Specialist - Program Operations

The Specialist - Program Operations at Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) plays a vital role in managing and overseeing program operations to ensure the effective delivery and compliance of skills development initiatives, particularly in technical and vocational education and training. This position supports the execution and daily monitoring of PSDF-funded training contracts for assigned schemes and Training Service Providers (TSPs), ensuring adherence to PSDF business rules and standard operating procedures. The Specialist is responsible for verifying TSP deliverables such as class commencement, trainee enrolment, attendance, assessments, completion, and employment outcomes. Additionally, the role involves processing invoices, trainee stipends, and final payment cases, handling first-level queries and complaints, conducting field visits, and maintaining accurate data and reports for management. Proficiency in MS Office and a strong understanding of CRM systems are essential to effectively manage data and generate insightful reports.

Key Responsibilities

- Coordinate with assigned TSPs to ensure day-to-day contract execution aligns with PSDF guidelines, business rules, and SOPs, ensuring timely delivery of all required deliverables.
- Verify TSP deliverables including class commencement, trainee enrolment and eligibility, attendance records, assessment outcomes, course completion, and employment or placement evidence.
- Conduct thorough follow-ups on employment reporting and verification to facilitate timely processing of final employment-linked payments.
- Perform pre- and post-contract evaluations and field visits to TSPs, documenting findings and recommending follow-up actions.
- Process TSP invoices and trainee stipend cases within the system, cross-checking them against verified deliverables and submitting recommendations to the Assistant Manager within specified timelines.
- Identify and report discrepancies in system-generated payment or service recommendations, coordinating with the Monitoring team to resolve issues within agreed turnaround times.
- Address first-level queries and complaints from TSPs and trainees, including those received via the PSDF helpline and CRM system, resolving issues promptly or escalating unresolved cases appropriately.
- Collaborate with internal teams such as Monitoring & Evaluation, Finance, and MIS/IT, as well as external stakeholders, to ensure smooth implementation of assigned schemes.
- Prepare quarterly capacity-building plans for assigned TSPs and assist in delivering training sessions and field visits as scheduled.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records and data in BSS/CRM systems and contract files.
- Generate periodic monitoring reports, data analyses, and presentations for management review.
- Implement the program operations framework and contribute to the enhancement of SOPs, monitoring tools, and systems based on field experience.
- Provide necessary records and information to support internal, external, and donor audits.
- Perform any additional tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications

- Proven experience in program operations, contract management, or a related field within the skills development or vocational training sector.
- Strong understanding of technical and vocational education and training program delivery.
- Proficiency in MS Office applications and CRM systems for data management and reporting.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for coordination with TSPs, trainees, and internal teams.
- Ability to conduct field visits and evaluations independently.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

- Experience working with donor-funded projects or within a similar development sector environment is advantageous.
- Familiarity with PSDF business rules, SOPs, and monitoring frameworks is preferred.
- Opportunity to contribute to impactful skills development initiatives and gain exposure to program management within a leading organization.

Applications for this position will be accepted until 17-Nov-2026.