Private Sector Engagement Lead (Education & Skilling)
Job Description
An International Development Consulting firm is hiring for the profile of Private Sector Engagement lead.
Location: Mumbai, Ranchi, PatnaExperience: 7-10 years
About the role
The Private Sector Engagement Lead will work closely with State DoSELs, State Skill Missions, district officials, industry associations and CSRs to ensure girls in vocational education gain meaningful exposure to aspirational courses. We seek a strategic leader who will strengthen institutional employment mechanisms for school students, amplify On the Job Training /internship opportunities for girls in aspirational market-linked trades, and support the implementation of the state vocational education action plan.
Key Responsibilities- Analyse state, student and industry aspirations to develop a curated private sector engagement strategy.
- Work with states to develop state-specific SOPs for industry engagement, partnership pipelines, and employer databases.
- Build partnerships with local employers, MSMEs, and industry associations to expand structured OJTs, internships and apprenticeship (NAPS/CMAP) opportunities for girls.
- Support mobilisation of CSR partners to strengthen vocational education infrastructure and exposure opportunities.
- Support the state government in establishing and operationalising the State Employer Engagement Cell.
- Coordinate with schools, Vocational Training Providers (VTPs), and employers to ensure smooth OJT planning and execution.
- Ensure safe, compliant, and gender-responsive training environments for girls.
- Support the state department in organising localised career fairs and aspiration exercises in collaboration with industries and the State Skill Mission.
As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the Private Sector Engagement Lead may be required to undertake other duties broadly in line with the above key responsibilities, as determined by senior leadership.
Qualification & Experience
Educational Background
Master's degree in business administration, public policy, social sciences, or related field
Work Experience and Expertise- 7–10 years of professional experience in engaging with corporates, government departments, and donor agencies on education or skilling
- Track record of engaging with senior industry leaders and influencing organisational change.
- Strong understanding of gender and labour market dynamics in India.
- Experience building partnerships with local employers, MSMEs, or industry associations.
- Proven track record in implementing placement, apprenticeship, internship, or OJT programmes, highly desirable
- Experience working with state government systems preferred
- Strategic Thinking & Innovation: Ability to design and drive complex partnership models for social impact.
- Negotiation & Influence: Skilled in building high-level alliances with government and private players.
- Relationship Management: Proven ability to build trust with state officials and local employers.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication in English and the dominant state language