Programme Associate

Position Title: Program Associate – Apprenticeship. Location: New Delhi (with travel to project districts as required) Duration: 3–4 months (Full-time opportunity may be offered based on performance.) About STEP Foundation STEP Foundation works at the intersection of livelihoods, skilling, and systems strengthening to improve  pathways to employment and economic opportunity. Through research, field engagement, and  institutional partnerships, STEP supports the design and implementation of grounded, scalable workforce  development solutions. About the Role The short-term consultant will support STEP Foundation's work on apprenticeship and experience based  learning vertical. Working closely with the project team, the consultant will contribute to research, field  assessments, stakeholder coordination, and implementation support across engagements with central  and state governments, industry partners, and training institutions. This role is well suited for individuals who enjoy combining research with on-ground implementation and  are interested in contributing to evidence-based policy and programme design in the skilling ecosystem. Key Responsibilities Policy Research & Analysis Conduct research on apprenticeship reforms, skilling systems, labour markets, and workforce  development.  Prepare policy briefs, presentations, concept notes, and analytical outputs Ecosystem & Stakeholder Mapping Map government, industry, employer, training provider, and district-level skilling ecosystems.  Collect and organize information on industry demand, labour market dynamics, and implementation  challenges Evidence Generation & Insights Support field visits, stakeholder consultations, interviews, and labour market assessments.  Synthesise qualitative and quantitative data into findings and recommendations. Pilot Design & Implementation Support Support the planning and implementation of apprenticeship and labour market pilots.  Assist in coordinating with government officials, employers, industry associations, and  implementation partners.  Prepare implementation trackers, field tools, and operational documentation. Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination Coordinate meetings, workshops, consultations, and stakeholder follow-ups.  Prepare agendas, briefing notes, presentations, and minutes. Monitoring, Documentation & Knowledge Management Track project timelines, deliverables, pilot progress, and implementation updates.  Document learnings, case studies, and best practices for reporting and knowledge sharing Desired Profile 1–3 years of relevant work experience in consulting, public policy, development, livelihoods,  skilling, or programme implementation. Master's degree in Public Policy, Economics, Development Studies, Management, Social Sciences,  or a related field (preferred). Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability…