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Job Description – State Project Manager

Position: State Project Manager

Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Grade: Sr Manager

Reporting to: State Manager

Direct Reportees: DPCs, M&E Officer, Admin Associate

Nature: Fixed Term Contract

Kind of engagement: Work from Office (onsite)

About LLF

Language and Learning Foundation () is a New Delhi-based non-profit organization with the vision of enhancing equitable student learning, especially language and literacy development, through the professional development of teachers and teacher educators, building/sharing knowledge and implementing projects in collaboration with state governments. LLF currently works with seven state governments across the country.

About the programs:

Language and Learning Foundation (LLF) is a New Delhi based non-profit organisation with the vision of enhancing equitable student learning, especially language and literacy development, through the professional development of teachers and teacher educators, building/sharing knowledge and implementing projects in collaboration with state governments. LLF is a system-focused and impact-driven organization dedicated to addressing the foundational learning crisis in collaboration with the national and state governments in India. Over the past 8 years, we have improved foundational learning outcomes of 850,000+ children and classroom processes of 2,50,000+ teachers and teacher educators across 8 states. LLF currently works with 8 state governments across the country. To learn more about the organisation, click here.

Position Purpose

The State Project Manager is the core operational lead for LLF's work across the assigned districts in Uttar Pradesh, specifically Varanasi, Chandauli, Bhadohi, and Fatehpur. The role is responsible for ensuring effective, timely, and high-quality implementation of district-level programs by closely monitoring field operations, supporting district teams, strengthening coordination across functions, and resolving operational challenges on the ground.

These districts represent mature program geographies at different stages of implementation and transition. The State Project Manager will ensure sustained program quality, institutionalization of processes, effective stakeholder engagement, and smooth execution of state priorities across these districts.

While academic leadership (FLN/MLE/Numeracy) continues to be anchored with the State Manager and academic specialists, the State Project Manager ensures that plans translate into execution, systems function smoothly, and implementation risks are identified and addressed proactively using field insights and M&E data.

Roles and Responsibilities

Program Operations & Implementation Oversight

• Oversee day-to-day implementation of LLF programs across the assigned districts of Varanasi, Chandauli, Bhadohi, and Fatehpur, ensuring adherence to approved plans, timelines, deliverables, and quality standards across districts at different stages of program maturity.
• Support sustainability and institutionalization efforts in mature program districts by strengthening district ownership, government engagement, and transition readiness where applicable.
• Track implementation progress across districts and blocks, identifying bottlenecks and ensuring timely resolution.
• Conduct frequent field visits to districts and blocks to monitor implementation, mentor district teams, and provide on-ground problem-solving support.
• Ensure coordination and alignment between district plans and state-level priorities.

District & Team Management

• Provide direct supervision, guidance, and support to District Program Managers (DPMs).
• Conduct regular review meetings with DPMs to track progress, risks, and support needs.
• Strengthen district-level planning, execution discipline, and reporting practices.
• Facilitate coordination between district teams and state-level academic, M&E, and operations staff.

Monitoring, Review & Use of Data

• Work closely with the M&E Officer to review program data, dashboards, trends, and field insights.
• Use M&E findings to identify implementation gaps, course-correct strategies, and improve program effectiveness.
• Ensure timely submission of accurate program data, reports, and reviews to the State Manager and central teams.
• Support district teams in strengthening data quality, data use, and compliance with M&E processes.
• Support the State Mgr to plan monthly/ quarterly reviews of the program by the State Quality Cell, Education Department.

Operations, Finance & Administrative Coordination

• Coordinate closely with the Sr. Accounts and Admin Associate to ensure smooth logistics, travel, workshops, and operational arrangements.
• Monitor operational expenditures in coordination with the finance function to ensure adherence to approved budgets.
• Support planning and execution of trainings, workshops, reviews, and field activities from an operational standpoint.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies related to procurement, travel, payments, and documentation.

Risk Management & Problem Solving

• Proactively identify operational risks, implementation challenges, and dependencies across districts.
• Act as the first point of escalation for operational issues and work with relevant teams to resolve them.
• Support the State Manager in ensuring implementation continuity during high-pressure periods or transitions.

Coordination with State & Central Teams

• Work closely with the State Manager to ensure alignment between academic priorities and field execution.
• Coordinate with central program, M&E, finance, and operations teams as required.
• Support state-level reporting, reviews, and donor or government engagements from an operational perspective.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience Needed

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education, Social Sciences, Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Additional training or certification in Project Management, Operations, or Monitoring & Evaluation is an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 10–15 years of relevant experience in managing large-scale education or development programs.
• Strong experience in field-based program implementation, preferably within government school systems.
• Demonstrated experience in managing multi-location teams and district-level operations.
• Prior experience working with district and state government systems is highly desirable.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong operational and execution-focused mindset with attention to detail.
• Excellent people management and coordination skills.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and translate insights into operational actions.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage ambiguity in dynamic field contexts.
• High level of comfort with extensive travel and on-ground engagement.
• Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel, for tracking, reviews, and reporting.
• Strong communication skills in English and Hindi; knowledge of local context and languages of Chhattisgarh is a plus.
• High ownership, resilience, and ability to work under tight timelines.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Language and Learning Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, caste, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Pay: ₹125,000.00 - ₹150,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Provident Fund

Work Location: In person