Head - Policy, Systems & Program Architecture

Competency: Policy analysis, systems thinking, program architecture, government process literacy, documentation.

Job Mode: Onsite

Reports To: Founder & CEO / Board of Directors

Location: New Delhi (HQ) · Multi-state travel

ROLE PURPOSE

RightWalk's core identity is as a policy-to-outcomes institution builder. This role is the intellectual and architectural engine of that identity. The Head – Policy, Systems & Program Architecture owns the R and I of the RIGHT model: Redesign (policy co-shaping) and Institutionalize (systems design). Everything that becomes RightWalk standard must pass through this function. This role ensures that what works in one state becomes codified, transferable, and replicable — not tribal knowledge locked in people's heads.

This role owns the institutional architecture of RightWalk's work: policy reform logic, system design, program models, SOPs, quality thresholds, PMU blueprints, exit criteria and codification of what works across states. It protects the organisation's identity as a systems-change institution.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Policy reform logic and standards

• Own the policy reform logic across RightWalk's domains — Education (RTE), Livelihood (Apprenticeship), and Health — including policy interpretation, rights-based reasoning, and advocacy positioning.
• Define non-negotiable standards for program design and implementation fidelity.
• Support government-facing policy/process improvements through evidence and design.
• Set non-negotiable program standards: define quality thresholds, entry/exit criteria, and program fidelity benchmarks across all states.
• Lead policy domain heads (Education, Livelihood, Health) and guide specialist analysts.
• Engage with government counterparts, NITI Aayog, and central ministries on policy refinement.

2. Systems and process architecture

• Design institutional systems: SOPs, process flows, governance structures, government-technology interface specifications, and central-state system alignment.
• Translate policy intent into implementable system designs.
• Develop templates for process mapping, bottleneck analysis and system redesign.
• Work with technology and data teams to ensure digital tools reflect real administrative workflows.

3. Program architecture and playbooks

• Own the codification of what works — convert state-level learning into replicable playbooks, training curricula, and toolkits.
• Translate policy intent into executable program architecture — the bridge between reform logic and PMU operations.
• Define what must be standardised centrally and what can be adapted by states.
• Develop exit and transition criteria for government ownership.
• Ensure each program has clear logic from policy intent to beneficiary outcome.

4. Codification and replication

• Capture state innovations and convert them into RightWalk standards.
• Sign off on any new program design or modification before state rollout — the fidelity gate for all RightWalk programs.
• Build knowledge products that support scale, training, donor communication and government adoption.

5. Cross-functional alignment

• Partner with the Data/M&E function on KPI definitions, indicator frameworks, and learning loops.
• Work with Programs to test architecture in real state contexts.
• Work with Tech/Product to translate workflows into digital requirements.
• Work with Communications to ensure public narrative reflects real systems work.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE — SIX MONTHS

• RightWalk has a clear, documented policy and program architecture for each of its three domains — living documents that are used, not just filed.
• Every PMU in every state is working from a consistent playbook — not inventing their own approach.
• SOP and playbook structure created for major programs.
• The RightWalk Standard exists — a codified set of quality thresholds and fidelity benchmarks that any state PMU can be assessed against.

WHAT THIS ROLE DOES NOT DO

• Running state execution or managing PMU field teams.
• Owning donor relationships or fundraising proposals.
• Communications and media strategy.
• Data collection or field M&E.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Experience: 12–18 years. Prior experience at the intersection of policy and systems — could be government, a policy think-tank, a development consulting firm, or a senior implementation NGO role.
• Domain: Deep familiarity with at least one of RightWalk's domains: education (RTE), labour/apprenticeship, or public health systems.
• Government literacy: Ability to work with government drafting — GOs, policy circulars, SOP design — not just analysis.
• Writing: Exceptional writing and documentation discipline — can produce policy briefs, system blueprints, and playbooks independently.
• Mindset: Architecture mindset: thinks in systems, process flows, and standards — not just programmes.
• Backbone: Comfortable holding the line on quality and fidelity even under pressure from execution teams.

Success traits: Architecture mindset, clarity, strong writing, humility to learn from the field, courage to define standards, ability to hold complexity without drowning everyone in it.