Program Manager Institution Building

Job highlights

• Highly adaptable with the ability to shift priorities fluidly as organisational needs evolve
• Ideal Candidate Profile: . Advanced degrees from top-tier institutions
• intellectual curiosity and sophistication expected regardless of field. 3 6 years of experience in a high-growth or demanding environment such as management consulting,policy research,or a think tank.

Job Title: Program Manager - Institution Building

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

About The Convergence Foundation:

The Convergence Foundation (TCF) is an Indian philanthropic foundation established by Ashish and Manisha Dhawan in April 2021. TCF builds on their legacy of impactful philanthropy, including the founding of transformative institutions like Ashoka University and the Central Square Foundation.

Our mission is clear: to transform the lives of all Indians through rapid, sustained economic growth and inclusive development.

To achieve this, we focus on 3 pillars 1) Direct engines of economic growth that enable job creation, 2) Human capital development through education and employability, and 3) Development Enablers that strengthen the philanthropic ecosystem and improve state capacity.

In each area, TCF works on:

1. Building pioneering institutions to address Indias most complex socio-economic challenges.
2. Shaping the larger ecosystem and sharing knowledge, insights and learning with other philanthropists, governments and key stakeholders

We believe that the government is the key actor for system change, and the role of philanthropy and nonprofits is to strategically support the government. The TCF Network includes 20+ organisations all working systemically with the government, committed to addressing specific areas of Indias socio-economic development, across our three pillars.

Position Summary:

TCF is looking for a driven and intellectually curious professional to lead its institution building efforts. While TCFs System Support Organisations (SSOs) and action tanks work on near- to mid-term systems change, this role focuses on identifying and developing mid- to long-term institutions that lay the intellectual and technical foundations for sustained impact institutions that are rigorous, credible, and aligned with TCFs mission.

You will partner with established institutions such as NCAER and CEGIS on strategic support, key hiring, the launch of new centres and programmes, and fundraising. You will also scope and cultivate a wider network of institutions across TCFs pillars, helping build an ecosystem capable of driving durable development outcomes.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Partner with established institutions such as NCAER and CEGIS on strategic support, key hiring, the launch of new centres and programmes, and fundraising
• Work with TCFs leadership to identify priority areas for institution building
• Scope and cultivate a wider network of academic, policy research, and think tank institutions aligned with TCFs pillars and mission
• Provide ongoing programme and grant support to organisations and initiatives that emerge from the scoping process
• Represent TCF externally, managing relationships across the academic and policy research ecosystem

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Advanced degrees from top-tier institutions; intellectual curiosity and sophistication expected regardless of field
• 3 6 years of experience in a high-growth or demanding environment such as management consulting, policy research, or a think tank
• Familiarity with academic, policy research, or institutional ecosystems in India or internationally
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent planning and organisational skills with keen attention to detail, accuracy, and deadlines
• Clear, concise, and analytical writing style
• Strong communicator with polished interpersonal, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Highly adaptable with the ability to shift priorities fluidly as organisational needs evolve

Location:

Full-time position based out of Delhi, India.