Reports to

Associate Director, Centre for Social and Behaviour Change

Employment Type

Full-time

Experience (in years)

5 - 7 years of hands-on experience managing and implementing large-scale programmes

Location

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (India)

Application Deadline

31 January 2026

Nature of work

Overview

The Manager/Deputy Manager will lead the end - to - end implementation of AI Saheli: Unlocking Curiosity of AI with SHG Women, a large-scale, government-aligned programme in Uttar Pradesh. The role involves overseeing programme planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting; coordinating with Government of Uttar Pradesh stakeholders, implementation partners; and ensuring timely, high-quality delivery in line with programme commitments. The position requires strong on- ground programme management, government engagement, and data-driven oversight, including supervision of monitoring and evaluation processes, preparation of donor and government reports, and continuous problem-solving to manage scale, complexity, and evolving implementation needs.

About Ashoka University

Ashoka University -India’s premier interdisciplinary teaching and research university. An institution that has become a beacon of academic excellence in less than 10 years since its inception. At Ashoka, we encourage you to embrace the new, push the boundaries for continuous learning, and adapt to a world of constant change Because we believe that each Ashokan is capable of becoming a thought leader.

As part of our thriving and committed workforce, you will

• Be Mission-Driven: Champion interdisciplinary learning, innovative pedagogy, and academic rigor to transform Indian higher education.
• Think Strategically: Collaborate with visionary minds to shape the future of higher education through strategic planning and a forward-thinking approach.
• Act Authentically: Embrace authenticity and integrity, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every voice is valued.
• Take Accountability: Own your work and drive positive change, as an empowering individual seeking to make a meaningful contribution.
• Build Collaboration: Experience the power of teamwork and diverse perspectives, working collectively towards our shared goals.
• Deliver Excellence: Strive for excellence in all aspects, upholding the highest standards of academic excellence, student support, and professional development opportunities

At Ashoka University, we are on a mission to redefine higher education and create a remarkable space where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a pioneering force in interdisciplinary learning, we continually grow and adapt to stay at the forefront of educational excellence with emphasis on inclusivity and equal opportunity. Our philosophy revolves around care, well-being, and connection, which are deeply embedded in everything we do.

When you join our community, you become part of an extraordinary journey in which you can unleash your potential and make a meaningful impact. Where education empowers, where innovation thrives, and where excellence and humility coexist. We truly believe the world will enrich itself when there is progress with purpose.

About (Name of the Department)

Centre for Social and Behaviour Change (CSBC) is a leading Indian behaviour science institution, driving behavioural change measures for people and communities in need. CSBC advances the science and practice of behaviour change, harnessing cross-disciplinary expertise in the areas of nutrition, sanitation, maternal health, family planning, and financial services. The Centre executes this vision through behavioural change programmes, foundational research, and capability building. For more information, please visit https://csbc.org.in/

Role and Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end implementation of AI Saheli: Unlocking Curiosity of AI with SHG Women across Uttar Pradesh, ensuring adherence to approved plans, timelines, and quality standards.
• Manage and improve detailed implementation plans, workplans, milestones, and risk mitigation strategies for large- scale rollout.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with Government of Uttar Pradesh stakeholders, supporting coordination, reviews, permissions, and alignment with state priorities.
• Coordinate with implementation partners, training teams, field staff, and technical teams to ensure smooth execution and timely issue resolution.
• Oversee programme monitoring systems and ensure accurate tracking of outputs, outcomes, and implementation quality.
• Work closely with CSBC’s M&E and research teams to ensure robust data collection, reporting, and learning.
• Lead preparation and timely submission of donor reports, government updates, dashboards, and internal progress reports in line with donor and CSBC requirements.
• Support donor engagement by providing timely inputs, documentation, and field insights for reviews and communications.
• Identify implementation risks and operational challenges and proactively design and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure proper documentation of processes, decisions, learnings, and best practices to support scale-up and knowledge sharing.
• Support onboarding, coordination, and supervision of programme staff and consultants, as applicable.
• Represent CSBC in programme-related meetings, reviews, and field visits with external stakeholders.
• Undertake any other programme-related responsibilities as assigned by CSBC leadership in line with organisational priorities.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Educational Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Policy, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Management, Economics, Data Science, or a related field.
• A Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience may be considered in exceptional cases.

Experience

• 5 - 7 years of hands-on experience in managing and implementing large-scale programmes, preferably in partnership with government systems.
• Demonstrated experience working with state or national government stakeholders, missions, or departments.
• Prior experience managing donor-funded programmes, including reporting and compliance requirements.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Strong programme management skills, with the ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives at scale.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Hindi. Fluency in Hindi is a must.
• Experience with monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, including use of data for decision-making and performance tracking.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders, build relationships, and navigate institutional and government processes effectively.
• High levels of ownership, accountability, and problem-solving ability in dynamic and evolving implementation contexts.
• Strong organisational and documentation skills, with attention to detail and follow-through.

Technical & Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Experience working with SHGs, livelihoods, women-centric programmes, or large-scale training initiatives.
• Exposure to digital tools, AI, or technology-enabled public programmes.
• Familiarity with behavioural science- informed programme design or implementation.
• Comfort using digital tools for reporting, dashboards, and project management (e.g., Excel, Google Workspace, MIS platforms).

Application Submission Process

We invite you to embark on this journey by submitting your application to Ashoka University's Centre for Social and Behaviour Change (CSBC). To ensure your candidacy receives the attention it deserves, kindly follow the application submission process outlined below:

• Prepare an Updated CV: Showcase your professional accomplishments, skills, and experiences in an updated curriculum vitae.
• Submit Your Application: Email your CV to careersatcsbc@ashoka.edu.in ensuring the subject line reads as follows: "Manager_AI_Saheli_CSBC _Applicant Name>". This will help us efficiently process your application.
• Include Essential Details: Along with your CV, kindly provide the following information:
  • Last compensation received: We value your expertise and acknowledge the importance of fair compensation.
  • Expected salary: Share your aspirations for growth and remuneration.
  • Notice period: Inform us of the time required to transition from your current role, if applicable.
• Pursuit for Excellence: At Ashoka University, we strive for excellence in all aspects of our operations. Therefore, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted as part of our rigorous selection process.
• Adherence to Deadlines: Applications should be submitted by 31 January 2026. While late applications will not be considered, eligible applications may be reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis prior to the deadline.

We look forward to receiving your application as we embark together on a remarkable journey of professional growth and development. Join our exceptional community at Ashoka University, where excellence is nurtured, and aspirations are transformed into reality.