NCAS India

Greetings from National Centre for Advocacy Studies Pune

We are happy to invite you to celebrate a significant milestone with us—the 30th anniversary of the National Centre for Advocacy Studies (NCAS). The event will take place on October 12th, 2024 Saturday at Patrakar Bhavan, Ganjwe Chowk, Navi Peth, Pune, Maharashtra, starting from 3:30 PM.

Over the past three decades, NCAS has remained dedicated to advancing advocacy, social justice, and empowering communities through education and action. This special occasion is an opportunity to reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements, and envision the road ahead with our co-travellers.

Event Highlights:

Public Talk: "Navigating the Labyrinth: People-Centric Advocacy in a Post-Truth World" by Justice S Muralidhar, Chief Justice (Rtd), High Court of Odisha at 3:30 PM.

Conversations: Glimpses of our journey over the last 30 years. 5.15 PM

LISTENING TO THE WINDS OF PEACE AND JUSTICE - Live Performance by Nirmik Arts and Media Centre, Mumbai at 6:30 PM

We would be honored to have you join us in this celebration as we recognize the collaborative spirit that drives positive change in society. Your presence will make this occasion even more meaningful.

Looking forward to meet all

Warm regards from all at NCAS

NCAS IS HIRING

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR PROGRAMME COORDINATOR

About NCAS

The National Centre for Advocacy Studies (NCAS) is a leading public interest research institution based in Pune, Maharashtra. NCAS works on a wide range of issues related to social justice, environmental protection, and good governance. We are committed to conducting high-quality research, and capacity building initiatives to promote positive change in India.

About the Initiative

The Change Initiators for Natural Resources programme is a new and exciting initiative that aims to empower young leaders to work on critical ecological issues. The programme will provide participants with the knowledge, skills, and experience they need to become effective change agents. The initiative intends to conduct research, capacity building programmes and engages with various stakeholders to promote sustainable and equitable practices at various levels.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and organized Programme Coordinator to join our team and play a key role in the successful implementation of the Change Initiators for Natural Resources programme as well as support NCAS in various other programme related work. The person should have a passion for environmental issues and a commitment to social justice. The Programme Coordinator will play a key role in supporting NCAS’ programme activities and will be reporting to the Executive Director.

The Programme Coordinator will be responsible for a wide range of tasks primarily with regard to the Change Initiators Program and support for other programmes of NCAS, including:

• Programme Development: Lead in developing and implementing various programmes of NCAS, development of curriculum, training materials.
• Programme Management: Ensuring that a programme implementation plan and cost-effective budget is in place, along with expected results. Ensuring programme activities are completed as per planned time frame and high-quality utilization of budget along with achievement of expected results. Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the programme, including scheduling, logistics, and budget management. Providing support to programme participants before, during, and after the programme.
• Participant Recruitment and Selection: Assisting in the selection process for programme participants.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Assist in the development monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure the programme's impact. Ensure regular programme monitoring with the involvement of the key stakeholders
• Communication and Reporting: Communicating effectively with stakeholders, including programme participants and the NCAS team. Preparing regular reports on the progress of the programme.

Skills and experience

• Master's degree in environmental science, natural resource management, public policy, or a related field in social sciences.
• Minimum 5-6 years of experience of programme management, utilization tracking, and proposal development
• Minimum 5-6 years of work experience on issues related with natural resource issues in India.
• Strong planning, budgeting and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent written and verbal skills in English. Command over Hindi is desirable. Knowledge of any other regional language of India would be an advantage.
• Proficiency in MS Office and other relevant software programs.

Compensation and Benefits

NCAS offers a competitive compensation package and a stimulating work environment.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their interest in the position and relevant experience to [email protected] before 22nd April 2024. Candidates, especially women and from other marginalised communities are encouraged to apply.

Note:

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

NCAS is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of caste, religion, regional origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status or disability status.

NCAS IS HIRING

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR RESEARCH and COMMUNICATION COORDINATOR

About NCAS

The National Centre for Advocacy Studies (NCAS) is a leading public interest research institution based in Pune, Maharashtra. NCAS works on a wide range of issues related to social justice, environmental protection, and good governance. We are committed to conducting high-quality research, and capacity building initiatives to promote positive change in India.

About the Role

The Change Initiators for Natural Resources programme is one of our new and exciting initiatives that aims to empower young leaders to work on critical ecological issues. In general NCAS programmes will provide participants with the knowledge, skills, and experience they need to become effective change agents. Accordingly, NCAS conducts research, as well as capacity building initiatives and engages with various stakeholders to promote sustainable and equitable practices at various levels.

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research and Communications Coordinator to join our team and play a crucial role in all NCAS’ programmes. The Research and Communications Coordinator will be responsible for conducting research, developing resource materials, carrying out all communication requirements of NCAS, and supporting the programme team in a variety of ways. The Coordinator will be directly reporting to the Executive Director.

The Key responsibilities include

• Design and lead research activities of NCAS. Design suitable research methodologies and tools for research activities, optimizing available resources.
• Ensure preparation of high-quality research reports and other documents.
• Implement research activities as per planned time frame and budgets.
• Conducting research on relevant topics related to critical ecological issues and policy as well as on other issues as directed by the ED
• Developing research papers, policy briefs, infographics, briefing notes, and other resource materials for the programme components of NCAS and organising the suitable dissemination of them to various target audiences
• Supporting the Executive Director with data collection and analysis and communication requirements
• Contributing to the development of the programme curriculum
• Ensures that NCAS stays current on emerging issues and trends in the above mentioned issues.

Skills and Experience

• Master's degree and above in environmental science, public policy, or in any of the social sciences or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 5-6 years of experience conducting research, preferably in the non-profit sector or on issues related to natural resources and/or other social issues
• Strong research and analytical skills including the ability to work with SPSS packages or equivalent alternatives (e.g. EXCEL etc)
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively
• Proficient in research methodologies and data analysis tools
• Excellent written and verbal skills in English. Command over Hindi is desirable. Knowledge of any other regional language of India would be an advantage.

Compensation and Benefits

NCAS offers a competitive compensation package and a stimulating work environment.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit their resume, a cover letter outlining their interest in the position, a recent write up of theirs and relevant experience to [email protected] before 22nd April 2024. Candidates especially women and from other marginalised communities are encouraged to apply.

Note:

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

NCAS is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of caste, religion, regional origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status or disability status.

NCAS IS HIRING

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FINANCE MANAGER

About NCAS

The National Centre for Advocacy Studies (NCAS) is a leading public interest research institution based in Pune, Maharashtra. NCAS works on a wide range of issues related to social justice, environmental protection, and good governance. We are committed to conducting high-quality research, and capacity building initiatives to promote positive change in India.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Finance Manager to join our team and play a key role in ensuring the financial accountability and transparency, as well as other compliances (FCRA, Charity Commissioner, Statutory Audit, etc) with respect to the organization. The Finance Manager will be directly reporting to the Executive Director. The Finance Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our financial operations, including:

• Financial Management:
o Develop and ensure utilization of the annual budget in accordance with FCRA and other regulations.
o Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with program teams and the ED.
o Oversee all financial transactions, including accounts payable and receivable.
o Manage payroll processing, including calculating salaries, deductions, and taxes.
o Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement).
o Conduct account reconciliations and ensure financial accuracy.
o Develop and maintain internal control procedures for financial operations.
o Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to donors, and government agencies.
o Tracking utilization of programme and administration budgets as per implementation plan keeping the timeframe in mind.
o Prepare proposal budgets for resource mobilization.
o Ensuring procurements (of commodities and services) are fair and transparent, following due procurement processes and policy.
o Suggest provisions for strengthening procurement processes and policy.
o Implement and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard NCAS's financial assets.
o Support ED in preparing proposal budgets for resource mobilization
o Support ED in tracking utilization of programme and admin budgets as per implementation plan and timeframe.
o Support ED in ensuring judicious solutions to minimize variance, and avoid over/ under utilization.


• FCRA Compliance:
o Maintain an up-to-date understanding of FCRA regulations and ensure all contributions adhere to these guidelines.
o Prepare and submit all required FCRA filings to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
o Liaise with government authorities on FCRA-related matters.
o Maintain detailed records of all foreign contributions received and their utilization.

• Charity Commissioner Compliance
o Maintain an up-to-date understanding of Charity of Commissioner regulations and ensure all resources adhere to these guidelines.
o Prepare and submit all required filings to Charity of Commissioner
o Liaise with government authorities on Trust related matters.
o Maintain detailed records of all contributions received and their utilization.

• Grant Management:
o Manage the grant including budgets, financial reporting, and compliance with donor requirements.
o Monitor grant expenditures and ensure funds are used for their intended purposes.

• Provident Fund Management:
o Manage Provident Fund (PF) contributions for employees as per statutory regulations.
o Ensure timely deposits to employee and employer PF accounts.
o File regular PF returns with the authorities.

• Adhering to the Audit Process:
o Prepare all necessary documentation and information for external and internal audits.
o Liaise with auditors and address their inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
o Implement recommendations from previous audits to improve financial controls and reporting.
o Ensure audits are completed in a timely manner.
o Preparing financial reports for the EC and GB.

• Administration Responsibilities - Finance Manager

In addition to the core financial responsibilities outlined above, the Finance Manager will also be responsible for the following administrative tasks:
• Manage petty cash and office supplies.
• Oversee office maintenance and repairs (within budget).
• Oversee travel arrangements for staff (as needed).
• Process reports of staff expense, attendance, leave, compensatory time, etc.
• Maintain office filing systems (physical and/or digital).

• Team Leadership:
o Provide guidance and support to the NCAS team on all matters related to the above mentioned areas.
o Foster a culture of accuracy, efficiency, and transparency within the finance department.

Oualification and Experience:
• B. Com/ M.Com (mandatory) CA Intermediate (desirable) with relevant skills and 5-7 years of relevant work experience in NGOs receiving both FC and non-FC funds.
• Knowledge of using the relevant softwares is essential.
• Excellent written and verbal skills in English. Knowledge of any other regional language of India would be an advantage.

Compensation and Benefits

NCAS offers a competitive compensation package and a stimulating work environment.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their interest in the position and relevant experience to [email protected] before 22nd April 2024. Candidates especially women and from other marginalised communities are encouraged to apply.

Note:

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

NCAS is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of caste, religion, regional origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status or disability status.

It is with great sadness we have come to know about the sudden demise of Dr Anil K Singh. Dr Anil K Singh was the founder Director of Voluntary Action Network India as well as the former Secretary General of South Asian Network for Social and Agricultural Development. He was a true co-traveller of various civil society organisations in India. NCAS remembers his contributions to the organisation especially in his capacity as an Executive Board member as well as in the General Body.

Our thoughts are with the bereaved family members at this moment. Rest in power Anilji.

We are happy to share a snapshot of the experiences of our recent interns with you all

FULL AND FINAL.mp4

Find more details here:
shorturl.at/kvNU2

If you have always wanted to learn the various aspects of research methodology then here's an opportunity for you!
For more details write to us at [email protected]

A brief overview of the ongoing winter session of the parliament as on 7th December, 2021.

For full report click https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l8F8kcNem873f7Sh9IuF0k1ocNIMs8I2/view?usp=sharing

Watch this space for regular updates on the winter session