Director of Operations
Location: New Delhi (on-site)
Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Directs: Finance, Facility Management and People & Culture
Experience: 10-12 years
Deadline to apply: May 15, 2024 (midnight)
Start Date: July 1, 2024 (negotiable)
About organisation
Migration and Asylum Project (MAP), is India’s first and only dedicated legal centre for the study of forced displacement and migration issues. Established in 2013, MAP adopts the law as a tool to promote safe migration and recognises it as a powerful instrument for empowerment, analysis, advocacy and policy development. As a result of its efforts, MAP has emerged today as one of the foremost advocates for forced migrants in the region and works to expand the legal protection space for this group. It continues to evolve as an organisation, expanding its activities and constantly innovating to address the growing needs of migrant communities in light of the local and international context through a range of programmes that focus on legal assistance, research, advocacy, empowerment and financial inclusion. For more information, visit: https://www.migrationandasylumproject.org/
Position overview
The Director of Operations will lead all core support functions at MAP to achieve its organisational objectives. The incumbent will play a crucial role in overseeing the operational aspects of the organisation and ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day activities and will be responsible for ensuring the efficient functioning of all operational aspects i.e. Finance, People & Culture, and Facility Management. This role requires strong leadership, management skills, strategic planning expertise, a passion for our mission, and the ability to lead a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Collaboration:
Collaborate with the executive team to develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives to achieve organisational goals.
Provide input and recommendations on operations strategies, policies, and plans affecting the organisation.
Foster cross-departmental collaboration and communication between different stakeholders to drive operational excellence and achieve organisational objectives.
Facilitate a continuous learning culture at MAP by providing the necessary operational support.
Finance and Procurement:
Work in collaboration with the accounting team to implement proper accounting and reporting structure for the organisation.
Monitor finance compliance to internal and external (donor and government) rules and regulations and review reports to donors to ensure adherence to workplans and budgets; maintain control on operations budget and identify any exceptions or possible implications of under / over spending in a timely manner.
Maintain oversight on financial and procurement activities i.e. monthly, quarterly and annual reports, to monitor, evaluate and optimise cash flow, variances and liquidity.
Oversee the legal, grants, and contracts functions to streamline processes and guide the team concerning current regulatory requirements, focusing on FCRA.
Coordinate and/ or lead all donor, statutory, and internal audits with the relevant programme and operations functionaries at MAP.
People and Culture Management:
Provide support to the management team in the development of an effective human resource strategy.
Supervision of the Human Resources team.
Foster a positive organisational culture and employee engagement through effective leadership and communication.
Develop and maintain organisation-specific policies and procedures in compliance with organisation management frameworks and local laws.
Compliance and Other Related Tasks:
Address all operational, regulatory and statutory requirements.
Act as a focal point to interact with vendors, service providers, and other external stakeholders to support operational objectives.
Represent the organisation in meetings, conferences, and other forums related to operations and organisational strategy.
Any other task assigned by Chief Operating Officer.
Qualifications and Experience
● Post-graduate degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources or related field, or other comparable educational qualification;
● Minimum 8-10 years relevant work experience, preferably with an international or local NGO with at least 6 years of demonstrated leadership experience.
● Background of working with issues such as access to justice, migration, and/or gender-based violence is desirable.
● Proven track record of successfully leading operational functions and managing diverse teams.
● Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, financial analysis, and grant management experience.
● Knowledge of Income Tax, FCRA, GST, and labour regulations.
● Experience working with external auditors, compliance, and regulatory oversight.
● Excellent communication (written and verbal), negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
● Ability to think strategically, solve problems creatively, and drive results in a dynamic environment.
● Strong sense of personal integrity, attention to detail and understanding of confidentiality and ethics is essential.
● Open to Indian citizens only.
Remuneration
The remuneration for the position will commensurate with the candidate’s experience and will adhere to MAP’s internal policies and market standards.
Why MAP?
● Opportunity to lead from the front, working with leaders across the organisation and the senior leadership team;
● Understand the inner workings of an organisation in its expansion phase and contribute directly to organisational building and development;
● Be part of a team comprising of highly qualified and dynamic professionals who are deeply committed to social justice and bringing about transformative change in the development sector;
● Develop intellectual leadership, innovate, work independently, and engage with diverse stakeholders;
● Enhance understanding of the international development sector, particularly UN/INGO systems and procedures; and
● Work in a structured and highly professional environment, with clearly defined roles, but allowing for creativity and a space for finding unique solutions.
Recruitment Process
● Potential candidates who meet the requirements should submit their application through the following link: Application Form. Only complete applications submitted through the Application Form link will be considered.
● The selection process will be conducted in May and the final offer will be issued before May 31, 2024.
● Selected candidates are expected to join on July 1, 2024 (negotiable).
● Any extensions or modifications to these dates will be notified through our website, social media handles, and emails to prospective candidates.
● Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in the recruitment process. Due to limited capacity, we are unable to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates.
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Partnership Coordinator
Location: New Delhi (on-site)
Reporting to: Executive Director (ED)
Deadline to apply: May 15th, 2024 (midnight)
Start Date: July 1st, 2024 (negotiable)
About organisation
Migration and Asylum Project (MAP) is India’s first and only dedicated legal centre for the study of forced displacement and migration issues. Established in 2013, MAP adopts the law as a tool to promote safe migration and recognises it as a powerful instrument for empowerment, analysis, advocacy and policy development. As a result of its efforts, MAP has emerged today as one of the foremost advocates for forced migrants in the region and works to expand the legal protection space for this group. It continues to evolve as an organisation, expanding its activities and constantly innovating to address the growing needs of migrant communities in light of the local and international context through a range of programmes that focus on legal assistance, research, advocacy, empowerment and financial inclusion. For more information, visit: https://www.migrationandasylumproject.org/
Position overview
The Partnership Coordinator will inform and implement the organisation’s strategic partnership vision by leading network building, supporting inter-organisational coordination, mobilising resources, and strengthening the organisation’s visibility in appropriate forums. The incumbent will liaise with key stakeholders, including local governments, legal stakeholders, civil society organisations, academic institutions, private individuals, corporate partners, donors etc. to achieve the organisation’s programmatic and development objectives programme. The position will also support in the development of new programme s and opportunities for the organisation and represent the values and mission of the organisation in external fora.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
Partnership Management:
Perform detailed desk research on potential partners and support the programme team in identifying, developing, and managing new partnerships across non-profit, public, and private stakeholders;
Manage the dissemination and mainstreaming of new partnership and opportunity management, including opportunity and proposal reviews, due diligence, contracting, MAP branding and messaging, partnership values, timelines and templates, partnership evaluations, and other tools and processes;
Develop and manage positive and constructive relationships with potential and existing partners and stakeholders that contribute towards the team’s programmatic objectives and targets to foster collaboration and support for key thematic areas;
Prepare the relevant documentation to frame new partnerships in coordination with relevant colleagues;
Establish tools for evaluation/review of active partnerships, to ensure implementation, changes and address concerns; and
Support the programme teams in organising and coordinating visits of donors, potential donors, and partners.
Resource Mobilisation & Development:
Lead the development and implementation of strategic plans for fundraising activities, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and financial objectives;
Support the fundraising team in securing funding from diverse sources, both locally and internationally, including by identifying prospective donors and possibilities for collaborating with partners on funding applications;
Provide high quality and timely inputs through the timely collection, consolidation and quality of documentation or other inputs from partners into proposals on all partnership-related aspects of donor contracts and incorporate the partners’ reporting into donor reporting/ audits; and
Lead and coordinate project design and proposal submission, contract negotiation, and all other donor relationship support.
Knowledge Management and Visibility:
Facilitate coordination between Operations and Development teams, and streamline connectivity by implementing partner handovers, partnership training, and development opportunities to incoming program staff members;
Lead the curation and execution of knowledge events such as stakeholder consultations, workshops, and outreach events, including planning, implementation, coordination, documentation and communication, and facilitate organisational attendance to regional and national events;
Create opportunities for positioning & visibility of MAP’s work by supervising the communications team in coordinating media outreach and public relations opportunities;
Maintain awareness and report to the ED on activities of peer organisations, funding structures, and local community leadership within the legal aid landscape;
Coordinate and provide editorial support for social media posts, newsletters, website updation, communications material and outreach strategy as well as proposals and programme updates that effectively communicate the goals and impact of programme s to stakeholders, funders, and global audiences;
Deliver regular updates to the organisation’s Management Board and all staff members; and
Research and develop contacts and ideas that enhance the overall capacity, visibility and programmatic scope of MAP.
Key Performance Indicators:
Implement the organisation’s strategic partnership vision;
Timely and quality contributions to fundraising efforts;
Quality inputs and technical support provided to programme teams with regard to partnership building and knowledge management;
Quality inputs to planning processes and reports, and quality support to program leads for donor management;
Increased visibility of MAP’s work;
Increased interest among partners and donors to collaborate with MAP, leading to increased resources mobilise; and
Any other task assigned by the Executive Director.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
University post-graduate degree in any of political or social sciences, development studies, economics, law, international relations, communications, marketing, or a related field.
At least 6-8 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience and partnership management responsibilities including securing ongoing funding.
At least 3 years of experience in a leadership role, managing teams and driving results
Demonstrated record of significant success in partner management and proven ability to deliver added value to accounts/partnerships.
Excellent writing and communication skills for technical and non-technical reports, presentations, briefs, and proposals.
Knowledge of MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and online tools for collaborative working.
Willingness to travel for field work both within and outside Delhi NCR.
Open to Indian citizens only.
Desirable:
Knowledge of current policy landscape around and experience of working on issues of access to justice, gender-based violence, migration and inclusion.
Experience in working with various stakeholders including state departments, ministries, multilateral organisations, CSOs and CBOs.
Experience in partnership building and network servicing, fundraising, knowledge management and communications.
Experience in managing long-term or multidisciplinary partnerships in an international development, government, or academic context.
Ability to assess and match funding partner interests to organisational values and stakeholder impact.
Remuneration
The remuneration for the position will commensurate with the candidate’s experience and will adhere to MAP’s internal policies and market standards.
Why MAP?
Opportunity to lead from the front, working with leaders across the organisation and the senior leadership team;
Understand the inner workings of an organisation in its expansion phase and contribute directly to organisational building and development;
Be part of a team comprising of highly qualified and dynamic professionals who are deeply committed to social justice and bringing about transformative change in the development sector;
Develop intellectual leadership, innovate, work independently, and engage with diverse stakeholders;
Enhance understanding of the international development sector, particularly UN/INGO systems and procedures; and
Work in a structured and highly professional environment, with clearly defined roles, but allowing for creativity and a space for finding unique solutions.
Recruitment Process
Potential candidates who meet the requirements should submit their application through the following link: Application Form. Only complete applications submitted through the Application Form link will be considered.
The selection process will be conducted in May and the final offer will be issued before 31st May, 2024.
Selected candidates are expected to join on 1st July, 2024.
Any extensions or modifications to these dates will be notified through our website, social media handles, and emails to prospective candidates.
Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in the recruitment process. Due to limited capacity, we are unable to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates.
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Legal Aid Partner
About MAP: The Migration & Asylum Project (MAP) is India’s first dedicated law centre for forced migration and displacement. MAP is working towards building an inclusive and responsive legal landscape for displaced communities through direct engagement at the grassroots as well as advocacy with state stakeholders for systemic change.
In 2020, MAP launched a project aimed at preventing and combating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) within migrant and displaced communities. This project sought to revolutionize the delivery of services to survivors by reimagining conventional methods. The SGBV project focuses on creating community-based legal response structures, empowering a network of grassroots advocates, promoting the integration of migrant/displaced women into welfare frameworks, and making justice attainable for those affected by SGBV.
Over the years, MAP’s legal empowerment model has focused on establishing community legal desks, conducting legal awareness campaigns, strengthening grassroots support structures, facilitating access to government entitlements, and creating a community of Paralegal Volunteers and pro bono lawyers. Through these interventions, MAP has directly assisted over 25,000 community members and has made its services available to over 7,00,000 community members. This has improved identification and reporting of SGBV incidents within the community by over 30-50% across target locations.
About the Legal Aid Partner programme:
Launched in 2022, MAP’s Legal Aid Partner Programme presents a unique opportunity for early-career litigation lawyers to engage in impactful pro bono work, advocating for vulnerable migrant populations at the grassroots level. With the objective of ensuring that the law reaches those most vulnerable within the migrant communities, MAP’s service delivery model focuses on ensuring access to both formal and informal justice systems.
MAP’s Legal Aid Partners play a vital role in this endeavor, by providing meaningful and effective mediation and litigation support in cases referred by MAP. Collectively, they have represented over 60 SGBV cases in courts, and secured over 25 orders including protection orders, maintenance orders, residence order, orders for registration of FIR, stay on and transfer of counter blast proceedings, etc.
Impact Story:
“Nargis*, a survivor of domestic violence, was being harassed by her husband and in-laws and was being evicted from her house illegally at 9 PM. Upon calling MAP, our lawyers intervened and spoke to the local authorities that night. They agreed to not evict her, but informed the team that they would be evicting her the next morning.
The Legal Aid Partner took the initiative of drafting a petition overnight and approached the High Court the next morning, where they got a stay on the eviction of the survivor. The survivor now continues to reside in her house and is not being harassed by the local authorities anymore”.
As a Legal Aid Partner, you will have the rare chance to utilise core human rights and legal principles to directly impact the lives of their clients, while contributing to a broader movement aimed at building an inclusive legal protection landscape through a rule of law-focused approach. This collaboration also offers:
A platform for professional growth, networking opportunities, and recognition within the legal community.
An opportunity to develop legal skills including arguing and representing cases independently, and participating in briefings for senior counsels,
The ability to be part of a small, passion-driven legal team specializing in SGBV/labour and working towards the shared goal of gender and social justice.
Sustained interaction with migrant and displaced communities to develop and strengthen soft skills such as enforcing ethical standards, maintaining confidentiality, undertaking trauma-informed engagements, etc.
Access to MAP’s vast community of pro bono lawyers, Paralegal Volunteers, community leaders, and civil society partners involved in championing social justice.
Provision not only of legal support but also of life-changing hope and empowerment to vulnerable individuals navigating complex and overwhelming legal systems.
Involvement in the larger programmatic activities which includes participating in community awareness drives, training Paralegal Volunteers, and supporting community legal desks.
“I joined map as a legal aid partner in January 2023 and it has provided me an unparalleled experience to engage in pro bono work. A majority of the cases assigned to me were of socially and economically marginalised migrant women, who were unaware of their rights. These women had been subjected to severe forms of domestic violence for which they were seeking legal recourse. As a LA partner, I bore the responsibility of counselling the survivors, drafting and representing them in court. The experience of being a Partner with MAP has been extremely rewarding and professionally enriching; exposing me to the difficult lived realities of thousands of women and migrant workers and giving me a chance to help them in ensuring that justice becomes a part of that lived reality. I highly recommend lawyers who want experience in providing effective legal support to vulnerable populations, to join this programme.”
Chaitanya Sundriyal, Legal Aid Partner
“I was told about MAP by the ASHA worker in my area and I connected with them in March 2023. I am a survivor of severe domestic abuse and thought that I absolutely had no escape from my situation. After counselling me on the different avenues of resolution available to me, the MAP team provided me a legal aid lawyer, who helped me file a case in court. The MAP team along with the LAP, got a protection order in my favour, which allowed me to peacefully reside separately from my husband. When there were subsequent and more severe violations of the protection given to me by the court, by my husband, the LAP also helped me file a case in the High Court. After the High Court has intervened, I have been given better protection and I feel safer than before. Because of the High Court order, the police have also become cooperative, and there have not been any more incidents of violence against me.”
Sangeeta, client
Roles and Responsibilities:
§ Assume full responsibility for managing litigation cases referred by MAP from initiation through to resolution.
§ Prepare legal drafts for cases referred by MAP and act as the primary legal representative for clients in court.
§ Maintain direct and effective communication with clients, providing them with regular updates, guidance, and support throughout the legal process.
§ Share periodic updates on referred cases with MAP.
§ Willingness to attend meetings and other MAP trainings/ workshops
Eligibility
- Active bar council membership.
- Minimum 2-3 years of litigation experience in trial and labour courts in Delhi with demonstrated ability of representing cases independently.
- Demonstrated commitment to human rights, with the ability to work empathetically and effectively with vulnerable populations.
- Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, proactively and take initiative in cases.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English and any local languages pertinent to our beneficiaries.
- Prior experience of working with migrant communities and women is an added advantage.
Please note: A deep commitment to see-through the life-cycle of the case and being accountable to the client by ensuring that you are present for her at all stages is paramount.
How to Apply: If you are interested in applying to be a part of this network, please send your CV to recruitments@aratrust.in. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an in-person interview. Candidates may be asked to furnish samples of orders that they have secured in the past. MAP will be accepting applications on a rolling-basis till May 31st 2024.
Remuneration: This is a voluntary position and the assistance provided will be pro-bono in nature. However, the Legal Aid Partner will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred during litigation proceedings subject to the availability of funds.
Certification: MAP has also, in the past, facilitated recommendations and certification for past Legal Aid Partners, wherever required.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why should I consider joining the programme?
Joining MAP’s Legal Aid Partner Programme offers a unique opportunity to directly contribute to the protection and promotion of human rights for some of society’s most vulnerable populations. A Legal Aid Partner’s legal skills can transform lives by securing justice for marginalised women, migrant workers, and displaced individuals, thereby shaping judicial precedents that benefit migrant and displaced communities at large.
Working with MAP provides a platform to engage directly with migrant communities, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges they face. This hands-on experience is invaluable for lawyers passionate about human rights and social justice, providing a perspective that goes beyond traditional legal practice. Furthermore, joining the program enables you to connect with a network of passionate, like-minded professionals, fostering a community of support and learning, and offering opportunities for networking and professional recognition.
2. How does MAP accommodate the varying schedules and commitments of its Legal Aid Partners in assigning cases?
MAP’s team of lawyers includes litigating lawyers who are familiar with the demands of legal practice. Understanding the demands of legal practice, MAP ensures flexibility in case assignments, respecting your availability and bandwidth. This allows you to contribute meaningfully without compromising your professional obligations. We maintain however that the Legal Aid Partner continues to be committed to the partners.
3. Can LAPs take the assistance of MAP lawyers for their cases?
MAP lawyers can assist the Legal Aid Partner in coordinating with clients. In exceptional circumstances and upon being requested in advance, MAP lawyers can assist them in drafting and client coordination. The Legal Aid Partner is however expected to be present for all the hearings and to be diligent and committed towards MAP cases. They will be the primary contact for the client. Where required, MAP may also assign a trained Paralegal Volunteer to assist the Legal Aid Partner in specific cases.
4. Can a LAP choose when and what cases they take?
We understand that Legal Aid Partners may have bandwidth concerns. No case is allotted without prior discussion and their approval. Legal Aid Partners are encouraged to inform us if they do not have the bandwidth to take up cases during any given time. However, they are expected to take at least 1-2 cases in a quarter.
5. What kind of reporting is expected?
At the time of assigning a case, MAP lawyers and Legal Aid Partners can mutually agree on a reporting schedule which will typically include regular telephonic check-ins to ensure that the client is receiving the required support, and copies of case files as the case progresses. MAP also routinely seeks feedback from the client to understand how to collaborate with the Legal Aid Partner to improve services.
6. What is the policy for terminating the Legal Aid Partner arrangement?
Given the voluntary basis of the position, either the Legal Aid Partner or MAP has the right to terminate the arrangement at any given time, provided that a two weeks' notice is given. This notice period is crucial as it allows MAP’s lawyers to seek a handover of relevant case files and gives them the necessary time to reassign any pending cases to another Legal Aid Partner. It also ensures a smooth transition for beneficiaries by acquainting them with their new legal representatives, thereby maintaining continuity in legal support and minimizing disruptions to their cases.
7. Will I be paid for my work?
This is a voluntary position and the assistance provided will be pro-bono in nature. As a legal aid centre our resources are limited. However, the Legal Aid Partner will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred during litigation proceedings. Typically MAP allocates a modest lumpsum allowance to cover certain routine costs such as travel, filings, clerkage, etc.