Job Description:
Position Title: Program Associate – Apprenticeship.
Location: New Delhi (with travel to project districts as required)
Duration: 3–4 months (Full-time opportunity may be offered based on performance.)
About STEP Foundation
STEP Foundation works at the intersection of livelihoods, skilling, and systems strengthening to improve pathways to employment and economic opportunity. Through research, field engagement, and institutional partnerships, STEP supports the design and implementation of grounded, scalable workforce development solutions.
About the Role
The short-term consultant will support STEP Foundation's work on apprenticeship and experience based learning vertical. Working closely with the project team, the consultant will contribute to research, field assessments, stakeholder coordination, and implementation support across engagements with central and state governments, industry partners, and training institutions.
This role is well suited for individuals who enjoy combining research with on-ground implementation and are interested in contributing to evidence-based policy and programme design in the skilling ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Research & Analysis
Conduct research on apprenticeship reforms, skilling systems, labour markets, and workforce development. Prepare policy briefs, presentations, concept notes, and analytical outputs
Ecosystem & Stakeholder Mapping
Map government, industry, employer, training provider, and district-level skilling ecosystems. Collect and organize information on industry demand, labour market dynamics, and implementation challenges
Evidence Generation & Insights
Support field visits, stakeholder consultations, interviews, and labour market assessments. Synthesise qualitative and quantitative data into findings and recommendations.
Pilot Design & Implementation Support
Support the planning and implementation of apprenticeship and labour market pilots. Assist in coordinating with government officials, employers, industry associations, and implementation partners. Prepare implementation trackers, field tools, and operational documentation.
Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination
Coordinate meetings, workshops, consultations, and stakeholder follow-ups. Prepare agendas, briefing notes, presentations, and minutes.
Monitoring, Documentation & Knowledge Management
Track project timelines, deliverables, pilot progress, and implementation updates. Document learnings, case studies, and best practices for reporting and knowledge sharing
Desired Profile
- 1–3 years of relevant work experience in consulting, public policy, development, livelihoods, skilling, or programme implementation.
- Master's degree in Public Policy, Economics, Development Studies, Management, Social Sciences, or a related field (preferred).
- Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and structured presentations and reports.
- Comfortable engaging with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, industry representatives, and implementation partners.
- Willingness to travel for fieldwork as required.
- Demonstrated interest in skilling, apprenticeships, labour markets, or workforce development is an advantage.
Compensation
Competitive, based on qualifications and experience
Reporting
The consultant will report to the Senior Program Manager, STEP Foundation