Job Description:
About CEGIS
Centre for Effective Governance of Indian States (CEGIS pronounced See-Jis) aims to improve lives by helping Indian state governments deliver better development outcomes. The four key characteristics of any high-performing organisation are (a) measuring outcomes through reliable, high quality data that enables goal setting and monitoring progress towards these goals; (b) strategic use of personnel competency based hiring and training, skilling, and performance appraisals to determine job assignments, pay, and promotions to achieve the goals above; (c) strategic budgeting where resource allocation is based on evidence and cost-effectiveness; (d) and creating efficient systems to leverage external actors (including for-profit and nonprofit organisations). The Indian state performs weakly on all four fronts above, thus limiting its capacity. CEGIS helps to improve the functioning of the Indian state by focusing on the four principles above.
We believe that,
(a) by strengthening systems and enhancing the States capacity, we will be able to ensure the delivery of better outcomes to Indian citizens.
(b) improving the effectiveness of public expenditure is the most optimised way of achieving improved development outcomes at scale, and
(c) there is a clear need for an organisation that will systematically support this mission.
We work with the State Governments of India to enable a transformative improvement in their functioning in the coming decade. Informed by cutting-edge research and evidence as well as a practical orientation toward implementable ideas, CEGIS provides Indian states with both an analytical roadmap for governance and expenditure reforms as well as strategic implementation support to deliver on this vision.
In alignment with our four principles or pillars of change - outcome measurement, personnel management, strategic public finance, states and markets, CEGIS is currently working with the governments of Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Bodoland Territorial Council (Assam), NCT of Delhi and a few Government of India entities across a range of projects and sectors. Through CEGIS flagship offering, the KPI (Key Performance Indicators) Survey, we are helping enable one of the state governments we are working with to collect better quality data, make informed, evidence-based decisions, and institutionalise this process of securing periodic citizen-level feedback. We are setting up a Financial Analytics Unit (FAU) to enhance analytical capacity and increase the effectiveness of budgetary allocations of the Finance Department in another state. In alignment with our personnel management workstream, we are also working with the HR/Administrative Reforms & Training Department to set up and institutionalise an in-house Capacity Building Unit (CBU) that aids the adoption of competency-based Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Performance Management Systems (PMS) with a few of these entities. Similarly, to improve the value of public money, we work at the interface of states and markets which encompasses procurement, regulation, and policy formulation. Our solutions are constantly being refined based on real-time feedback and are designed to be customised and replicated across contexts.
CEGIS Theory of Change (ToC) is an outcome of the extensive work done by Prof. Karthik Muralidharan, the Founder and Scientific Director of CEGIS, in the field of strengthening State capacity. Further details are provided in his book Accelerating Indias Development: A State-Led Roadmap for Indias Development.
CEGIS Approach and Model of Functioning
Our solutions to enhance governance are co-created with state governments in a state-led way, where we focus on deep partnerships with states with an iterative cycle of thinking and doing. We work closely with the Chief Secretary and other top bureaucratic leadership, front-line workers and public officials in Finance, Planning and other line departments, with guidance from the Chief Minister and Finance Minister of the respective states. Today, CEGIS works across 6 Indian states and 15+ projects across 6 sectors - Education, Nutrition, and Local Governance among others.
Our team at CEGIS has extensive technical experience: renowned economists, former bureaucrats, consultants, researchers, social entrepreneurs, development sector professionals. We are trained academically in the best institutions in India and abroad across disciplines such as development economics, management, public policy, international development, and the like. We also seek extensive strategic advice from our pool of supportive external experts who further guide us in refining our solutions.
Overview:
Within CEGIS, the Public Revenue/Taxation/Public Finance teams role is to support institutionalisation of data driven decision making by setting up the required infrastructure and technical capacity with the relevant line departments. High quality data and insights generated are expected to aid the State in goal setting, progress monitoring and strategic decision making. In addition, as a sectoral workstream, specific objectives are furthered by testing and institutionalising interventions in the form of Micro RCTs with the larger goal of improving tax compliance and augmenting revenues.
Our projects can be of a wide variety and involve elements of research and analytics, advocacy, policy implementation and evaluation, and active support to line departments in reforms adoption. A large part of the work is by its very nature quantitative.
Specifically, this will, among other things, entail:
- Conducting detailed budgetary analysis at different levels of government
- Conducting situational analysis on a variety of economic sectors and subjects
- Conducting forensic analysis to identify anomalous patterns in taxpayer behaviour
- Mapping government budgeting and administrative processes and identify efficiency enhancing solutions
- Conduct financial impact assessment in terms of cost-effectiveness and rates of returns.
- Design and implement micro RCTs on live policy interventions
Position Summary:
The Senior Manager oversees data management, analysis, project management, stakeholder engagement, team leadership, and knowledge sharing within Strategic Public Finance projects. They ensure meticulous data handling, drive insightful analysis, engage with stakeholders, mentor team members, and foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing. The Senior Manager plays a central role in driving project success and advancing organizational objectives.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Data Management and Analysis:
- Facilitates access to administrative data from relevant government line departments, reviews them using a prescribed template, and conducts analysis as required.
- Ensures strict compliance with data quality protocols, including auditing enumerators, supervising data collection, and performing data quality audits.
- Manages all primary, secondary, and administrative data by strictly following data management and security protocols and creating standardization of protocols for projects.
Analysis and Interpretation:
- Conducts independent analysis and interpretation of information, translating data into actionable insights.
- Oversees detailed budgetary analysis at different levels of government and situational analysis on a variety of economic sectors and subjects.
- Oversees forensic analysis to identify anomalous patterns in taxpayer behavior and assesses financial impacts, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and return rates.
- Designs & executes micro RCTs to facilitate real-time policy interventions.
- Monitors global best practices and research, aiding the team in adapting these methodologies.
Project Management:
- Directs the launch and conceptualization of projects aligning with SPF primary objectives.
- Oversees comprehensive project management, spanning from conceptualization and resource allocation to briefing and execution.
- Manages the team's research efforts by delegating tasks, reviewing outputs, and ensuring the quality and rigor of outputs.
- Provides technical inputs and guidance to project/state teams, ensuring high-quality outputs that contribute to project progress and the organisation's knowledge base.
- Oversees project resourcing and allocates resources effectively to maximize project outcomes.
- Collaborates with team members to develop impactful knowledge products, such as policy notes, analysis reports, and frameworks and contributes to knowledge sharing.
Communication and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Oversees the interpreting and presenting of data effectively, helping to convey meaningful insights to internal and external stakeholders.
- Leads the preparation and pitching of proposals and decks to donors and new states/departments.
- Engages with state teams and government stakeholders to pitch ideas, present concepts, and advocate for impactful initiatives.
- Develops and nurtures relationships with public officials, government departments, and other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and support for SPF projects.
Education and Experience:
- Masters or advanced degree, such as a PhD or equivalent, in economics, statistics, public policy, engineering, social science, or related fields from a prestigious institution.
- 8 to 12 years of progressive work experience, including extensive research, advanced quantitative analysis, client management (especially with government entities), and substantial managerial experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in quantitative data management and analysis, utilizing advanced tools such as STATA, R, or Python programming extensively.
Required Skills and Abilities:
- Exceptional problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities, with a track record of formulating innovative solutions to complex challenges.
- Proficiency in English with outstanding writing and communication skills, capable of effectively conveying intricate concepts to diverse audiences both within and outside the organization. Knowledge of the local language(s) is highly desirable.
- Proven capacity to cultivate and manage high-level relationships with partner organizations, particularly with extensive experience collaborating with Indian state governments.
- Strong organizational and planning skills, adept at setting priorities, establishing timelines, and consistently meeting deadlines in dynamic environments.
- Deep commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of Indian states, coupled with a firm alignment with the organization's theory of change and impact.
- Operating style conducive to autonomy and adaptability within a small-organization context, where teamwork and resourcefulness are paramount.
- Ability to thrive under pressure, managing competing priorities while upholding meticulous attention to detail and delivering exceptional outcomes consistently.
- Willingness to innovate and take calculated risks, translating ideas into actionable strategies to drive organizational objectives forward.
- Exceptional collaboration and active listening skills, demonstrating an ability to understand and respect diverse perspectives.
- Flexibility to seamlessly transition between various projects and swiftly immerse oneself in new sectors.
- Proficiency in at least one of the following areas: taxation, public finance management systems, or budgeting. Familiarity with experimental and non-experimental research methods is highly advantageous.
Personal Characteristics and Desired Qualities:
- Superior problem-solving and strategic thinking capabilities, coupled with a robust research acumen for analyzing intricate quantitative and qualitative data.
- Excellent proficiency in English, complemented by exceptional writing and communication skills tailored to diverse audiences.
- Advanced planning and organizational skills, combined with the ability to effectively manage teams from diverse backgrounds, including close collaboration with government stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution.
- Unwavering dedication to improving the efficacy of Indian states, aligned closely with the organization's theory of change.
- Operating style characterized by autonomy, adaptability, and a strong sense of resourcefulness.
- Proven ability to thrive under pressure, maintaining meticulous attention to detail while consistently delivering high-quality results.
- A penchant for innovation and a willingness to explore new ideas, translating them into actionable initiatives.
- Exceptional collaborative skills, with a keen emphasis on active listening and valuing diverse perspectives.
- Adaptability to embrace diverse projects and rapidly integrate into new sectors.
Compensation:
Remuneration will be competitive with Indian philanthropy and social sector pay scales and will depend on the candidate's experience levels.
Note: CEGIS has zero tolerance to sexual harassment. We therefore expect each applicant to self-declare related to the same. CEGIS could, if required, initiate a prevention of sexual harassment-based background verification. If an applicant is reported of misconduct, appropriate action that may include employment termination would be taken. Please Click the link for self-declaration.
Pre-reads for the application process
To learn more about the type of reforms CEGIS is seeking to implement in states, please go through the following materials before sending in your application:
- Concept note on CEGIS
- Podcast episodes with Prof. Karthik Muralidharan one each on education and healthcare in India.
- Collection of Prof. Karthik Muralidharan's work here.