Block Coordinator

CRUSADE

Position Title: Block Coordinator

Organisation: Centre for Rural Systems and Development (CRUSADE)

Location: 10, Sakthi Avenue, Karanodai, Chennai 600 067.

Reporting to: Secretary-CRUSADE

Last date of receiving email applications: 31st August , 2023.

Background:

Centre for Rural Systems and Development (CRUSADE), a registered voluntary organization, was setup in 1991 in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu with the aim of poverty alleviation and improving the quality of life of marginalized communities in rural areas through empowerment and transformation processes. The initial focus of CRUSADE was Organising women from poorer communities into Self-help Groups and linking the groups with banks, government and health institutions for their economic advancement and improved Health status. Presently the range of activities, spread over 200 villages in four Blocks, include Community Health, Skill Training, comprehensive rehabilitation programme for Persons with Disability, Study project on anemia control among adolescent girls, Water project, Village & schools infrastructure development.(www.crusade-india.org) and mitigation of Climate Change impact through promotion of tree plantation, renewable energy,etc.

The programme also prioritizes the strengthening of the federation of Special groups of Persons with Disability- Vallamai- to sustain the CBR initiatives.
CRUSADE is seeking to recruit a Block Coordinator , based at Karanodai, Sholavaram block in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu for overall monitoring of the project.

Job profile:

The Block Coordinator will be responsible for monitoring of WSHGs and Special Groups of People with Disabilities in Sholavaram block, including further development and expansion of these initiatives and assisting other programmes ( Community Health , Water , Climate Change mitigation, etc ) being implemented by CRUSADE in this block. . The incumbent will report and work under the overall supervision and guidance of Secretary. The position is required to lead a team of field staff and community volunteers.

The position will be based at Karanodai, near Chennai and will require travel to field areas in Sholavaram and other project areas in Tiruvallur district.

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Oversee the implementation of different projects implemented by CRUSADE, especially WSHGs and Special Groups of Persons with Disability programme by field functionaries (Cluster coordinators & Community volunteers)
• Coordinate with field personnel (Cluster coordinators and Community volunteers) to ensure the delivery of a high quality programmes. In particular, ensure the active participation of target communities in the planning and implementation of programme activities, and access to benefits from these programmes.
• Work closely with Medical Doctor, Project executive & Programme associates of Disability and WSHG programme, Consultants in the development of programme strategies, work plans, monitoring and evaluation plans.
• Be fully responsible for ensuring the delivery of a high quality, impactful programme.
• Where required, and following approval, identify and bring on board technical support to further improve programme efficiency.
• Seek out best practices relevant for the programme and facilitate adoption. Build awareness, including government policies and programmes facilitating convergence where possible.
• Regular reporting of field visits and preparation of monthly / quarterly / half yearly and yearly reports and annual plans, monitor programme progress and submit programme progress reports on a regular basis. Also, ensure the documentation of community processes, field assessments/surveys, maintenance of WSHG & Special Groups profiles and monitoring data.
• Train and build the capacity of the field team including field level volunteers, target communities, community institutions and other stakeholders. Also develop/collect relevant materials for training and capacity building activities.
• Coordinate visits from donors and other programme partners / stakeholders. Carry out any additional duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by secretary from time to time.

Required qualifications:

• A master’s degree in social work, social sciences or rural development and at least 5 years of work experience. Diverse experience of working with WSHGs, and Persons with Disability is an added advantage.
• Ambitious, energetic and hard-working professional committed to improving lives among India’s most marginalized communities. Must share a sense of urgency about development.
• Experience of working with grass roots NGO’s and government bodies at district levels along with training skills is desirable.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, especially in Tamil and some proficiency in English.
• Experience in budgeting and financial management, team management, monitoring and evaluation.
• Good data analysis and presentation skills. Proficiency in MS PowerPoint, Word and Excel is required. Persons with knowledge of SPSS may be highlighted in the application.

Application Process:

Please submit an updated CV and cover letter by 31st August, 2023. Please mention the reasons for your interest, your qualification for the position and current and expected salary in the body of cover letter. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Apply by 31st August, 2023 to indiacrusade@gmail.com addressed to Secretary, CRUSADE .