Career with CYSD

Job Title: Programme Lead, Youth Engagement

Bhubaneswar

Role: Programme Lead, Youth Engagement

Job Summary

The Program Lead – Youth Engagement will provide strategic leadership and technical guidance for designing, strengthening, and scaling youth-centered development initiatives within the organisation.

The position will support programme planning, institutional partnerships, resource mobilisation, capacity building, and knowledge management in the areas of promoting youth leadership, active citizenship, employability, social innovation, and youth led inclusive development processes

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Theme Anchoring

• Lead and anchor the Community Led Youth Development theme across organisational programmes and geographies.
• Develop strategic frameworks, operational plans, and thematic approaches for youth engagement and leadership development.
• Promote integration of youth perspectives across livelihoods, governance, climate resilience, education, gender, and social inclusion programmes.
• Provide strategic direction for youth-led community institutions, youth forums, and youth collectives.
• Support development of innovative and scalable models for youth empowerment and civic participation.

Programme Planning and Technical Support

• Provide technical guidance for planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of youth focused interventions.
• Design and support programmes related to youth leadership, life skills, employability, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, digital literacy, and social action.
• Facilitate development of training modules, toolkits, learning resources, and capacity building frameworks for youth development.
• Support field teams in implementing participatory and youth inclusive approaches at community level.

Community Mobilisation and Institution Building

• Strengthen youth collectives, community institutions, and local leadership platforms.
• Facilitate participation of young women, marginalised youth, and vulnerable groups in development processes.
• Promote community ownership and intergenerational collaboration in local development initiatives. 

Partnerships, Networking and Convergence

• Build and maintain partnerships with government departments, educational institutions, CSR initiatives, civil society organisations, youth networks, and development agencies.
• Facilitate convergence with government schemes and programmes related to youth development, skill development, livelihoods, sports, and entrepreneurship.
• Represent the organisation in relevant forums, consultations, workshops, and policy dialogues related to youth issues.
• Promote collaboration with academic and research institutions for youth-focused studies, innovation, and action research.

Resource Mobilisation

• Support development of concept notes, proposals, donor reports, and strategic partnership initiatives.
• Mobilise technical and financial resources for strengthening youth development programmes.

Monitoring, Documentation and Knowledge Management

• Develop monitoring frameworks and indicators for assessing programme outcomes and youth participation.
• Document best practices, case studies, success stories, and learning from field interventions.
• Facilitate organisational learning and knowledge sharing on youth development approaches.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Rural Development, Sociology, Development Studies, Youth Development, Education, or related disciplines.
• Minimum 3-4 years of professional experience in youth development, community mobilisation, governance, livelihoods, education, or social development programmes.
• Experience working with community institutions, youth collectives, civil society organisations, and government systems.
• Understanding of youth-related policies, schemes, and development challenges, particularly in rural and tribal contexts.

Technical Competencies

• Youth Leadership & Civic Engagement
• Community Mobilization & Institution Building
• Youth Employability & Entrepreneurship
• Programme Design & Management
• Capacity Building & Facilitation
• Partnership & Resource Mobilization
• Policy Advocacy & Knowledge Management
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)

Behavioural Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Leadership & Team Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Communication & Facilitation
• Innovation & Problem Solving
• Collaboration & Results Orientation

Additional Requirements

• Excellent communication skills in English; knowledge of Odia and Hindi is desirable.
• Willingness to travel extensively to project locations.
• Proficiency in MS Office and digital collaboration tools.

Application Process:

• Last date to apply 9 August 2026.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. We strongly encourage women candidates to apply.

Click here to Apply

Job Title: Senior Program Manager – Rural Livelihoods

Bhubaneswar

Role: Senior Program Manager – Rural Livelihoods

Position Summary

 The Senior Program Manager – Rural Livelihoods will be a key member of the Programme Advisory Team of CYSD, providing strategic, technical, and programmatic leadership in the areas of sustainable agriculture, forest-based livelihoods, climate resilience, producer collectives, and green enterprise development across CYSD’s programme geographies.

The position will support the strengthening of rural and tribal livelihood systems through end-to-end guidance in agriculture and forestry-based value chains, market systems, producer institutions, climate-resilient livelihood practices, and green financing initiatives. The advisor will work closely with programme teams, community institutions, government agencies, donor partners, research institutions, and market actors to ensure quality, sustainability, and long-term impact of livelihood interventions.

The role combines technical advisory functions, programme quality support, institutional strengthening, partnership building, and resource mobilisation with a strong commitment to ecological sustainability, community empowerment, and inclusive development.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic and Technical Advisory

• Provide strategic and technical guidance on sustainable rural and tribal livelihoods with focus on:

• Climate-resilient agriculture and agroecology
• Regenerative and low external input farming systems
• Forest-based and NTFP livelihoods
• Natural resource management and ecological restoration
• Livestock, horticulture, and diversified farming systems
• Tribal livelihood enhancement and community enterprise models
• Support integration of climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and resilience approaches into livelihood programmes.
• Facilitate development of thematic strategies, programme frameworks, and innovative livelihood models aligned with CYSD’s mission and long-term vision.
• Provide technical inputs in programme design, concept development, and proposal preparation.

Programme Quality and Technical Support

• Ensure programme quality through regular technical review, mentoring, field guidance, and monitoring support.
• Support programme teams in developing robust implementation systems, learning frameworks, and technical protocols.
• Facilitate periodic reviews, learning workshops, and cross-project knowledge sharing.
• Promote documentation of innovations, best practices, and evidence-based learning for programme improvement and policy engagement.
• Provide field-level technical backstopping to strengthen programme effectiveness and sustainability.

Agriculture and Forest-Based Livelihoods 

• Provide end-to-end technical guidance on sustainable agriculture systems including soil and water conservation, millet and indigenous crop systems, organic farming, seed systems, and climate-smart agricultural practices.
• Support strengthening of forest-based livelihoods through sustainable harvesting, NTFP value addition, processing systems, and community forest enterprises.
• Promote integrated farming and ecosystem-based livelihood approaches suited to tribal and vulnerable rural communities.
• Facilitate convergence with government livelihood, forestry, agriculture, and climate adaptation programmes.

Producer Collectives, Value Chains and Market Systems 

• Support formation and strengthening of producer groups, women’s collectives, federations, FPOs, and community enterprises.
• Provide guidance on value chain development, enterprise planning, aggregation systems, processing, branding, packaging, and market access.
• Facilitate market linkages and partnerships with private sector actors, cooperatives, social enterprises, and institutional buyers.
• Strengthen community-owned enterprise systems and local economic ecosystems for sustainable livelihoods.

Green Financing and Climate Resilience 

• Guide development of green financing initiatives linked to climate-resilient agriculture, forestry, and ecosystem restoration.
• Support exploration of climate adaptation financing, carbon-linked opportunities, CSR partnerships, and blended financing models.
• Facilitate partnerships with financial institutions, climate funds, donor agencies, and technical organisations.
• Promote resilient livelihood systems that reduce ecological vulnerability and enhance adaptive capacities of communities.

Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening

• Design and facilitate capacity-building programmes for staff, frontline workers, producer collectives, community institutions, and grassroots leaders.
• Develop training modules, technical resource materials, and field-based learning processes.
• Mentor programme teams on participatory planning, livelihood promotion, enterprise development, and institutional sustainability.
• Promote leadership and governance capacities of community institutions and producer collectives.

Resource Mobilisation and Donor Relationship Building 

• Support resource mobilisation efforts through preparation of concept notes, project proposals, technical briefs, and partnership frameworks.
• Identify and engage with potential donors, CSR institutions, philanthropic organisations, climate financing agencies, and development partners.
• Build and nurture long-term relationships with donor agencies and strategic partners through regular engagement and programme communication.
• Contribute to donor reporting, impact communication, and dissemination of programme achievements and learning.
• Facilitate exposure visits, technical consultations, and stakeholder engagement processes to strengthen visibility and credibility of CYSD’s livelihood initiatives.

Networking, Policy Engagement and Knowledge Building

• Represent CYSD in relevant state, national, and multi-stakeholder platforms related to livelihoods, climate resilience, tribal development, and sustainable agriculture.
• Build partnerships with government departments, academic institutions, technical agencies, and civil society networks.
• Contribute to policy dialogue, advocacy initiatives, thematic publications, and knowledge dissemination.
• Support development of policy briefs, learning papers, and documentation on sustainable livelihood models and community resilience.

Desired Qualifications and Experience

• Postgraduate degree in Agriculture, Forestry, Rural Development, Natural Resource Management, Development Studies, or related disciplines.
• Minimum 12–15 years of relevant professional experience in rural and tribal livelihoods, preferably within development and civil society sectors.
• Strong expertise in sustainable agriculture, forest-based livelihoods, producer institutions, value chain development, and climate resilience.
• Experience in programme advisory, technical mentoring, donor engagement, and multi-stakeholder facilitation.
• Understanding of green financing, ecosystem restoration, and community enterprise promotion will be an added advantage.
• Strong analytical, communication, documentation, and partnership-building skills.
• Familiarity with Odisha’s tribal and rural development context is desirable.

Technical Competencies

• Strategic and systems thinking
• Technical leadership and mentoring ability
• Programme quality orientation
• Partnership and networking skills
• Resource mobilisation capability
• Facilitation and communication skills
• Sensitivity to tribal cultures, ecological sustainability, and social inclusion
• Commitment to participatory and community-centered development approaches

Behavioural Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Visionary Leadership
• Systems Thinking
• Stakeholder Management
• Influencing & Negotiation
• Decision Making
• Team Leadership
• Mentoring & Coaching
• Innovation & Problem Solving
• Results Orientation
• Collaboration
• Excellent Communication and Presentation Skills

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel extensively to rural and tribal project locations.
• Strong understanding of Odisha's rural development landscape.
• Proficiency in English and Odia; knowledge of Hindi is desirable.
• Excellent report writing, analytical, and facilitation skills.
• role provides strategic advisory and technical mentoring support.

Application Process:

• Last date to apply 9 August 2026.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. We strongly encourage women candidates to apply.

Click here to Apply

Job Title: Program Manager – Communications and Public Affairs

Bhubaneswar

Role: Program Manager – Communications and Public Affairs

Position Summary

The Program Manager – Communications and Public Affairs will lead CYSD's strategic communication and branding initiatives, ensuring effective internal and external communication that enhances organizational visibility, strengthens stakeholder engagement, and showcases programme impact. The position will provide leadership in corporate communications, media relations, digital communications, knowledge management, storytelling, and brand management while supporting resource mobilization and policy advocacy.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

1. Communication Strategy

• Develop and implement the organization's communication and branding strategy.
• Align communication initiatives with CYSD's strategic priorities and programme objectives.
• Prepare annual communication plans, budgets, and performance indicators.
• Ensure consistency in organizational messaging across all communication platforms.

2. Content Development and Storytelling

• Develop high-quality content for reports, newsletters, annual reports, brochures, policy briefs, case studies, success stories, blogs, speeches, and presentations.
• Translate technical programme information into engaging, audience-friendly content.
• Document programme achievements, innovations, lessons learned, and impact stories.
• Ensure all communication materials are accurate, timely, and aligned with organizational standards.

3. Digital Communication

• Manage and strengthen CYSD's website and digital presence.
• Develop and implement social media strategies across platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.
• Create digital campaigns to increase engagement and visibility.
• Monitor website and social media performance using analytics and prepare periodic reports.

4. Media Relations

• Build and maintain relationships with media organizations and journalists.
• Prepare press releases, media briefs, interviews, and press kits.
• Coordinate media coverage of organizational events, campaigns, and programme milestones.
• Monitor media coverage and manage the organization's public image.

5. Branding and Publications

• Ensure consistent use of organizational branding, visual identity, and communication guidelines.
• Coordinate the design, editing, and production of publications and promotional materials.
• Maintain a repository of communication assets, including photographs, videos, publications, and branding resources.

6. Knowledge Management

• Develop systems for documenting organizational knowledge, best practices, case studies, and learning.
• Support programme teams in capturing evidence of impact and organizational learning.
• Facilitate dissemination of knowledge products to internal and external stakeholders.

7. Advocacy and Campaign Communication 

• Support advocacy initiatives through strategic communication planning and campaign materials.
• Develop communication products for public awareness, policy advocacy, and community engagement.
• Collaborate with programme teams to amplify campaign messages and policy recommendations.

8. Internal Communication

• Strengthen internal communication across departments and project teams.
• Develop internal newsletters, announcements, and staff communication materials.
• Promote employee engagement through internal communication initiatives.

9. Event Communication

• Plan and manage communication for workshops, conferences, consultations, campaigns, and public events.
• Coordinate event branding, media engagement, photography, videography, and documentation.
• Prepare post-event reports and communication materials.

10. Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Support communication with donors, government departments, networks, academic institutions, CSR partners, and civil society organizations.
• Develop communication materials for donor reporting and partnership development.
• Represent CYSD in communication forums and professional networks when required.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Studies, English, Development Communication, Marketing, or a related discipline.
• A postgraduate qualification in Communication or Digital Media will be an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 5–10 years of progressively responsible experience in corporate communication, development communication, media relations, or public relations.
• Experience working with NGOs, development organizations, UN agencies, research institutions, or CSR initiatives is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in communication strategy, digital communication, content development, branding, and stakeholder engagement.

Technical Competencies

• Strategic & Development Communication
• Brand Management & Public Relations
• Content Development & Storytelling
• Digital & Social Media Management
• Knowledge & Website Management
• Event Communication & Documentation
• Crisis Communication & Communication Analytics

Behavioural Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Leadership
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills
• Creativity & Innovation
• Stakeholder Management
• Collaboration & Results Orientation

Additional Requirements

• Excellent English communication; Odia/Hindi desirable.
• Strong presentation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Willingness to travel as required.
• Proficiency in MS Office, CMS, social media, and design tools.

Application Process:

• Last date to apply 9 August 2026.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. We strongly encourage women candidates to apply.

Click here to Apply

Job Title: Senior Program Manager– Decentralized Governance & Public Policy

Bhubaneswar

Role: Senior Program Manager– Decentralized Governance & Public Policy

Position Summary

The Senior Program Manager – Decentralized Governance & Public Policy will provide strategic leadership in strengthening democratic decentralization, local governance, and public policy engagement. The incumbent will lead policy research, advocacy initiatives, institutional strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), capacity-building programmes, and evidence-based policy dialogue with government departments, development partners, civil society organizations, and academic institutions.

The position requires a dynamic professional with strong analytical capabilities, excellent stakeholder management skills, and extensive experience in governance reforms, public administration, social accountability, and policy advocacy.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic direction for programmes related to decentralized governance and public policy.
• Develop long-term strategies to strengthen local governance institutions and democratic processes.
• Identify emerging governance issues and recommend innovative policy interventions.
• Lead programme design and expansion aligned with organizational priorities.

Public Policy Research and Analysis

• Conduct policy research, legislative analysis, and governance studies.
• Prepare policy briefs, discussion papers, research reports, and knowledge products.
• Analyse national and state government policies affecting rural development, urban governance, livelihoods, social protection, climate resilience, and inclusive development.
• Generate evidence to support policy advocacy and programme improvement.

Governance Strengthening

• Support institutional strengthening of Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, Zilla Parishads, and Urban Local Bodies.
• Promote participatory planning, decentralised service delivery, transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement.
• Facilitate implementation of constitutional provisions relating to local self-governance.
• Promote convergence among government departments for effective local development.

Policy Advocacy and Government Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with government departments, State Institutes of Rural Development (SIRD), Panchayati Raj Institutions, academic institutions, think tanks, and development partners.
• Represent the organization in state and national policy forums.
• Facilitate policy dialogues, consultations, and advocacy campaigns.
• Provide technical support to government initiatives related to decentralised governance.

Programme Management

• Lead planning, implementation, monitoring, and review of governance programmes.
• Ensure timely achievement of programme objectives and donor commitments.
• Develop annual work plans, budgets, and implementation strategies.
• Monitor programme quality and ensure compliance with organizational standards.

Capacity Building

• Design and facilitate training programmes for elected representatives, government officials, civil society organizations, and community leaders.
• Develop governance training manuals, learning modules, and resource materials.
• Mentor programme teams and strengthen institutional capacities.

Knowledge Management

• Document best practices, case studies, policy lessons, and innovations.
• Promote organizational learning through research dissemination and knowledge-sharing platforms.
• Publish articles, papers, and technical reports.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

• Develop governance indicators and performance measurement frameworks.
• Conduct programme reviews and impact assessments.
• Utilize evidence for adaptive programme management and policy influence.

Resource Mobilisation

• Identify funding opportunities from government agencies, bilateral and multilateral organizations, foundations, and CSR initiatives.
• Lead proposal development and technical concept notes.
• Support donor engagement and partnership development.

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Development Studies, Rural Development, Governance, Social Sciences, Law, or a related discipline.
• Ph.D. in a relevant field will be an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 10–15 years of progressive professional experience in decentralised governance, public policy, local governance, rural development, or institutional strengthening.
• Demonstrated experience working with Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, and Government Departments.
• Experience working with national or international development organizations is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in policy advocacy, research, programme management, and stakeholder engagement.

Technical Competencies

• Deep understanding of decentralisation and governance frameworks.
• Knowledge of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Governance.
• Public policy analysis and legislative review.
• Governance reforms and institutional development.
• Programme planning and project management.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL).
• Budget planning and financial oversight.
• Proposal writing and donor reporting.
• Research methodology and data analysis.
• Knowledge management and documentation.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strategic thinking
• Leadership and team management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Stakeholder engagement and networking
• Negotiation and influencing skills
• Innovation and adaptability
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Collaboration and relationship building
• Results orientation

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Quality and impact of governance programmes.
• Number and quality of policy papers, briefs, and research publications.
• Strengthened partnerships with government and development agencies.
• Successful implementation of governance initiatives.
• Capacity-building programmes conducted and participant outcomes.
• Resource mobilisation and proposal success rate.
• Timely submission of technical and donor reports.
• Documentation of innovations and best practices.
• Evidence of policy influence at state or national level.

Working Conditions

• Frequent travel to rural and urban project locations across Odisha.
• Interaction with government departments, elected representatives, donors, civil society organizations, and community institutions.
• Occasional travel outside Odisha for conferences, workshops, and policy consultations.

Core Values

The incumbent is expected to uphold the organization's core values of:

• Integrity and Accountability
• Equity and Inclusion
• Gender Sensitivity
• Respect for Diversity
• Transparency
• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Commitment to Sustainable Development
• Community-Centred Approach

Application Process:

• Last date to apply 9 August 2026.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. We strongly encourage women candidates to apply.

Click here to Apply