Program Manager, SPARC-AI Fellows

About the Programme Supporting Parliamentarians on Analysis and Research in the Constituency (SPARC) is a flagship program at Swaniti Initiative. The SPARC program aims to improve economic and social outcomes in select Parliamentary constituency by focusing on pointed interventions and leveraging changes through the office of the Parliamentarian. We believe that working at the constituency level allows for us to create sandboxes across the country for developmental progress. In 2026 we plan on focusing on creating economic opportunities for last mile communities through the use of AI. Select Parliamentarians will, through the support of a Fellow, work with last mile communities such as SHGs, artisans and weavers, in order to improve economic opportunities. The programme works with women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to help them use AI tools for their businesses, improve business practices and access new opportunities. The interventions will focus on working with SHG women where we will identify points of entry for AI, develop appropriate interventions, train local master trainers called AI Saathis, track the use of AI tools and document the delta of impact that will take place. The programme follows a common methodology across all constituencies to ensure reliable and comparable findings. The intervention as well as the documented takeaways from each intervention will be critical to the success of the program.

About the Role The Program Manager will lead oversee the interventions of the SPARC-AI Fellows across selected constituencies and will work with them to ensure that key metrics are met. The role involves -

• Connecting periodically with Fellows in order to assess how they are completing their marked deliverables.
• Supporting Fellows in order to complete program deliverables, including in areas of documentation, guidance on how to develop interventions etc.
• Coordinating with Hon’ble MP offices and government officials to ensure programs are completed.
• Ensuring the quality of research and documentation are impact.
• When appropriate, conduct field visits to understand where programs currently stand
• Course correct interventions, when needed. Key Responsibilities 1. Programme and Fellow Management
• Detailing each phase of the program which would include a constituency wise intervention timeline for programs, deliverables expected and possible risks (based on geographies).
• Organise Fellow training on field research, surveys, data collection, AI tools, informed consent and data protection.
• Track monthly deliverables and support Fellows in resolving implementation challenges.
• Organise expert training sessions and regular cohort reviews. 2. Research and Field Implementation
• Oversee the baseline study in all constituencies, including surveys of SHG women, in-depth interviews and consultations with relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure Fellows follow the common sampling guide, questionnaire and data collection methods.
• Review baseline findings and oversee the preparation of constituency-level diagnostic reports.
• Follow up and ensure the completion of periodic documentation (including mid-term) and ensure accuracy and detailing.
• Ensure the findings inform the selection of suitable AI applications and training priorities for each block.
• Oversee limitations including in areas of data safety and security. 3. MP and Government Engagement
• Manage relationships with participating Hon’ble MP offices and coordinate regular progress reviews.
• Support Fellows in identifying focus blocks and obtaining the necessary support from district and block officials and SHG federations.
• Ensure the programme remains non-partisan and consistent across constituencies.
• Coordinate presentations of programme findings to MP offices and, where appropriate, through district level meetings.
• Ensure handover arrangements are in place by Month 11 so that AI Saathis can continue supporting women after the fellowship. 4. AI Training and Roll-out
• Oversee the development and local testing, along with short training videos and printed materials.
• Coordinate with the relevant team to ensure AI tools are tested before they are introduced to SHG women.
• Ensure Fellows train AI Saathis to conduct hands-on sessions and support women in using AI tools independently.
• Track monthly SHG sessions and follow-up activities, including support for women who face difficulties using the tools. 5. Monitoring, Research Quality and Reporting
• Review Fellows’ weekly updates and monthly monitoring reports to track participation, independent usage, skills and changes in business practices.
• Ensure data quality through questionnaire checks, back-checks and field-level verification.
• Maintain a programme-wide dashboard showing implementation progress and SHGs requiring additional support.
• Ensure problems are addressed promptly, particularly recurring AI errors or SHGs showing low usage for two consecutive months.
• Oversee household checks of trained women during Months 8-10 to assess actual usage and changes in business practices.
• Coordinate the 20 constituency reports and the national report, State of Last-Mile AI in India. 6. Ethics and Responsible AI
• Ensure Fellows and AI Saathis follow informed-consent, confidentiality and data-protection requirements.
• Ensure women are advised not to share Aadhaar numbers, bank details, PINs or OTPs with AI tools.
• Ensure AI-generated financial information is checked and that errors or harmful responses are reported and addressed.
• Ensure no unauthorised promises are made regarding loans, grants or buyers.

Requirements Qualifications and Experience

• 5 - 8 years of experience in programme management, AI, development, livelihoods, governance, public policy, digital tools or related fields.
• Familiarity with AI tools, digital inclusion or technology-led development is highly desired
• Experience managing teams, multi-location programmes or fellowships.
• Familiarity with SHG and livelihood ecosystems
• Experience working with government departments, district or block administrations, elected representatives or community institutions.
• Understanding of field research, sampling, data quality and monitoring systems.
• Strong writing, analytical and reporting skills, with proficiency in spreadsheets.
• Fluency in English and Hindi, and willingness to travel regularly to programme locations.

• Strong organisational skills, sound judgement and a commitment to political neutrality, data privacy and ethical programme delivery. Ideal Candidate A hands-on programme manager who can manage multiple stakeholders and locations, support a distributed team, solve field-level problems and ensure that programme results are supported by credible evidence. Application Deadline: Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by 10 November 2026.