Experience

AlgoBharat
• India
• Technology, Information and Internet
• 1 - 100 Employee
• India Project Lead

  • Aug 2022 - Present


Office of Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha

• India
• Legislative Offices

• Senior Research Officer

  • Jul 2019 - Present

  • Conducting thorough and detailed research on several significant issues and subjects especially those related to tracking of covid, financial inclusion, gender, and environmental concerns; • Analysis and evaluation of research and interpreting of data, ensuring key issues are identified; • Carrying out research into local, regional, national and international issues • Preparing and presenting, in both written and oral forms, the results of research in a manner appropriate for answering parliamentary questions, providing briefings to Committee members, or for providing content for newspaper articles and press releases; • Facilitation of drafting of bills, motions, petitions, questions, legislations pertaining to environment and climate change, gender, health, urban and rural development amongst others • Monitoring coverage in the media of issues presented before the Parliamentary Committees; • Advising and guiding the team on relevant policy matters; • Liaisoning with local and national bodies, government agencies, and other associated bodies; • Developed knowledge of relevant legislation and ensure that knowledge is maintained and updated; • Maintain precise, detailed records of each issue and ensured the confidentiality of data at all times Show less



Grant Thornton India LLP

• Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant

  • Apr 2018 - Mar 2019

  The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushlya Yojana (DDU-GKY) is a placement-linked skill development program that aims at alleviation of rural poverty through skill development and regular job placement of poor rural youth between 15-35 years through partnership with the private sector and others for skilling and placement delivery. Duties and Responsibilities: •Set up a robust system for Monitoring and Evaluation system and worked on the overall framework of M&E through a thorough review of resources for eg, annual project reviews, participatory impact assessments, process monitoring, operations monitoring and lessons-learned workshops •Undertook field-site evaluations, inspections, and conducted due diligence when necessary; evaluated and prepared review reports for every PIA visited •Initiated and introduced 'infotainment' sessions that combined learning with fun on issues related to the environment, particularly on topics such as climate change and global warming, ways of mitigating our carbon footprint, cleanliness drives; on health, education, law, etc. •Guided the process for identifying and designing key indicators to record and report actual progress against the target •With the project implementing partners, reviewed their existing approaches and management information systems and designed/corrected where necessary •Undertook regular visits to the field to support implementation of M&E and to identify where modifications might be needed; prepared report on non-compliances and ensured corrective measures are taken in a timely manner •Initiated and launched CXOs and Multisector Summits to engage the private sector and successfully fostered partnerships with several industries across sectors that led to the employment of 50,000 rural youth within a year •Designed, drafted and developed infographs, newsletter and a book on success stories documenting the stories and lives of several candidates from across Maharashtra who have benefited under the programme Show less



UNDP

• United States
• International Affairs
• 700 & Above Employee

• Administrative and Management Associate | Gender Specialist

  • Oct 2015 - Jan 2017

  Nov 2017 - Jan 2018 | Consultant, Gender I worked for a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project on “Mainstreaming Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Conservation into Production Sectors in Sindhudurg Coast in Maharashtra”. My responsibilities included conducting outreach activities, preparing communication material, legal drafts and reports, project monitoring, documentation, administrative support, field-site evaluations and facilitating stakeholder consultations. - Facilitated knowledge building within UNDP-GEF Sindhudurg Project by empowering women as collaborators in environment conservation of Sindhudurg, Maharashtra - Architected a novel client database resulting in 50% reduction in query response time - Assisted the supervisor in drafting legal notes, reports, answers to parliamentary questions - Compiled notes, reports, minutes of meetings and ensured timely follow-up on agencies for effective implementation of approx. 70 programmes, all aimed at conservation of biodiversity and protection of the environment - Disseminated astute logistical and administrative support, strengthened coordination with Ministry of Environment and Forests, pertinent Government agencies and built trusting associations with community organisations. - Worked with the youth by collaborating with schools and colleges to promote biodiversity conservation through workshops, clean beach campaigns, cleanliness drives, competition and quiz - Worked on gender livelihood and resource mobilization as member of an exclusive UN team selected to develop the Green Climate Fund Proposal which we won - Identified, evaluated and finalised agencies to partner on various programmes, tracked and monitored project deliverables, documented lessons learned and best practices Show less



Swadhaar Microfinance

• Capacity Building Intern | Internship

  • Mar 2015 - Apr 2015

  I was responsible for studying and reviewing the income and spending patterns of three low-income communities (who also serve as the organizations clients) with the objective of calculating their monthly financial savings to help them save more. The exercise aimed at ensuring an easier and greater access to financial services to the urban low-income communities based on their savings pattern and to promote the importance of financial inclusion. Key achievements: - In order to help the communities save more, using excel tool analysis, I was able to make a thorough assessment of their monthly income and spending patterns over a period of three years. Using these tools, I was able to not only generate their average savings, but also developed red flag indicators that signalled excess spending which restricted their ability to save more. - Additionally, I focused on inclusion by establishing effective linkages between financial service providers and Self Help Group (SHG) for seamless access to financial services by the community and the SHGs. - I also played a key role in the imparting of financial education through awareness workshops to encourage entrepreneurship and self-reliance among women. The outcome of the internship was: - an excel analysis - a PowerPoint presentation containing an analytical summary of the key insights - a comprehensive database with names and details of clients and financial providers for seamless facilitation of financial services between them. - Stronger linkages between financial service providers and SHGs Show less



PRS Legislative Research

• India
• Government Administration
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Policy Research Intern | Summer Internship

  • May 2014 - Jun 2014

  During my internship, I was assigned the study of the evolution of laws related to agriculture and the marketing of agricultural produce in India. This included the study of the Model Agricultural Produce Marketing Act (Model Act) 2003, one of Indias lengthiest, most complex and controversial laws. The Act was to be placed in the monsoon session of the Parliament, which was to commence within a month. By effectively utilizing both my time and quantitative and qualitative skills, I provided an analysis of trends and offered suggestions to help foster further policy formulation on it. Key achievements: - Conducted extensive literature review; evaluated data and analysed changes in previous policy briefs to trace the evolution of agricultural associated marketing reforms under the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Act, 2003 (special focus on women, with reference to Model Act, engaged in alternate sources of farming and marketing) - Compiled detailed evaluation report and a PowerPoint presentation (including research findings and policy recommendations) which was presented to and appreciated by agency staff and board My research contributed to PRSs expanding database of analysis and summaries of state-level legislation in India. Show less



IndiaSpend

• India
• Online Audio and Video Media
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Data Research Intern | Internship

  • Mar 2014 - Apr 2014

  IndiaSpend is the country's first data journalism initiative. Key achievements: - Conducted research and analysis of open data on a range of issues, to foster better governance, transparency, accountability of the Government. The most exciting component I had the opportunity to work on was the FactChecker, where statements made by individuals in public life were scrutinized and researched upon for veracity and context. - Research topics included community initiatives, issues related to gender, public health, workforce political development - Created, updated and maintained the organisations databases and spreadsheets Show less



ASSEMBLY THEATRE LTD., LONDON and Poorna Jagannathan Production

• After-Care Manager of Nirbhaya-The Play

  • Feb 2014 - Mar 2014

  Nirbhaya, is based on the violent, deadly gang rape in Delhi on December 16, 2012. It is written and directed by internationally celebrated writer-director Yael Farber, in collaboration with Assembly Theatre, Edinburgh. The public engagement programme worked with NGOs and experts in the field of sexual violence to create a forum after the performance to engage the audience in storytelling, advocacy and resource awareness. I led the effort to identify the leading NGOs and materials on sexual violence prevention, and managed the policy forum in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore where experts discussed the key issues surrounding this important topic. Key achievements: - Developed and strengthened partnerships between the production house and numerous stakeholders that included NGOs, civil society organizations (CSOs), media, policy practitioners, activists, political leaders, etc. - Identified NGOs and CSOs to participate in the policy forum in all the three cities where the play was to perform. Managed and compiled materials on sexual violence prevention where experts discussed policy measures and interventions surrounding the issue of violence against women - Led the efforts at engaging the audience in story-telling and advocacy by specifically focusing on men from amongst the audience to share their thoughts and experiences - Formed a unique platform network to unite multiple actors at the local and global level to work towards shared goals, viz, elimination of violence against women - Supervised and managed 36 - 42 staff members on each day of the plays performance. Was responsible for providing astute logistical and administrative support before, during and after the plays performance, ensured timely and smooth correspondence between all partners (some based in the UK) and employees, liaised with the media and drafted notes and articles to capture views and ideas shared during the policy forum Show less



Foundation for European Progressive Studies

• Belgium
• Think Tanks
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Research Assistant

  • Jun 2012 - Jun 2013

  I served as a research assistant to Dr. Klaus Voll, a retired German diplomat and my main role was to research and monitor resources that provide critical information on international political and economic issues. Furthermore, I was tasked with the responsibility of reviewing and analysing print media coverage related to foreign policy issues and initiatives through the study of international policy reports and overseas developments. - Performed extensive research on India’s political and economic ties with South Asian countries, analysed and assimilated political developments within India. - Worked in close collaboration with my foreign counterparts in Europe in the timely exchange of information and answering of queries, monitoring and evaluation of international developments and drafting of reports & research papers - Assisted the Director in preparing analysis and reports and kept him updated on the latest trends, developments and critical factors within the politico-economic sphere. - Responsible for providing regular administrative support. Show less



Centre for Social Research

• United Kingdom
• Book and Periodical Publishing

• Project Coordinator

  • Jan 2011 - Jun 2012

  - Spearheaded projects on women’s roles in social/political leadership & governance - Supervised development of India’s first certificate course in political leadership for women – “India -Women in Leadership Programme (i-WiL)”, in partnership with Centre for Public Policy at IIM Bangalore, UNWomen India and UNDP India. As the head, I undertook the following activities: - Instrumental in forming partnership with IIM Bangalore to bring them onboard the development of certificate course. Formed vital and trusting associations with private sector, government, media and civil society - Supervised project management, financial aspects and marketing strategies - Organised national level conferences on gender & empowerment issues - Pursued partnerships with policymakers, individuals, corporations, foundations to raise program visibility, resulting in full 100% scholarships for all program candidates - Monitored project goals, tracked program deliverables, evaluated and analysed program outcomes, documented lessons learned - Worked on various other projects related to domestic violence prevention with Interchurch Organization for Development Cooperation, Netherlands and German Embassy - Designed, monitored and conducted awareness workshops on climate change and water conservation for women community leaders in Rajasthan, India - Maintained existing donor relations and successfully pursued and formed new partnerships - Conducted gender sensitisation trainings, awareness & capacity building workshops; compiled timely project reports, annual reports, project impact assessments, newsletters and documented lessons learned, case studies and best practices - Responsible for the recruitment, training and supervision of domestic and international interns and single-handedly shaping their research projects through constant engagement and mentoring. - Since April 2012 onwards, I worked as a part-time consultant on the i-WIL certificate programme. Show less



Telelink Securities and Finance Ltd.

• Administrative Assistant

  • Mar 2007 - Oct 2008

  Telelinks Securities Finance Ltd. is a non-banking financial company based in Mumbai. My immediate duties were to assist the Director with the overall organizational development of the company and to follow up on clients. I also helped devise innovative methods to promote client friendly services which made it easier for clients to avail of and repay loans. The company at that time was looking to expand its operations by entering into the field of microfinance. I was selected to assist the team in studying the sector and the meticulous preparation of analytical reports on the feasibility of undertaking such a venture. Key achievements: - Assisted in organisational development, client communications, devised novel methods for client friendly services - Conducted thorough research and analysis on microfinance and compiled detailed reports and made presentations on the subject to evaluate the feasibility of undertaking a separate venture - Supervised staff and operational management and provided astute logistical and administrative support Show less