Location:Palghar, Maharashtra, India, Maharashtra, India

Role: Associate Lead – NEEMAR Project, Boisar, Palghar, Greater Mumbai

Experience: 6-8 years

Salary: Up to 15-20 LPA

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About The Program:

NEEMAR is a multidimensional initiative dedicated to nurturing a safe, compassionate ecosystem where girls from underprivileged backgrounds can find the confidence and opportunities to discover their voices and purpose. Rooted in care and compassion, the program envisions a future where no child’s dreams are limited by their circumstances. While primary education in the Palghar district has seen significant quantitative expansion, this initiative focuses on translating those efforts into a “gold-standard” model for learning, retention, safety, and dignity for tribal children, particularly girls and adolescents.

Role Overview:

As the Associate Lead of NEEMAR, you will be the visionary architect responsible for designing and stewarding an ecosystem that nurtures the agency and well-being of girls. You will bridge high-level systemic strategy with grounded, trauma-informed implementation to transform this residential and community-based initiative into a replicable model for child development and welfare in India.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Program Architecture:Design an integrated, evidence-based care framework covering education, mental health, and agency-building. This includes creating curriculum, care protocols, and transition pathways.
• Safety & Governance:Establish and oversee Operating Procedures (SOPs) that ensure a trauma-informed, rights-based, and secure environment.
• Ecosystem Partnerships:Build collaborative relationships with District Administration, Zilla Parishad, Tribal Development, and Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) to integrate program learnings into state systems.
• Systems Advocacy:Cultivate a network of NGOs and social enterprises, and represent the organization at regional and national forums to advocate for child-centered care policies.
• Evidence & Learning:Develop metrics to track resilience and agency, document best practices to contribute to global child rights discourse, and lead the adoption of digital tools for case management.
• People & Culture:Recruit and coach a diverse team, fostering a work environment rooted in accountability, compassion, and psychological safety.
• Operations & Finance:Provide oversight on project financials, operational performance, and resource planning.

Required qualifications & Experieneces:

• Education:Masters degree in Social Work, Development Management, Child Psychology, or Public Policy.
• Sector Expertise:68 years of experience in residential children’s homes, child welfare, or social justice, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Domain Mastery:Strong understanding of theJuvenile Justice (JJ) Act,POCSO, child protection, and trauma-informed care protocols in India.
• Proven Track Record:Experience moving an initiative from concept to full-scale, high-quality operations.
• Language Skills:Fluency in English, Hindi, and Marathi (or a strong openness to learn) is essential.

Core Competencies:

• Systems Thinking:Connecting field-level realities to broader policy shifts.
• Adaptive Resilience:Navigating complex challenges with emotional intelligence and strategic pivots.
• Relational Leadership:A coaching style that centers the voices of girls and frontline staff.

Hiring Note: Applications will be reviewed on rolling basis. This job is first posted on March 24, 2026 onGround Zero