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

Company: Ground Zero
Apply for the Associate Lead – NEEMAR Project, Boisar, Palghar, Greater Mumbai
Location: Palghar
Job Description:

Role: Associate Lead – NEEMAR Project, Boisar, Palghar, Greater MumbaiExperience: 6-8 yearsSalary: Up to 15-20 LPA

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: Master’s degree in Social Work, Development Management, Child Psychology, or Public Policy.

  • Sector Expertise: 6–8 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 the Juvenile 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 on Ground Zero

For any questions, ping us on WhatsApp chat: +91-8058331557

Posted: March 25th, 2026