About Accountability Initiative (AI)

We are a research group which works on strengthening transparency and accountability in governance. We identify and analyse the reasons that work against efficient public services delivery in India. We provide evidence to policymakers, development practitioners, academics, the media and the public for positive transformational change in government systems.

Our vision is to enable Responsive Governance. We believe this can be achieved if institutions are designed in a transparent and accountable manner and are responsive to citizen demands, and there is an informed and mobilised citizenry which can draw upon these platforms. Our mission is to increase both through research and dialogue.

We are a part of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR), one of India’s leading public policy think tanks. We currently have operations and staff in over five Indian states.

Role Summary

The Accountability Initiative is looking for a Programme Officer to expand its policy outreach. The incumbent will:

  • Support AI in increasing the uptake of evidence published by the research group, thereby facilitating evidence-based decision-making in policymakers and within the government system. 
  • Assist in augmenting collaborations with Civil Society Organisations and research groups to embed the Responsive Governance agenda. 
  • Build and maintain relationships with government stakeholders.

This role functionally reports to the Assistant Director Communications with a bottom-line reporting to the Director of Accountability Initiative. 

Looking for similar opportunities, join Opportunity Cell on WhatsApp or Telegram here.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

  • Understand the policy landscape and levers of change at the national and sub-national levels, and establish and maintain working relationships within the ecosystem.
    • Regular, proactive engagement with national, state, and local stakeholders in key states for AI. Tasks would include stakeholder management, getting permission letters, and coordinating across government departments. 
    • Work with the research team in synthesising research findings to make actionable recommendations to the government. Implement engagement plans, and lead the development of relevant products (such as synthesis briefs, policy briefs, factsheets) and organisation of events (such as conferences and roundtables) on a regular basis.
    • Work with AI communications and knowledge management staff in documenting the implementation of reform efforts.
  • Identify new platforms, represent the Accountability Initiative where appropriate, and actively seek opportunities to strengthen the outreach of the Responsive Governance agenda. 
  • Monitor CSO advocacy efforts and feedback to the strategic communications team. 
  • Monitor legislative processes and policy decisions, and feedback to the Strategic Communications and Research teams on key moments. 
  • Liaise with the Research and Learning and Development teams where appropriate, and identify synergies. 
  • Coordinate with the AI state-based teams and identify opportunities for increasing research uptake, relevant ground-level insights that can feed into research, and other collaborations,  within the 5 states where AI has permanent presence (Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan).  

Qualifications

  • Work Experience: Minimum of 3 years of work experience in the policy advocacy space.
  • Education: Master’s degree in public policy, development studies, or allied social science degrees.
  • Required Skills:
    • Demonstrated track record of assisting in the implementation of advocacy strategies within the non-profit sector. 
    • Demonstrated interest in thematic issues that AI works on (see here). 
    • Fluent at communicating in English, Hindi (spoken and written).  
    • Strong research and analytical abilities. 
    • Strong understanding of communications and marketing for non-profits. 
    • Demonstrated people skills with a deep appreciation for teamwork to achieve positive social change. 
    • Ability to work with multiple stakeholders within tight timelines. 
    • Demonstrated time management and organizational abilities.
  • Desirable skills:
    • Command over a regional language.
    • Working knowledge of information sources related to India’s welfare architecture, such as publically available government data sets, surveys, etc. 
    • Working knowledge of design platforms, such as Canva and Infogram.

How to Apply

  • CLICK HERE, for the Official Notification.
  • Interested candidates should apply to [email protected]  with the subject: “Application for the post of Programme Officer”.
  • The application package should include:
    • A cover letter describing your background, work experience, interest and suitability for the position;
    • A CV, which specifically lists your relevant experience and skills;
    • 2 references along with contact information.
  • Note: The documents should be enclosed in a zipped file, with your name specified in the file name.

Looking for similar opportunities, join Opportunity Cell on WhatsApp or Telegram here.

Jobs, Social Sciences