Archive for August, 2010

India’s Second Freedom Struggle – Removing Corruption from Politics

hi,

Here is link to a short presentation supporting my talk at TEDx at Jawaharlal Nehru Technical University in Kakinada (A.P.) (JNTUK). The event was themed Awakening Young India and my talk was titled India’s Second Freedom Struggle – Removing Corruption from Politics

http://www.slideshare.net/dipinder/indias-second-freedom-struggle-removing-corruption-from-politics

Comments welcome!

Job req: Operations Coordinator with Vidya/ Bangalore

BASIC INFORMATION
Title: Operations Coordinator, Bangalore, India
Position Type: Contractor for – 1 year with possibility of extensions
Begins July/August 2010

Location: Bangalore, India

ABOUT VIDYA

Vidya is a not-for-profit foundation established in Chicago, IL to bring educational scholarships to underprivileged children throughout India.

Vidya has three primary areas of focus: Connecting sponsors with students in need of the tuition funding through a web-based exchange portal, Encouraging academic accountability through independent testing of student performance and fostering a competitive environment for school, and helping education entrepreneurs by establishing a funding exchange.

Vidya offers an easily scalable solution that can become self-sustaining and exponentially increase the number of dollars for school funding in India while increasing academic awareness around the country.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Operations Coordinator will be the liaison from India to the US, for Vidya operations in the Karnataka region. The position will span responsibilities in daily administration, coordination of funding provided to appropriate schools, oversight in appropriate use of funding provided, providing information and support to partners in the testing, website development, coordination of marketing division/campaigns, and gathering information and data for a variety of development initiatives. The position reports to the US Operations Director in Chicago, IL.

Job Responsibilities:
Research
• Investigate profiles of public and private schools throughout the region
• Research testing and academic performance systems throughout the region
• Research government policies and precedent in education arena
• Provide recommendations and findings to Operations Director

Administration
• Supply school and student data to communications and website teams
( Bio/Credentials/Pictures)
• Ensure data accuracy and integrity
• Manage budgets and associated reporting
• Disburse and track payments to schools
• Project management – establish, monitor and execute timelines to maintain
progress

School Support and Liasion
• Establish and develop ties with local schools
• Create profiles of public and private schools throughout the region
• Coordinate with testing agency to conduct testing
• Assist with school sign-up process
• Coordinate contractual agreements for school to abide by regulations set forth by Vidya for funding
• Train schools in requirements to be a Vidya partner school
• Visit schools regularly to track requirements
• Serve as the liaison between schools and Vidya US Operations team

Communications
• Work with the schools to develop school and student profiles, and success stories
• Availability to work on different products and programs, as needed
• Provide additional information for marketing and website development teams
• Lead and/or participate on conference calls and projects, as needed
• Provide progress reports as required and on an as-needed basis
 
Marketing
• Manage interactions and on-site support for Vidya donors and volunteers
• Plan and execute plans to scale Vidya operations

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILL-SET REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications
– Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
– 10 years work experience in corporate sector
– 3-5 years operations and/or project management experience
– Experience in a start-up organization preferred

Knowledge/Skills
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently
• Flexibility to adapt to fast-paced changing environment and responsibilities
• Professional attitude to represent Vidya in all regions of India
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English and local language
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to be innovative, set priorities and make independent decisions
• Ability to set and maintain work schedule, meet deadlines, and multi-task
• Ability to define and take action in ambiguous situations with minimal direction
• Education and / or non-profit industry experience preferred
• Proficient with MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint & MS Outlook 2007
• Proficient with internet communication tools, e.g. skype

TO APPLY
Please provide your resume to shwetasharma1@gmail.com