Education Program Manager

The programme provides educational financial assistance, counselling, family support, career guidance, internships, exposure opportunities and linkages to services that help children build brighter futures. Our goal is not only to support education, but to prevent family separation, reduce vulnerability and create pathways to opportunity. Currently supporting 125 children across Mumbai, Mumbai Suburban, Thane and Palghar districts, the programme aims to grow steadily over the coming years while maintaining high standards of quality, safeguarding and impact.\n\nRole Description\nThe Program Manager – Education will lead the implementation, quality and growth of Bal Asha Trust’s Education Sponsorship Programme.

The role focuses on ensuring that vulnerable children remain safely within their families, continue their education, and access opportunities that improve their long-term wellbeing and future prospects. The position combines programme leadership, child protection, family strengthening, partnership development, monitoring & evaluation, communication and team management. The selected candidate will initially work closely with children, families and programme staff to gain a deep understanding of the programme and community realities.

Over time, the candidate will progressively take ownership of programme operations, team management, partnerships, monitoring systems and programme growth under the guidance of the Head of Programmes.\n\nThis is a unique opportunity for a motivated social sector professional to combine direct work with children and families with programme leadership and organisational growth.\n\nKey Responsibilities\nProgramme Leadership & Management\nLead the implementation of the Education Sponsorship Programme in line with Bal Asha Trust’s vision and strategic roadmap.\nEnsure high-quality delivery of programme activities and services.\nMonitor programme targets, outcomes and timelines.\nContribute towards programme growth, innovation and expansion.\nEnsure programme activities are implemented in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.\nSupport annual planning, budgeting and programme reviews.\nChild & Family Support\nConduct home visits, family assessments and child case reviews.\nSupport identification, assessment and onboarding of children into the programme.\nDevelop a strong understanding of family vulnerabilities and strengths.\nProvide guidance, counselling and support to children and caregivers.\nMonitor educational progress, attendance, wellbeing and family circumstances.\nEnsure timely follow-up and documentation of all cases.\nFacilitate referrals to internal and external support services wherever required.\nEnsure compliance with Bal Asha Trust’s Child Protection Policy and safeguarding standards.\nTeam Leadership & Capacity Building\nSupervise, mentor and support programme staff.\nConduct regular case reviews and team meetings.\nSupport recruitment, onboarding and capacity building of programme team members.\nStrengthen systems and processes that improve programme quality and efficiency.\nMonitoring, Evaluation & Technology\nEnsure accurate and timely data entry in programme software and management systems.\nMonitor programme indicators and outcomes.\nAnalyse programme data and trends for decision-making.\nPrepare monthly, quarterly and annual programme reports.\nSupport impact measurement and programme evaluation activities.\nPartnerships & Networking\nCoordinate with relevant authorities and stakeholders whenever required.\nBuild and maintain relationships with schools, colleges, NGOs, government departments, Child Welfare Committees, Child Care Institutions and community organisations.\nDevelop partnerships that create opportunities for children including internships, vocational training, career guidance and exposure visits.\nRepresent Bal Asha Trust at meetings, workshops and networking events.\nCommunication & Donor Engagement\nPrepare programme reports, case studies, impact stories and presentations.\nSupport donor visits and programme presentations.\nCommunicate programme achievements, challenges and impact to various stakeholders.\nPresent programme information confidently to donors, volunteers, partners, educational institutions and community groups.\nWork closely with management on programme communication and reporting requirements.\nProgramme Development\nContribute to the continuous improvement and scaling of the programme.\nIdentify opportunities to strengthen programme quality and impact.\nSupport development of systems, partnerships and opportunities for children and families.\nContribute to future expansion plans and programme sustainability.\nAny other responsibility assigned as and when required\n\nQualifications\nMaster of Social Work (MSW) or equivalent qualification.\nMinimum 2-3 years of relevant experience in child protection, education, family strengthening, community development or related social sector programmes.\nExperience working directly with vulnerable children and families.\nExcellent written and spoken English communication skills.\nFluency in Hindi & Working knowledge of Marathi.\nStrong report writing, presentation and documentation skills.\nGood understanding of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.\nAbility to learn and effectively use programme technology and management systems.\nStrong interpersonal, observation, counselling and relationship-building skills.\nAbility to travel independently for field visits and programme activities.\nPreferred\nExperience managing projects & teams.\nExperience working with government systems, educational institutions or child protection stakeholders.\nExperience in monitoring and evaluation, data analysis or programme reporting.\nExperience presenting to donors, corporates or external stakeholders.\nPersonal Attributes\nWe are looking for someone who is:\nPassionate about transforming the lives of vulnerable children through education and child protection.\nComfortable working both in communities and in management settings.\nEnergetic, proactive and highly organised.\nA self-starter who takes ownership and initiative.\nA strong communicator and relationship builder.\nValues-driven with integrity and empathy.\nSolution-oriented and able to work in dynamic environments.\nCommitted to continuous learning and growth.