Project Lead

Position: Project Lead, Location: New DelhiDepartment: UpskillingEmployment Type: Full-Time
About Smile Foundation:
Smile Foundation works for the welfare of underprivileged children and their families through intensive programs focused on education, healthcare, skilling and women empowerment and Empowering Grassroots. Started in 2002 by a group of young corporate professionals, today Smile has evolved into a national level development organization impacting lives of over 2 million underprivileged children and their families with project presence in 27 states across India,10 offices in strategic locations and over 650 employees, besides countless volunteers, well- wishers and supporters.
The organization also holds Special Consultative Status with United Nation’s Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC), accredited with global organizations like GuideStar, United Way, CAF America, Give2Asia and many more. Furthermore, continuously for past Six years Smile is a Great Place to Work © Certified organization and is considered ‘Gold Standard’ in identifying and recognizing Great Workplace Cultures.
Currently SF has been implementing projects worth Rs 80 Crore across India directly or with the help of grassroot organizations, primarily CSR funded projects of varied scale both in urban slums and rural areas including aspirational districts in thematic areas mentioned above. The wealth of knowledge emanated from the same is immense, however the same is grouped in systematic manner which can be used for pitching for large projects of long term in nature leading to data driven knowledge products which can be further used in creating large scale impact. Visit our website to know more about us and our latest development : www.smilefoundationindia.org
Role Purpose:
The programme focuses on upskilling blue-collar workers from the unorganized sector, particularly those engaged in the construction ecosystem (Major focus on Plumbing)
Reporting to: Head – Upskilling Vertical
Key Responsibilities• Lead end-to-end implementation of assigned Upskilling projects as per approved PIP, targets and donor commitments.
• Develop and monitor daily, weekly and monthly execution plans to achieve project targets across targeted districts.
• Lead, guide and monitor the project team, including allocation of responsibilities and performance against KRAs/KPIs.
• Coordinate with donor representatives, field teams, trainers and internal departments for smooth programme implementation.
• Monitor beneficiary mobilisation, training delivery, attendance, assessment, certification and district coverage.
• Review and ensure timely and accurate MIS/data uploading on the central application.
• Review field documentation, attendance and assessment records and ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Maintain custody and conduct initial review/analysis of OMR/assessment sheets and use findings to improve training quality.
• Track project expenditure, budget utilisation and financial documentation in coordination with the Finance team.
• Ensure timely submission of field expenditure and identify budget variances/deviations.
• Conduct quarterly field monitoring visits and undertake need-based visits for programme support.
• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly and annual reports, dashboards and donor updates within timelines.
• Document project outcomes, learnings, success stories and best practices.
• Identify implementation gaps and take corrective actions to ensure quality, compliance and timely achievement of project outcomes.
• Under take other programme-related responsibilities assigned by the Head – Upskilling.

Qualifications & Experience:
• MSW / MBA / M.Com./ B.Tech. or equivalent Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Skilling/Upskilling, Livelihoods, Project Management, CSR or Community Development.
• Experience in managing multi-location projects and field teams will be preferred.
• Experience working with blue-collar/un-organised-sector workers or the construction ecosystem will be an advantage.
• Willingness to travel extensively to project locations
• MIS, monitoring and data analysis
• Budget and financial tracking
• Donor/stakeholder coordination
• Report writing and documentation

Competencies:
• Time Management: Recognizes that time is a resource to be carefully allocated according to priorities that may be constantly changing.
• Developing others: Planning and supporting the development of an individual’s skills and abilities so that they can fulfil current or future job/role responsibilities more effectively.
• Attention to Detail: Pays close attention to information that is overlooked or taken for granted by others. Prefers to look beyond the obvious and does not accept situations or take information at face value. Scrutinizes how things go together, making sure components are indeed aligned and appropriately interrelated.
• Decision Making:  Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.
• Analytical Problem Solving: Analyzes information to understand relationships, patterns, and causes and effects, integrate data, and check facts. This is done with both qualitative and
• quantitative information, making rational and timely judgments on the basis of the information that is available
• Contributes to Team Performance: Is an engaged and integral member of a group, recognizing the need for group collaboration, empathy, consensual decision-making and respect for others.
• Persuasive Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills. When writing or speaking comes across as persuasive, credible, and polished with excellent interpersonal skills.

How to Apply:
Share your CV/Profile with a brief note (cover letter) telling why you find yourself a right fit for the role, by applying on- Please Note: Only shortlisted candidates would be contacted by the Human Resources Team

Department: Upskilling
Experience: 10-15 years
Posted: 2026-10-09T07:07:42.27Z