Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer 


Organisation Overview  (Samhita.org) 

Samhita-CGF is an impact catalyst – we are pioneers and innovators in the social space and are passionate about bringing together stakeholders from the private, public, philanthropy, social, and financial sectors, and collaborating to bring about unprecedented catalytic change. In alignment with the UNSGD’s we are on a mission to positively impact 10 million lives by 2030, 50% of which will be women, by co-creating measurable, scalable and sustainable solutions that are CSR and FCRA compliant.

Over the past 13 years since our establishment, we have already impacted over 16 million lives, while partnering with 350+ social organisations, 250+ corporate and individual donors, and 30+ government foundations and international aid agencies. We aim to drive holistic social development for our participants by ensuring they are given access to multiple interventions ranging from livelihoods, skilling, social protection, digital empowerment, and financial inclusion.

Role Overview

The Chief Financial Officer will be responsible for contributing to the organisation’s financial goals and actions. The incumbent will be accountable for forecasting financial standing, cash flow analysis,  profit and loss of overall business, will ensure tracking of monthly, quarterly and annual business projections, statutory compliance deliverables. Will play a critical role in analysing the company’s financial strengths and focus areas and has to  propose corrective actions where necessary and will drive profitable growth and deliver on the expectations of the company’s financial performance with the help of the senior leadership \ core team.

 

Responsibilities

  • Closely work with the CEO’s of Samhita and CGF \ core team to efficiently develop budgets, proposals, financial projections and work on project and profit analysis, to ensure the annual strategy is in line with the business and financial objectives.
  • Will be accountable not only for  the end to end financial reporting, tracking and profit and loss of business but will also act as a revenue officer who will constantly look at all the business models, programs, costs and advise teams on building cost efficient, profitable and sustainable business models.
  • Will be responsible to conduct regular financial analysis and forecasting, good understanding of FCRA regulations, Income tax, statutory regulations, GST filing and returns, tax assessment, compliances etc.
  • Work with the core team to put together a plan for revenue opportunities and analyse internal operations and external trends and identify areas of cost reduction, cost optimization and process enhancement.
  • Monitor business performance, project wise analysis or profit and loss and propose SOP’s that will improve the efficiency and efficacy of the business.
  • Will work with the CEO’s to manage critical stakeholder relationships, funding proposals, forecasting of business, cash flows, design and structure innovative financial proposals which will be a win-win for both clients \ donors and Samhita.
  • Lead and guide the accounting teams in maintaining accurate and timely financial records in line with FCRA \ Non FCRA guidelines.
  • Will be the face of the company to represent the company on financial matters to the board, key external stakeholders, donors, clients and internal teams.
  • Provide statutory, compliance related and regulatory leadership on various risks

 

Skills required:

  • 15+ years of experience in a financial leadership role preferably in the social \ consulting sector. 
  • Must be a Chartered Accountant and should have handled a leadership role for minimum of 5 years
  • Experience in handling foreign donor lead grant projects and other projects will be useful
  • Proven track record of developing and implementing financial strategies that drive growth and profitability 
  • Excellent communication skills, analytical and problem solving skills and eye for details is a must
  • Experience in client facing, fund raising, designing profitable business models
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast paced and dynamic environment preferred
  • Handson experience in accounting, consolidation, taxation, statutory and regulatory compliances is a must
  • Team player and people manager who has managed diverse and young teams and has navigated inter department coordination across organisation levels.

 

Work Location: Mumbai

Why Samhita?

  • Make a big difference: Take, Own and implement. 
  • Leadership: This is the perfect opportunity to go beyond traditional roles and lead cutting edge Management and Research strategies. The candidate shall work alongside the brightest minds, in an environment that fosters growth and creativity 
  • Impact: Working with Samhita will provide you with an opportunity to bring about a positive change in the lives of millions
  • Work Culture: Samhita has a team of young, hard-working, and dynamic individuals who strive for excellence while maintaining a humble outlook. Our work has been strengthened and supported by international and domestic donor agencies and foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, Tata Trusts, GIZ, DFID, the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, UNDP and the Power of Nutrition. 
  • Learning: Increase your problem-solving capabilities by delving into complex challenges.  

 

How to apply: Forward your Linkedin page or CV to careers@samhita.org, you can also apply on our careers page. 

    System Administrator

    System Administrator


    Organisation Overview  (Samhita.org) 

    Samhita is a social impact consulting firm, with a vision to build a ‘better normal’. The better normal reimagines business environments where social value is an integral aspect of growth, putting stakeholders and environmental guardianship at the centre of business strategy, a strategy that evolves from inputs to outcomes, from individuals to ecosystem, and from delivering services to building capacity and enabling the market.

    To do this, we support companies to align their core competencies with the needs of the social sector, and build catalytic partnerships with stakeholders with in-depth knowledge and networks to execute sustainable, outcome-oriented social impact initiatives. This approach bridges the gap between purpose and action, and forges business responsibility strategies that balance people, profit and planet, thereby creating a better normal for communities, environments and businesses.

     

    Role Brief

    We are looking for a System Administrator to join our growing Technology team. Apart from assessing the changing needs of the business, to maintain, upgrade and manage our applications, software, hardware and networks. Resourcefulness is a necessary skill in this role. You should be able to diagnose and resolve problems quickly. You should also have the patience to communicate with a variety of interdisciplinary teams and users. Your goal will be to ensure that our technology infrastructure runs smoothly and efficiently.

     

    Roles & Responsibilities

    • Ensure access security through managing roles using RBAC on all company applications.
    • Responsible for organising, modifying, and supporting a company’s IT infrastructure like – Desktop, Laptops, Printers & Network Devices.
    • Install and Maintain Windows Client OS and Server OS, all related Applications & Productivity tools, install security patches & upgrades, install of Drivers and Firmware updates., troubleshoot using Remote Desktop Tools.
    • Perform day-to-day IT activities, such as User & Email management & Business Productivity Apps – Microsoft 365 or GCP.
    • Ensure security through company approved access controls, backups and firewalls.
    • Manage and maintain all Systems and Network hardware such as Laptop/Desktop & Servers, Network Printers, Routers, Switches, Firewalls, VOIP Phone System, Biometric devices.
    • Act as an IT service help-desk and provide Technical support for company owned devices.
    • Windows system administration including Printer Troubleshooting, O/S Installation, Software administration and so on. This includes data Recovery from Microsoft or GCP
    • PC Configurations or Windows Installation or PC Formatting
    • Monitoring backups and taking care of onboarding and offboarding employees in the organisation.
    • Develop expertise to train staff in new technologies and updates and take regular IT orientation.
    • Build an internal wiki with technical documentation, manuals and IT policies
    • Managing inventory of IT hardware and look after repairs and maintenance
    • Look after general office maintenance and vendor management.
    • Deliver IT service and Remote support to end-users from all over India.
    • Troubleshooting, managing of server hardware and Operating system related issues
    • Responsible for testing and upgrading windows patches on regular basis
    • Monitoring and administering Server, network equipment, Backup application
    • Configuration and maintenance of Backup Policy and knowledge of backup tools
    • Installation, configure and troubleshoot network end devices and windows software. Engineers monitor and maintain computer networks
    • You need to diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve issues by understanding the nub of the problems
    • Creating and maintaining updated documentation on IT infrastructure and budget.
    • Working with technical support services to develop solutions to problems with various products, support departments, including ISPs and hardware & software manufacturers.

     

    Qualifications, Skills & Experience

    • Exceptional analytical and conceptual thinking skills.
    • Knowledge of Desktop operating systems – Windows 11 & 10
    • The ability to influence stakeholders and work closely with them to determine acceptable solutions.
    • Excellent documentation skills.
    • Proven experience with business and technical requirements analysis, elicitation, modelling, verification, and methodology development
    • Working Knowledge on Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policies and Webservers
    • Good verbal and written communication skills is a must.
    • Fundamental analytical and conceptual thinking skills.
    • Experience creating detailed reports and giving presentations.
    • Competency in applications that can be used as Word Processors, Spreadsheets, Charting, Prototyping, Wireframing
    • A track record of following through on commitments.
    • Excellent planning, organisational, and time management skills.
    • A history of leading and supporting successful projects.
    • Strong customer service orientation.
    • Logical and efficient, with keen attention to detail.

    Based out of:  Mumbai

    Why Samhita?

    • Make a big difference: Take, own and implement.
    • Leadership: This is the perfect opportunity to go beyond traditional roles and lead cutting-edge management and research strategies. The candidate shall work alongside the brightest minds, in an environment that fosters growth and creativity
    • Impact: Working with Samhita will provide you with an opportunity to bring about a positive change in the lives of millions – doing well by doing well
    • Work Culture: Samhita has a team of young, hard-working, and dynamic individuals who strive for excellence while maintaining a humble outlook. Our work has been strengthened and supported by international and domestic donor agencies and foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, Tata Trusts, GIZ, DFID, the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, UNDP and the Power of Nutrition.
    • Learning: Increase your problem-solving capabilities by delving into complex challenges. 

    How to apply: Forward your LinkedIn page or CV to careers@samhita.org, you can also apply on our careers page.

     

       

      Manager – Finance & Accounts

      Manager – Finance & Accounts 


      Organisation Overview (Samhita.org)

      Samhita is a social impact consulting firm, with a vision to build a ‘better normal’. The better normal reimagines business environments where social value is an integral aspect of growth, putting stakeholders and environmental guardianship at the centre of business strategy, a strategy that evolves from inputs to outcomes, from individuals to ecosystem, and from delivering services to building capacity and enabling the market.

      To do this, we support companies to align their core competencies with the needs of the social sector, and build catalytic partnerships with stakeholders with in-depth knowledge and networks to execute sustainable, outcome-oriented social impact initiatives. This approach bridges the gap between purpose and action, and forges business responsibility strategies that balance people, profit and planet, thereby creating a better normal for communities, environments and businesses.

       

      Role Overview:

      We are looking for a Finance and Accounts Manager with excellent organizational and analytical skills. The incumbent will support the Finance Lead and will contribute to the overall success of the organization by effectively managing all the financial, accounting and statutory requirements of the organization. 

       

      Roles and Responsibilities:

      • Manage and oversee day-to-day operations of the finance department for both profit and nonprofit units. Ensure accurate and timely financial record-keeping and reporting.
      • Implement and maintain internal controls to prevent financial misapplication. Identifying negative variances and driving initiatives to ensure effective utilization of funds.
      • Prepare financial reports to assess feasibility, cash flow, and fund utilization and ensure optimum use of available funds.
      • Ensure adherence to financial controls in compliance with company policies.
      • Generate and present various financial reports and dashboards for management and board meetings.
      • Develop and maintain data-driven dashboards to facilitate informed decision-making and financial analysis.
      • Utilize data analysis skills to identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities for improving financial performance, cost efficiency, and resource allocation.
      • Proficiency in advanced MS Excel skills, Tally ERP9 and Tally Prime
      • Oversee financial functions including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, budgeting, and variance analysis.
      • Evaluate project profitability and suggest corrective measures as needed.
      • Develop and implement process-driven systems and policies for finance function.
      • Coordinate with auditors for finalization of accounts, statutory accounts closure, filing various returns and responsible to manage income tax notice/queries.
      • Update donor scoreboard with weekly inputs on donations, grants, and fund utilization.
      • Assess efficiency of implementation partners and project profitability.
      • Identify opportunities to invest surplus funds for higher returns.
      • Conduct financial due diligence and audit for implementation partners.

       

      Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

      • 7 to 9 years of experience in handling finance and accounts function (some experience working in a consulting firm, or a not for profit sector will be an added advantage)
      • Chartered Accountant \ MBA (Finance), ICWA, any other equivalent degree in Finance
      • Proficiency in use of accounting software, Tally, MIS, ERP Excel is a must
      • Analytical thinker with strong conceptual and problem solving skills.
      • Meticulous attention to detail with good organization skills
      • Self-motivated, initiative driven with ability to think out of the box.
      • Fairly good report writing and communication skills
      • High integrity, loyalty and confidentiality attributes with strong reference required
      • Startup experience or experience working in a fast paced environment will be beneficial

      Work Location:  Mumbai

      Why Samhita?

      • Make a big difference: Take, own and implement.
      • Leadership: This is the perfect opportunity to go beyond traditional roles and lead cutting-edge management and research strategies. The candidate shall work alongside the brightest minds, in an environment that fosters growth and creativity
      • Impact: Working with Samhita will provide you with an opportunity to bring about a positive change in the lives of millions – doing well by doing well
      • Work Culture: Samhita has a team of young, hard-working, and dynamic individuals who strive for excellence while maintaining a humble outlook. Our work has been strengthened and supported by international and domestic donor agencies and foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, Tata Trusts, GIZ, DFID, the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, UNDP and the Power of Nutrition.
      • Learning: Increase your problem-solving capabilities by delving into complex challenges. 

      How to apply: Forward your LinkedIn page or CV to careers@samhita.org, you can also apply on our careers page.

       

        Assistant Manager – ONDC

         Assistant Manager – ONDC


        Organisation Overview  (Samhita.org) 

        Role Overview:

        The position will be responsible to support the Project Lead in building an E-commerce ecosystem on the ONDC platform ranging across categories like retail, food processing, handicrafts, handlooms, apparel, agriculture, farmers, electronics. The incumbent will be accountable to facilitate the management and implementation of activities directly related to demand generation and growth.

         

        Roles and Responsibilities:

        Demand Generation Support:

        • Tracking performance metrics of partners, with periodic reviews
        • Responsible for execution of merchandising promotional calendars across partner websites/Apps
        • Review customer journey and suggest enhancements to improve AOV and Conversions
        • Oversee QA of product content and executes other necessary audits across partner websites/Apps
        • Day to day operations and metrics of the ONDC project, buyer level metrics
        • Work with partners/ONDC to identify and adopt best practices
        • Closely collaborate with partners on the ONDC network to identify requirements for successful partnerships

         

        Digital Marketing:

        • Oversee and closely work with agencies and marketing team to ensure smooth execution of campaigns
        • Oversee and suggest marketing activities to achieve the monthly/quarterly and annual goals
        • Co-own customer acquisition and retention metrics
        • Stay up to date about latest digital marketing techniques & methods
        • Share insights and learnings from day to day activities; useful for formulating best practices and blueprints

         

        Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

        • 5 to 6 years of experience in the online marketing & merchandising management in the Ecommerce industry will be preferred
        • Graduation or Post-Graduation degree in Business Management, Marketing or related field of study.
        • Deep understanding of digital marketing techniques and tools
        • Strong project management skills, managing complex, multifaceted projects resulting in measurable successes.
        • Good interpersonal, facilitating and influencing skills to engage a wide spectrum of external and internal stakeholders.
        • A balance of creative and analytical thinking
        • Comfortable with ambiguity and rapid change. Structured and analytical approach to solving problems

         

        Work Location:  Delhi

         

          Assistant Manager / Manager – Research, Insights and Knowledge

          Assistant Manager / Manager – Research, Insights and Knowledge


          Organisation Overview  (Samhita.org) 

          • Samhita is a social impact consulting firm, with a vision to build a ‘better normal’. The better normal reimagines business environments where social value is an integral aspect of growth, putting stakeholders and environmental guardianship at the center of business strategy, a strategy that evolves from inputs to outcomes, from individuals to ecosystem, and from delivering services to building capacity and enabling the market
          • To do this, we support companies to align their core competencies with the needs of the social sector and build catalytic partnerships with stakeholders, with in-depth knowledge and networks to execute sustainable, outcome-oriented social impact initiatives
          • This approach bridges the gap between purpose and action, and forges business responsibility strategies that balance people and planet, thereby creating a better normal for communities, environments and businesses

          Role Overview 

          The role sits within the Measurement, Analytics and Products (MAP) team at Samhita 

          • The incumbent will manage the impact evaluation of programs under REVIVE Alliance, including research design, sampling plan, survey administration, data analysis and report writing
          • The incumbent is expected to take ownership of analysis across its lifecycle spanning through design of data collection templates, monitoring of quality of data collection, impact evaluation through regression and other techniques, and knowledge sharing through reports, blogs, etc.
          • The incumbent will develop analysis plans and conduct analysis using statistical software packages to draw insights on the informal sector MSMEs on-boarded by Samhita as part of its different blended finance programs under REVIVE Alliance  
          • The incumbent is expected to support creating dashboards, collateral, pitch decks, proposals and other necessary documentation with respect to developing insights on informal sector MSMEs 
          • The incumbent will take ownership of the full stack of knowledge production, from getting the raw data in place for conduct of analysis up to the creation and dissemination of compelling knowledge products in different formats 
          • The incumbent shall also assist in administering and testing the pre-credit score (PCS) for the new-to-credit (NTC) informal MSMEs and analysing the repayment trends for various debt products through dashboards 
          • The incumbent is expected to undertake critical thinking to challenge norms, and strive for continuous improvements in processes 
          • In order to perform the above-mentioned roles, the person will need to closely liaise with internal stakeholders such as the Implementation team, Technology team, Growth and Innovation Team, etc. and also with external stakeholders like funders, lenders, implementation partners and other alliance partners. The incumbent is expected to troubleshooting any blockages and liaising with internal/external stakeholders to deliver outcomes as planned

           

          Skills Required

          • Post-graduation is mandatory, preferably in disciplines like economics, econometrics, statistics, data science, etc. 
          • Up to 5 years of functional experience in impact evaluation, M&E, etc.; domain experience in India’s financial inclusion, MSMEs, livelihoods, etc. landscape is an advantage but not essential
          • Proficiency in statistical software packages like STATA and/or R 
          • Proven experience in writing data-backed knowledge products for external audiences 
          • Knowledge of Microsoft BI and/or Tableau will be an advantage but not essential
          • Problem solving mindset and being open to working in an agile, fast-paced environment
          • Proficiency in MS Office Word, PowerPoint and Excel 
          • Effective communicator and collaborator in a matrix/network organizational setting
          • Team player and self-starter

          Work Location: Delhi (preferable)/Mumbai/Bangalore

          Why Samhita?

          • Make a big difference: Take, own and implement.
          • Leadership: This is the perfect opportunity to go beyond traditional roles and lead cutting-edge management and research strategies. The candidate shall work alongside the brightest minds, in an environment that fosters growth and creativity
          • Impact: Working with Samhita will provide you with an opportunity to bring about a positive change in the lives of millions – doing well by doing well
          • Work Culture: Samhita has a team of young, hard-working, and dynamic individuals who strive for excellence while maintaining a humble outlook. Our work has been strengthened and supported by international and domestic donor agencies and foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, Tata Trusts, GIZ, DFID, the World Bank, International Finance Corporation and UNDP
          • Learning: Increase your problem-solving capabilities by delving into complex challenges

           

          How to apply: Forward your LinkedIn page or CV to careers@samhita.org, you can also apply on our careers page. 

            Associate Director (Health Projects)

            Associate Director (Health Projects)  


            Organisation Overview  (Samhita.org) 

            The incumbent will lead the program management and delivery of the entire project and support interventions to strengthen delivery of quality FP and SRH products and services in the defined geography. Accountable to design programs, monitor and assess programs, track progress against set key deliverables and identify key risks and opportunities. Will work towards achieving sustainable, transformational change at scale by working in a way that strengthens health systems and various stakeholder capabilities to improve FP \ SRH outcomes within the country. 

             

            Job Responsibilities

            Set a distinctive strategic vision and provide thought leadership for FP/RH portfolio for WOHLA Teams

            • As a thought leader ensure that WOHLA programs integrate innovative methods and promote state-of-the-art technical approaches that reflect latest evidence, best practices, emerging priorities and trends in the field of FP/RH.
            • Strengthen WOHLA leadership for expanding the basket of contraceptive choices, quality assurance, gender, strengthening health systems, social and behaviour change communication, total market approach that address issues related to RH and FP in the public and private sector.
            • Contribute to the planning and implementation of public health outreach and education programs and events, including high-level visits for GOI and USG staff.

            Design and strengthen the Program design and management support for FP/RH programs supported by WOHLA

            • Design, implement and evaluate sound and cost-effective interventions aimed at increasing use of quality family planning services, expanding contraceptive choices, and addressing gender norms through WOHLA’s various projects.
            • Lead the development, adaptation, testing and mainstreaming of best/good practices in needs assessment, project design, implementation, monitoring & evaluation, and research.
            • Strengthen network and partnership development on FP/RH interventions, working with a variety of stakeholders to explore synergies and leverage resources, and forging collaborations with donors and private sector.
            • Work with the program implementation team to make sure every project being implemented (and developed) has a Log Frame or Results Framework.
            • Collaborations with other alliances, social impact investors, and development partners I overlapping thematic areas. 
            • Establish and lead a detailed process for tracking the program and the delivery against the set objectives, build key performance indicators and milestones, coordinate with various stakeholders and strategize the implementation plan and define the role of various stakeholders.
            • On a regular basis assess the effectiveness and theory of change, strategy, approach related to FP \ SRH and suggest improvements and strategic direction
            • Provide recommendations on the design of new research and innovations in the context of FP/RH.
            • Will operationalize the WoHLA to serve as platform and marketplace for women’s health with an explicit purpose to mobilize resources for access to finance opportunities for livelihood and implementation of women’s health programs

             

            Education Qualification/Required Skills & Experience

            • A Master of Public Health degree or Master of Medicine in Obstetrics & Gynaecology is highly desirable.
            • Knowledge of public health issues in one or more of the following: family planning, reproductive health, adolescent health, maternal and child health, gender.
            • Must have in-depth professional-level knowledge of development principles, concepts, and practices, especially as they relate to managing FP/RH programming in India.
            • Familiarity and understanding of USAID policies and procedures (highly preferred), or those of other donors, donor funded projects, community- based projects, or corporate social responsibility projects.
            • Understanding of private sector market-based models, total market approach, social marketing.
            • Ability to function with a high degree of independence and latitude with respect to policies, programs and issues related to his/her area of expertise.
            • Familiarity with USG FP/RH compliance and regulations, and gender policy.
            • Excellent analytical, written, and oral communication skills.
            • Fluency in English and preferably in Hindi.

            Additional skills (preferred)

            • Familiarity with global initiatives such as FP2020/2030.
            • Established relationships with FP/RH thought leaders to facilitate access to emerging approaches and to identify appropriate leverage opportunities across program portfolios.
            • Work Location : Mumbai \ Delhi

              Why Samhita?

              Make a big difference: Take, Own and implement.

              Leadership : This is the perfect opportunity to go beyond traditional roles and lead cutting edge Management and Research strategies. The candidate shall work alongside the brightest minds, in an environment that fosters growth and creativity

              Impact : Working with Samhita will provide you with an opportunity to bring about a positive change in the lives of millions

              Work Culture : Samhita has a team of young, hard-working, and dynamic individuals who strive for excellence while maintaining a humble outlook. Our work has been strengthened and supported by international and domestic donor agencies and foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, Tata Trusts, GIZ, DFID, the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, UNDP and the Power of Nutrition.

              Learning : Increase your problem-solving capabilities by delving into complex challenges.

            How to Apply: Use the form below to submit your details. Alternatively, you can share your LinkedIn profile or upload your CV directly to careers@dev.samhita.org

              Skill Development Initiatives for Adolescents: A Catalyst for Community Transformation

              The Life and Employability Skills for Adolescents Program (LEAP), a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by Cummins India Foundation in collaboration with Samhita Collective Good Foundation and Roots Foundation, is set to unfold its transformative impact in Bangalore, Pune, and Delhi.

              As LEAP navigates the complexities of adolescence and equips young minds with skills essential for the dynamic demands of the modern world, it becomes a powerful catalyst for fostering resilience, adaptability, and a profound sense of civic responsibility. The ripple effect of these initiatives is poised to extend beyond the individual, influencing various facets of communal well-being and contributing to the collective fabric of a thriving society.

               

              The Need for Skill Development Initiatives for Adolescents

              Navigating adolescence involves grappling with identity formation, increased independence, and the expectations of adulthood. Recognizing the challenges, including physiological changes and emotional adjustments, is crucial. Skill development initiatives for this transition equip adolescents with tools for informed decision-making, self-development, and adult responsibilities.

              Traditional education systems often fall short in preparing adolescents for practical adulthood demands. Identifying these gaps is crucial for a holistic education. Skill development initiatives bridge these gaps, emphasising practical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This complements traditional education, enhancing academic performance and fostering confidence and adaptability.

              As the job market evolves rapidly, skills demanded by employers change. To prepare adolescents for this dynamic future, skill development initiatives align with evolving job market needs. Beyond traditional academics, these programs cultivate versatile skills—from digital literacy to interpersonal communication. Anticipating future employer demands, these initiatives empower adolescents to thrive in an ever-changing professional landscape, fostering adaptability and resourcefulness.

               

              The Imperative of Research in Shaping  Initiatives

              Effective adolescent skill development initiatives hinge on a foundation of meticulous research to ensure their relevance and impact. One key aspect necessitating thorough investigation is understanding the local context. Researching the socio-economic landscape of the community is paramount. This involves identifying prevalent challenges, economic conditions, and opportunities to tailor skill development programs that directly address the specific needs of the community.

              Another critical facet of research involves assessing educational gaps within the existing system. This includes a meticulous examination of disparities in access to quality education, variations in learning outcomes, and pinpointing subjects or skills lacking in traditional academic settings. By identifying these gaps, skill development programs can act as targeted interventions to supplement and enhance the formal education experience.

              To design initiatives that stand the test of time, research must extend its focus to analysing future job market trends. Understanding emerging industries, technological advancements, and the evolving needs of employers ensures that the skill sets imparted align with the demands of the ever-changing workforce. This forward-looking approach positions adolescents to be not just academically competent but also equipped with the practical skills needed for success in the professional landscape of the future.

               

              Challenges which impact effectiveness of these programs 

              Implementing skill development initiatives for adolescents encounters multifaceted challenges that impact their efficacy. One prominent obstacle is the constraint of resources, encompassing financial limitations and a scarcity of skilled instructors, hindering the creation of quality programs. Access to education remains a critical challenge, with socio-economic disparities limiting opportunities for marginalised adolescents, perpetuating inequality. 

              Gender biases further complicate matters, as societal norms may dictate the types of skills deemed suitable based on gender, necessitating a concerted effort to ensure equal opportunities. The relevance of curricula poses a constant challenge, with the job market’s rapid evolution requiring continual adjustments to ensure adolescents are equipped with contemporary skills. 

              The involvement of parents and the community, essential for success, is hindered by factors such as lack of awareness or support. Quality of instructors, technological disparities, and the difficulty in measuring program impact add layers to the challenges faced. 

              Addressing these issues requires a collaborative effort, involving educators, policymakers, communities, and stakeholders to surmount these challenges and create a conducive environment for effective skill development initiatives.

               

              Components of Effective Program Designs

              In crafting effective skill development initiatives for adolescents, it becomes essential to focus on three integral components that contribute to the holistic growth of individuals.

              1. Holistic Skill Development: Effective program design integrates a diverse range of skills, spanning cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions. To address the multifaceted nature of adolescent development, programs should adopt a comprehensive approach during this critical phase. Focusing on cognitive skills enhances analytical thinking, emotional intelligence nurtures the ability to navigate complex emotions, and honing social skills facilitates meaningful interactions but also equips them for success in diverse personal and professional environments.
              2. Tailoring Programs to Individual Needs: Each individual brings a unique set of strengths and weaknesses, and recognizing and accommodating these differences enhances the program’s impact. Tailoring initiatives to cater to individual needs fosters inclusivity and adaptability. Customization ensures a personalised learning experience, providing specific support and guidance for adolescents’ personal development. This approach promotes inclusivity, empowering each participant to maximise their potential based on distinct capabilities.
              3. Collaborative Learning Environments:  Structuring collaborative environments encourages adolescents to work together towards common goals, enhancing interpersonal and communication skills. Peer-to-peer learning is a powerful tool, allowing participants to glean insights from each other’s experiences. These collaborative environments not only boost the effectiveness of skill development initiatives but also mirror real-world scenarios where teamwork is paramount. 

               

              Impact on Overall Communities

              Adolescent skill development programs have far-reaching impacts on overall communities, influencing various aspects of societal development and well-being. Here are key pointers illustrating the community-wide effects of such initiatives:

              1. Reduced Youth Unemployment:

              Skill development equips adolescents with practical skills, reducing youth unemployment rates by enhancing their ability to secure employment. Actively employed youth contribute to economic stability, reducing dependence on social welfare systems and fostering overall community prosperity.

              2. Enhanced Social Cohesion:

              Adolescents engaged in skill development programs often become active participants in community initiatives, fostering a sense of civic responsibility. Collaborative learning environments within these programs build strong social bonds among individuals, creating a more connected and supportive community.

              3. Improved Educational Landscape:

              Skill development complements traditional education, addressing gaps in the system and providing a more holistic learning experience for adolescents. As adolescents acquire valuable skills, the community benefits from a more educated and informed population, contributing to overall societal progress.

              4. Economic Empowerment: 

              Skill development empowers adolescents to overcome socio-economic challenges, creating pathways for individual and community-wide upliftment. Communities benefit from a diverse and skilled workforce, attracting opportunities for economic growth and attracting investments.

              5. Healthier Community Dynamics:

              Skill development fosters personal growth and resilience, positively impacting mental health and well-being within the community. By addressing the root causes of challenges faced by adolescents, such as lack of skills, communities witness a decrease in social issues like substance abuse and delinquency.

              6. Innovation and Problem-Solving:

              Adolescents, equipped with enhanced critical thinking skills, become contributors to community problem-solving and innovation. Skill development initiatives cultivate a mindset of addressing local challenges, leading to the development of innovative solutions that benefit the entire community.

              7. Cultural Enrichment:

              Tailoring skill development programs to individual needs acknowledges the diversity within communities, fostering an appreciation for different backgrounds and experiences. Collaborative learning environments also provide opportunities for cultural exchange, enriching the community with diverse perspectives and traditions.

              8. Long-Term Community Resilience: 

              Empowered adolescents break the cycle of poverty, contributing to long-term community resilience against socio-economic challenges. Skill development initiatives lay the foundation for sustainable community development by investing in the capabilities and potential of the younger generation.

               

              LEAP: A Case Study in Transforming Adolescent Lives

              To crystallise the concepts discussed above, let’s delve into a real-world example: the LEAP program. This initiative exemplifies how a comprehensive approach to skill development can significantly impact adolescents and their communities.

              LEAP, is a holistic program tailored for adolescents. It’s designed to facilitate a smoother transition to adulthood, focusing particularly on easing the shift to higher education and employment. This program targets a critical phase in adolescents’ lives by engaging with the same cohort over a sustained three-year period. The project zeroes in on students in the 8th and 9th grades, primarily from government schools and low-income private schools across India. By reaching over 2,000 students, LEAP casts a wide net, ensuring its impact is both deep and broad. The program’s curriculum is meticulously designed to impart and nurture life skills and leadership abilities, with a special emphasis on functional English and career guidance.

              In essence, LEAP is more than just a program; it’s a catalyst for holistic development. It expands the potential of students to achieve their personal, academic, and career goals. Through a comprehensive approach encompassing essential life and soft skills, LEAP is a shining example of how skill development initiatives can foster the growth of empowered, well-rounded individuals who are ready to face the world and contribute meaningfully to society.​​

               

              This article was authored by Aakriti Singh and Ayushi Bhatnagar

               

              Project Manager (Senior Manager) – ONDC

              Project Manager (Senior Manager) – ONDC  


              Organisation Overview  (Samhita.org) 

              Samhita-CGF is an impact catalyst – we are pioneers and innovators in the social space, and are passionate about bringing together stakeholders from the private, public, philanthropy, social, and financial sectors,  and collaborating to bring about unprecedented catalytic change. In alignment with UNSGDs, we are on a mission to positively impact 10 million lives by 2030, 50% of which will be women, by co-creating measurable, scalable and sustainable solutions that are CSR and FCRA compliant. 

              Over the past 13 years since our establishment, we have already impacted over 16 million lives, while partnering with 350+ social organizations, 250+ corporate and individual donors, and 30+ government foundations and international aid agencies. We aim to drive holistic social development for our participants by ensuring they are given access to multiple interventions ranging from livelihoods, skilling, social protection, digital empowerment, and financial inclusion.

              About ONDC

              ONDC is an open-source network for digital commerce which intends to “democratise digital commerce” by carving a level-playing field for the e-commerce giants and the small sellers. It is looked upon as the UPI for e-commerce having the capability to fuel the growth of the e-commerce market in India. In the ONDC network, sellers can voluntarily choose to display their products and services throughout the platforms and apps which have joined the same. This initiative will not only facilitate the rapid adoption of e-commerce but also boost and strengthen the growth of start-ups in India. By facilitating scalable and cost-effective e-commerce through the open protocol, ONDC will empower start-ups to grow collaboratively.

              Role Overview:

              The Project Manager will be responsible to support the Project Lead in building an E-commerce seller network on the ONDC platform ranging across categories like retail, food processing, handicrafts, handlooms, apparel, agriculture, farmers, electronics. The incumbent will be accountable to facilitate the program management and implementation. 

               

              Roles and Responsibilities:

              • Develop project proposals, feasibility study, implementation, evaluation and monitoring. Plan and support implementation of the project. 
              • Identify cohorts, partners and industries most suited to on board on the ONDC platform
              • Program designs for the ONDC seller network and creating presentations / proposals 
              • Conduct market research and document best practices, specialized solutions, and integrate them while developing impactful proposals.
              • Support development of processes and templates to improve efficiency and efficacy
              • Work with the partners in creating standard SOP’s, conduct due diligence and complete all the necessary documentation before on boarding the sellers.
              • Deploy an effective framework to track seller on boarding, complete compliance and design dashboards to create success metrics.
              • At regular intervals address potential barriers, such as limited access to technology and resources 
              • Promote collaboration and partnerships within the ONDC ecosystem.
              • Work towards digitizing the business of the seller networks, facilitate product listing and granting them access to expanded markets and financial services within the burgeoning open e-commerce ecosystem

               

              Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

              • 8 to 10 years of experience in the project management and execution role, a few years of experience in the Ecommerce industry will be a plus.
              • Post-Graduation degree in Business Management, Finance or related field of study.
              • Strong project management skills, managing complex, multifaceted projects resulting in measurable successes.
              • Good interpersonal, facilitating and influencing skills to engage a wide spectrum of external and internal stakeholders.
              • A balance of creative and analytical thinking
              • Comfortable with ambiguity and rapid change. Structured and analytical approach to solving problems

               

              Work Location:  Mumbai \ Delhi 

              Why Samhita?

              • Make a big difference: Take, own and implement.
              • Leadership: This is the perfect opportunity to go beyond traditional roles and lead cutting-edge management and research strategies. The candidate shall work alongside the brightest minds, in an environment that fosters growth and creativity
              • Impact: Working with Samhita will provide you with an opportunity to bring about a positive change in the lives of millions – doing well by doing well
              • Work Culture: Samhita has a team of young, hard-working, and dynamic individuals who strive for excellence while maintaining a humble outlook. Our work has been strengthened and supported by international and domestic donor agencies and foundations such as Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, Omidyar Network, Walmart Foundation, Microsoft India, Google India, Adidas India, Tata Motor Finance and many more.
              • Learning: Increase your problem-solving capabilities by delving into complex challenges. 

              How to Apply: Use the form below to submit your details. Alternatively, you can share your LinkedIn profile or upload your CV directly to careers@dev.samhita.org

                Data Analyst

                Data Analyst 


                Organisation Overview  (Samhita.org) 

                • Samhita is a social impact consulting firm, with a vision to build a ‘better normal’. The better normal reimagines business environments where social value is an integral aspect of growth, putting stakeholders and environmental guardianship at the centre of business strategy, a strategy that evolves from inputs to outcomes, from individuals to ecosystem, and from delivering services to building capacity and enabling the market.
                • To do this, we support companies to align their core competencies with the needs of the social sector, and build catalytic partnerships with stakeholders with in-depth knowledge and networks to execute sustainable, outcome-oriented social impact initiatives.
                • This approach bridges the gap between purpose and action, and forges business responsibility strategies that balance people, pro- t and planet, thereby creating a better normal for communities, environments and businesses.

                Role Overview 

                • The role sits within the central Data, Analytics and Knowledge teams, which are responsible for all data, analytics, insights, reports, and knowledge products within Samhita spanning across all programs.
                • The person will play a critical role as the data custodian to take ownership of data collection, monitoring and usage while putting in place data quality and integrity checks, governance protocols and standard processes to manage data lifecycle.
                • The role will involve building and managing standard dashboards, enabled by the Technology team, for internal Samhita stakeholders, as well as external stakeholders like funders, and other partners. 
                • This role will also involve performing ad-hoc and deep dive analyses of the customer and partner data for insights with regards to operational efficiency and effectiveness of programs and interventions. Storytelling in the form of dashboarding will be necessary to present insights.
                • In order to perform the above-mentioned functions, the person will need to closely liaise with internal stakeholders such as the Implementation team, Technology team etc. and also with external stakeholders like lenders, implementation partners and other alliance partners.

                Roles & Responsibilities

                • All types of data analysis including univariates and bi-variates, hypothesis testing, scenario analysis, finding correlations in data, and other standard and ad-hoc analyses to uncover drivers of program effectiveness and operational efficiencies and thereby help drive a culture of data driven decision making in the organisation and also help development of standard and custom data products 
                • Design and create dashboards for different products, programs etc. catering to a wide variety of stakeholders
                • As data custodian, responsible for setting standards and streamlining processes in the data lifecycle to ensure high quality of data, and ensuring those are followed across all stakeholders
                • Collaboration with internal Samhita-CGF stakeholders and clients/partners to do all of the above
                • Needs to have good oral and written communication skills, to be able to work independently and effectively with all internal stakeholders in order to collect, manage and use data 
                • Critical thinking to challenge norms, and strive for continuous improvements in data products and processes
                • Troubleshooting data related queries 

                Skills Required

                • BA/BSc. Degree in Computer Science, Data Analysis or related field 
                • 2-4 years of relevant experience 
                • Experience with R/Python
                • Experience with SQL databases 
                • Proficiency in MS Office Word, Access, Excel 
                • Knowledge of Microsoft BI and Tableau will be an advantage but not essential
                • Problem solving mindset and being open to working in an agile environment
                • Effective communicator and collaborator in a matrix/network organisation setting
                • Knowledge and understanding of information collection, analysis, distribution systems and modern database systems or ability to adapt 
                • Problem solving, time management, interpersonal and critical thinking skills
                • Team player and self-starter

                Work Location: Mumbai/Delhi

                Why Samhita?

                • Make a big difference: Take, own and implement.
                • Leadership: This is the perfect opportunity to go beyond traditional roles and lead cutting-edge management and research strategies. The candidate shall work alongside the brightest minds, in an environment that fosters growth and creativity
                • Impact: Working with Samhita will provide you with an opportunity to bring about a positive change in the lives of millions – doing well by doing well
                • Work Culture: Samhita has a team of young, hard-working, and dynamic individuals who strive for excellence while maintaining a humble outlook. Our work has been strengthened and supported by international and domestic donor agencies and foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, Tata Trusts, GIZ, DFID, the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, UNDP and the Power of Nutrition.
                • Learning: Increase your problem-solving capabilities by delving into complex challenges.

                How to Apply: Use the form below to submit your details. Alternatively, you can share your LinkedIn profile or upload your CV directly to careers@dev.samhita.org

                   

                  Manager/Sr. Manager– Growth , Innovation & Strategy

                  Manager/Sr. Manager– Growth , Innovation & Strategy 


                  Organisation Overview  (Samhita.org) 

                  Samhita is a social impact consulting firm, with a vision to build a ‘better normal’. The better normal reimagines business environments where social value is an integral aspect of growth, putting stakeholders and environmental guardianship at the centre of business strategy, a strategy that evolves from inputs to outcomes, from individuals to ecosystem, and from delivering services to building capacity and enabling the market.

                  To do this, we support companies to align their core competencies with the needs of the social sector, and build catalytic partnerships with stakeholders with in-depth knowledge and networks to execute sustainable, outcome oriented social impact initiatives. This approach bridges the gap between purpose and action, and forges business responsibility strategies that balance people, profit and planet, thereby creating a better normal for communities, environments and businesses.

                  Role Brief:

                  The role sits within Samhita’s Growth and Innovation team, the apex team responsible for developing and scaling new initiatives as well as orchestrating programs/ initiatives within the organisation. The role requires collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders to create pitch decks, track existing programs and develop a broader strategy for the organisation. The role is integral for the organisation’s REVIVE Alliance, through which we aim to impact 10 million lives in the next 5 years.

                  The Team touches on all key aspects of the Samhita Social Impact work lifecycle, including conceptualization and design of new solutions and aid models, forging partnerships with funders and partners for their execution plan creation and program incubation, as well as creating client pitches to engage with newer funding and strategic partners. 

                  This role is for you, if you are someone who loves problem solving, is a self-starter and is looking to work in a fluid, dynamic environment with evolving challenges and opportunities for constant learning. 

                  Responsibilities:

                  • Lead the strategy vertical, including working in close collaboration with the CEO and senior management
                  • Support in building strategic partnerships with corporate and institutional donors through pitchbooks, concept notes, presentations and client engagement 
                  • Design newer solutions across livelihood, gender equality, financial inclusion, digital transformation and related social impact themes including developing the theory of change, storyboarding the narrative in MS Office, and working with Implementation, Research & MEL Teams to customise the solution per client needs 
                  • Support the leadership in internal firm strategy, innovation and growth planning 
                  • Work cross-teams in preparing responses to grants & tenders (RFPs) per emerging needs 

                  Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

                  1. 8+ years of experience in a Big 4 consulting/ strategy role  
                  2. MBA, MPA/MPP from reputed university/institute
                  3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills
                  4. Very strong MS Office and written Business English skills
                  5. Strong Interpersonal, client management and presentation skills
                  6. High interest working in Social Impact Space, and ability to work flexibly to meet deadlines 
                  7. Ability to contribute beyond the defined scope of work

                  Work Location: Preferably based in Mumbai

                  Why Samhita?

                  • Make a big difference: Take, own and implement.
                  • Leadership: This is the perfect opportunity to go beyond traditional roles and lead cutting-edge management and research strategies. The candidate shall work alongside the brightest minds, in an environment that fosters growth and creativity
                  • Impact: Working with Samhita will provide you with an opportunity to bring about a positive change in the lives of millions – doing well by doing well
                  • Work Culture: Samhita has a team of young, hard-working, and dynamic individuals who strive for excellence while maintaining a humble outlook. Our work has been strengthened and supported by international and domestic donor agencies and foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, Tata Trusts, GIZ, DFID, the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, UNDP and the Power of Nutrition.
                  • Learning: Increase your problem-solving capabilities by delving into complex challenges. 

                  How to Apply: Use the form below to submit your details. Alternatively, you can share your LinkedIn profile or upload your CV directly to careers@dev.samhita.org