-effectiveness; (d) and creating efficient systems to leverage external actors (including for-profit and nonprofit organisations). The Indian state performs weakly on all four fronts above, thus limiting its capacity. CEGIS helps to improve the functioning of the Indian state by focusing on the four principles above.

We believe that,

(a) by strengthening systems and enhancing the States capacity, we will be able to ensure the delivery of better outcomes to Indian citizens.

(b) improving the effectiveness of public expenditure is the most optimised way of achieving improved development outcomes at scale, and

(c) there is a clear need for an organisation that will systematically support this mission.

We work with the State Governments of India to enable a transformative improvement in their functioning in the coming decade. Informed by cutting-edge research and evidence as well as a practical orientation toward implementable ideas, CEGIS provides Indian states with both an analytical roadmap for governance and expenditure reforms as well as strategic implementation support to deliver on this vision.

In alignment with our four principles or pillars of change - outcome measurement, personnel management, strategic public finance, states and markets, CEGIS is currently working with the governments of Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Bodoland Territorial Council (Assam), NCT of Delhi and a few Government of India entities across a range of projects and sectors. Through CEGIS flagship offering, the KPI (Key Performance Indicators) Survey, we are helping enable one of the state governments we are working with to collect better quality data, make informed, evidence-based decisions, and institutionalise this process of securing periodic citizen-level feedback. We are setting up a Financial Analytics Unit (FAU) to enhance analytical capacity and increase the effectiveness of budgetary allocations of the Finance Department in another state. In alignment with our personnel management workstream, we are also working with the HR/Administrative Reforms & Training Department to set up and institutionalise an in-house Capacity Building Unit (CBU) that aids the adoption of competency-based Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Performance Management Systems (PMS) with a few of these entities. Similarly, to improve the value of public money, we work at the interface of states and markets which encompasses procurement, regulation, and policy formulation. Our solutions are constantly being refined based on real-time feedback and are designed to be customised and replicated across contexts.

CEGIS Theory of Change (ToC) is an outcome of the extensive work done by Prof. Karthik Muralidharan, the Founder and Scientific Director of CEGIS, in the field of strengthening State capacity. Further details are provided in his book Accelerating Indias Development: A State-Led Roadmap for Indias Development.

​CEGIS Approach and Model of Functioning

Our solutions to enhance governance are co-created with state governments in a state-led way, where we focus on deep partnerships with states with an iterative cycle of thinking and doing. We work closely with the Chief Secretary and other top bureaucratic leadership, front-line workers and public officials in Finance, Planning and other line departments, with guidance from the Chief Minister and Finance Minister of the respective states. Today, CEGIS works across 6 Indian states and 15+ projects across 6 sectors - Education, Nutrition, and Local Governance among others.

Our team at CEGIS has extensive technical experience: renowned economists, former bureaucrats, consultants, researchers, social entrepreneurs, development sector professionals. We are trained academically in the best institutions in India and abroad across disciplines such as development economics, management, public policy, international development, and the like. We also seek extensive strategic advice from our pool of supportive external experts who further guide us in refining our solutions.

Position Summary

As a Senior Program Associate (SPA) at The Centre for Effective Governance of Indian States (CEGIS), you will play a vital role in various projects across their entire life cycle. This includes handling concept notes, department-level diagnostics, solution identification, pilot development, pilot implementation, and providing support for scale-up initiatives. Projects typically involve frontline service delivery. Reporting to the respective Project Lead(s), you will significantly contribute to the analytical aspects of the projects, ensuring effective governance and public expenditure reforms.

The role requires meticulous attention to detail and a strong analytical mindset to track and analyze data from various sources. The individual will be responsible for conducting independent research, root cause analysis, and presenting insights for effective problem-solving. Additionally, the role involves supporting project planning and implementation, stakeholder engagement, and documentation of project progress.

Key Result Areas (KRAs):

• Data Analysis and Insight Generation:

• Track and analyze data for accuracy and conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Extract important insights from complex datasets relevant to key stakeholders.
• Prioritize and address data issues promptly to support project progress and decision-making.

• Research and Documentation:

• Independently conduct research and root cause analysis, documenting and presenting insights.
• Produce comprehensive presentations and documentation to convey critical project insights.
• Create concept notes, policy briefs, and other documentation for stakeholder communication.
• Co-creates project specific solutions by collaborating with vertical teams
• Suggests enhancements to project approach, frameworks and targeted solutions based on government context

• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:

• Evaluate project contingencies and engage with internal and external stakeholders.
• Anticipate client requirements through policy review
• Coordinate stakeholder meetings and gather feedback for project progress and decision-making.
• Foster deep connections with stakeholders including level 2 and level 3 stakeholders and suggest innovative ideas to nurture partnerships.

Project Management:

Plan and prioritise work plans, ensuring accountability for set timelines.

Evaluate project contingencies incl delays, roadblocks and assist in strategies to create buy-in

Ensure transparent and effective communication channels are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

Develop high-quality outputs, including reports, notes, and analyses & Ensure these deliverables meet the standards for dissemination at various forums, contributing to the project's success and visibility.

Support project team members and manage their time effectively.

Assist in altering project goals and outcomes based on stakeholder feedback and project progress.

Take increasing responsibility for project management

• Documentation and Knowledge Creation & Facilitation:`

• Document and disseminate domain specific information that enables project success.
• Create original knowledge pieces like blogs, concept notes, work flows etc.
• Maintain Project based knowledge repository and contribute to other Knowledge management processes.

Qualifications and Skills Needed:

• 3-6 years of experience with minimum 3 years of experience with a Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, public policy, social science, or related fields from a reputable institution. High calibre Graduates will be considered.
• Fluency in English and basic to intermediate proficiency in Tamil.
• Proficiency in data analysis, including strong analytical skills in tracking and analyzing data, expertise in statistical tools like STATA and Excel, and conducting independent research and root cause analysis.
• Strong problem-solving skills coupled with creative thinking aptitude, risk-taking willingness, and the ability to translate ideas into actionable plans, all complemented by adept project management abilities.
• Exceptional writing and communication abilities to create documentation and presentations to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Adaptability to excel in independent work environments and small organizational settings, demonstrating both self-motivation and the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Capacity to foster partnerships and nurture stakeholder relationships.
• Proficiency in prioritizing tasks, planning timelines, and consistently meeting deadlines.
• Knowledge management and organizational skills for maintaining project-related data and information.
• Commitment to CEGIS’s mission and values.

Note: CEGIS has zero tolerance to sexual harassment. We therefore expect each applicant to self-declare related to the same. CEGIS could, if required, initiate a prevention of sexual harassment-based background verification. If an applicant is reported of misconduct, appropriate action that may include employment termination would be taken. Please Click the link for self declaration.

Pre-reads for the application process

Please go through the following materials before sending in your application:

Concept note on CEGIS

Podcast episodes with Prof. Karthik Muralidharan one each on education and healthcare in India.

You are also encouraged to read more of Prof. Karthik Muralidharan’s work here.