Job Description- District Program Manager – Gadchiroli, Maharashtra
Mobile Creches, (MC) a pioneer NGO, has been operational since 1969, providing childcare and health services to more than 15,000 children every year in the National Capital Region, through workplace and community-based crèches and daycare centres, every year.
MC pioneered the cause of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) and focuses on young children under six years in urban slums and children of migrant workers at construction sites. MC’s multi-pronged approach- providing childcare services to young children at worksites, urban slums, rural and tribal communities, working with parents and communities to amplify the ECD agenda, enhancing linkages with government ECD services, training the ECD workforce, influencing government policies, promoting research in the field of ECD, addressing both the short- and long-term needs of children. It is officially recognized as the National Creche agency by the government and is on the path of accelerating ECD services for the children of marginalized communities by scaling up in partnership with the government and other players in civil society.
Mobile Creches plans to initiate a crèche programme in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, The initial phase will be implemented in Etapalli or Chamorshi block, with potential scale-up to additional blocks. The programme will cater to children aged 7 months to 3 years. The crèche centres will provide integrated services covering nutrition, health and hygiene, safety and protection, and early stimulation to support holistic child development, while also facilitating families’ access to essential government entitlements.
Children experiencing growth faltering, underweight, or wasting will be identified at an early stage, referred to appropriate health facilities, and followed up to support recovery. The centres will place a strong emphasis on improving nutrition outcomes through enhanced feeding practices, regular growth monitoring, and strengthened coordination with government nutrition and health services.
As an organization, Mobile Creches adheres to a strict safeguarding policy. All staff; volunteers, interns, vendors, consultants, and partners are required to be aware of the policy, sign it, and comply with its norms.
For more information, visit www.mobilecreches.org.
Department- Child Care Services – Direct Operations
Designation: - District Project Manager – Gadchiroli, Maharashtra
Position Overview:
The District Project Manager (DPM) will lead program operations in Gadchiroli district. The role requires strong leadership, program implementation expertise, and the ability to build transformative partnerships with government and non-government stakeholders at district and block levels. The DPM will oversee program design, supervision, team management, and quality assurance, ensuring that targets are met effectively and within timelines.
Level: 5
Reporting to: - Senior Thematic Lead - Child Care Services,
Reported by: - District Support and Program team, Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra.
Qualification and Experience:
• Master’s degree in social work, Social Sciences, Public Health, Rural Management, MBA, or an equivalent field.
• 5–10 years of experience in program implementation, preferably in Nutrition, Health, Sanitation, or Early Childhood Development in rural and tribal contexts.
• Strong track record of leading teams, managing stakeholders, and achieving measurable outcomes.
Essential Requirement: The candidate must be based in Gadchiroli district or be willing to relocate and must also be prepared to travel in the field for 2–3 weeks every month.
Age Criteria: Preferably between 30–45 years
Key Responsibilities: Specific areas of responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Program Management:
• Lead the implementation of childcare programs across specified blocks in Gadchiroli, ensuring adherence to organizational protocols and quality standards.
• Establish new crèche centres as per project plans.
• Achieve and maintain minimum average monthly attendance of 75% children per crèche.
• Monitor child health outcomes—ensuring children attending =15 days/month for 4 consecutive months show measurable improvements.
• Roll out the Parents Engagement Program (PEP) on ECD, nutrition, and hygiene.
• Drive continuous quality improvement in areas such as infrastructure, staffing, and child learning environment.
• Conduct annual centre-level risk and safety assessments.
• Strengthen community participation via parent involvement, Creche Management Committees (CMCs), and awareness campaigns.
• Develop district-specific work plans, budgets, and strategies aligned with MC’s objectives.
• Address operational challenges proactively with strategic and adaptive solutions.
• Develop annual work plans, budgets, and context-specific strategies in alignment with organizational objectives and project management frameworks.
• Implement robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, conduct regular field visits to assess program fidelity, effectiveness, and progress.
• Review the program periodically, analyzing data, conduct case studies, and share success stories. Identify delivery gaps, take corrective measures, and ensure milestones and targets are met.
• Be flexible and ready to undertake any task related to the program, adapting to changing circumstances and requirements. Address program-related challenges promptly and effectively.
Stakeholder Engagement:
• Strengthening convergence with ICDS, Health, and Nutrition departments at district and block levels to improve service delivery and referrals
• Facilitate joint reviews and convergence opportunities.
• Position Mobile Creches as a key ECCD actor in the district.
Financial Management:
• Ensure optimal use of funds and resources across all operational centres.
• Lead project budgeting, expenditure monitoring, and financial forecasting.
• Maintain transparent and compliant financial records in line with organisational policies.
Team Leadership:
• The DPM will directly supervise block-level coordinators and district support staff
• Conduct staff meetings to set goals, assess progress, and build a collaborative culture.
• Encourage innovation, problem-solving, and accountability among team members.
• Ensure timely and high-quality delivery of project activities.
Key Skills:
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and electronic communication.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English; fluency in Marathi (spoken and reading) and Hindi (spoken); knowledge of the local language will be an advantage.
• Excellent documentation, analysis, and presentation abilities.
• Strong people management skills and experience in leading diverse teams.
• Community engagement and mobilization skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability in challenging contexts.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and proactive work ethic.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines with efficient time management.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit their CV, cover letter, and details of last drawn CTC to hradmin@mobilecreches.org. within 15 days of the advertisement.
Subject line: Application for District Project Manager – Gadchiroli, Maharashtra
Note: Submission of a cover letter and details of last drawn CTC is mandatory.
Mobile Creches is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, including those with experience working in tribal and rural contexts.
*****