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Job Title: Policy Engagement LeadOrganization: Project DEEP (registered as One Step Forward Foundation)Location: Preferably Mumbai or Delhi, with a willingness to travel Role Overview We are seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to work closely with the founders in building the policy engagement vertical of the organization, focusing on developing policy programs and interventions, as well as collaborating with state governments. This role requires a blend of policy expertise, program leadership, and stakeholder management, with a strong ability to translate evidence into actionable policy insights and toolkits. This leadership role requires an understanding of public policy in India, the ability to build and execute a program with state governments, and most importantly, a strong belief that cash transfers help people with choice, dignity, and the ability to carve their own path out of poverty.Key Responsibilities Policy Leadership & Strategy● Lead the design and execution of Project DEEP’s policy engagement strategy at the state and national level● Analyze the policy landscape and identify opportunities for scaling sustainable and effective UCT models through government and institutional partnerships● Represent Project DEEP in high-level policy dialogues, consultations, and working groupsProgram Design & Implementation ● Lead the design and execution of Project DEEP’s policy programs at the state and national level, including public finance, design, and evaluation● Ensure alignment of programs with the organization’s vision of poverty eradication through cash-based interventions● Work closely with the research team to integrate evidence into advocacy and policy briefsStakeholder Engagement & Partnerships ● Build and nurture relationships with government officials, development agencies, multilateral institutions, and civil society partners● Develop strategic alliances to amplify the reach and influence of Project DEEP’s work● Facilitate cross-learning platforms between practitioners, policymakers, and researchersOrganisation Building and Thought Leadership ● Build state-level teams, relevant to the projects run in a particular state● Mentor and guide junior team members in policy and program functions● Serve as a thought leader, contributing to external publications, op-eds, and forums● Advocate for innovation in social protection systems, leveraging global best practicesQualifications and Experience ● 8-10 years of progressive experience in policy, public administration, international development, or social protection. ● Strong track record in designing and managing policy-oriented programs with measurable outcomes. ● Deep understanding of India’s socio-economic and political landscape; experience working with government systems is highly desirable. ● Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex research into actionable insights. ● Demonstrated success in stakeholder engagement and coalition-building. ● Master’s degree in Public Policy, Economics, Development Studies, Political Science, or related fields. Desired Attributes ● Strategic thinker with strong execution ability. ● Collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders. ● Passion for poverty alleviation, economic justice, and evidence-based policy change. ● Entrepreneurial mindset, adaptable in fast-paced and evolving contexts. About Project DEEP Project DEEP is the only nonprofit in India focused on strengthening cash-based policies to enable an increase in the per capita income of the bottom 20% in the country. We are using evidence-based approaches to reimagine the design and delivery of cash-based policies, which can empower communities and stimulate inclusive growth. Extensive community work through pilots in 5 locations has built our foundational understanding of the model and its impact on communities. We are now using our learnings from the field to engage with policymakers to boost the effectiveness and sustainability of the INR 2,80,000 crore already being allocated to unconditional cash transfers. Our advisors include Amit Garg (Impact Lens), Anuj Mehra (Mahindra Rural Housing Finance), Miriam Laker (Give Directly), Saugato Datta (Venn Advisors), Shailja Mehta (Dasra), and Varun Aggarwal (Change Engine). We are co-leading the India-Basic Income Coalition, a group of civil society organizations, academicians, and government officials who come together with a shared purpose of promoting and strengthening direct cash transfers in India. Join us in making a difference! If you're driven by a desire to create positive change through policy reforms and evidence-based approaches, we invite you to apply for this impactful role as the Policy Engagement Lead at Project DEEP. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. If we find your profile relevant to the position, we will reach out to you for an introduction call, followed by an assignment request, and then the final discussion round to set our expectations right and find mutually agreeable terms. Resources: We are sharing a few resources to learn more about our work and the approach. ● Project DEEP website ● Landscape Report - Unconditional Cash Transfers in India /soct-report/