SWAHA SAHOO
Summary
A leader with 20+ years of experience in the social impact space, with 10 years in philanthropy. I am focused on building organisation vision and mission, staff culture, and sustainable program design and delivery within large complex education systems, team building, equitable learning opportunities and inclusion. I am passionate about the future of learning, building student agency and resilience, and advocate lifelong learning in an ever changing and complex world.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Centre for Intrinsic Motivation
07.2023 - Current
- Set up Centre for Intrinsic Motivation (CIM), a social impact initiative that explores the role of motivation and agency within large complex education systems
- Set organization direction and developed strategies and tactics to fulfill mission
- Promoted public awareness of mission through outreach, advocacy and online presence
- Championed financial sustainability by implementing a cost-reduction strategy that optimized vendor contracts, achieving annual savings while maintaining service quality and operational efficiency across departments
- Orchestrated a culture shift towards performance-driven metrics, leading to the establishment of quarterly review sessions; this initiative improved employee alignment with organizational goals and increased engagement
- Developed and sustained partnerships with donors, research institutions, governments, CSRs and Foundations
India Country Director
STiR Education
07.2021 - Current
- Lead the vision and quality implementation of STiR’s work in India
- Set up the state program teams and government partnerships across 3 states
- Provide exemplary leadership and support to the team and leaders
- Act as the STiR ambassador in India and contribute to its global goals, fundraising & strategy
- Build innovation and agility within program design and delivery to respond to sector needs
- Guide and motivate staff to drive maximum performance.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships to promote positive work culture.
Head, Parag Initiative
Tata Trusts
07.2015 - 06.2021
- Spearheaded the successful implementation of the Tata Trusts' Pan India reading program known as Parag Initiative, fundamentally empowering children's foundational language competencies.
- Led the growth of a diverse team, increasing member count from 1 to 14 while working alongside cross-functional teams in 7 states
- Facilitated improved communication strategies to enhance teamwork and organizational vision.
- Led all aspects of the initiative, including strategy development and administration of a budget valued at INR 250 million.
- Advocated industry knowledge and promoted ideas through published articles and influential thinking in the field
- Enabled enhanced learning outcomes by closely working with aspirational districts in Maharashtra,Karnataka,Rajasthan,and UP to establish vibrant libraries
- Ensured alignment of program outcomes with targeted SDGs including quality education, gender equality, and reduced inequalities.
- Developed and maintained new collaborations with grantees, state governments, CSRs, and Foundations
- Acknowledged as a subject matter expert; represented Parag at prestigious international conferences such as the London Book Fair and Frankfurt Buchmesse.
Programme Manager, Elementary Education
Tata Trusts
12.2011 - 06.2015
- Crafted specialized programmes and obtained grants focusing on school libraries, facilitating the expansion of children’s literature in Indian languages. Furthermore, formulated capacity building modules specifically tailored to meet the needs of teachers and librarians.
- Partnered with grantees in the identification, evaluation, and finalization of proposals. Conducted field visits for a comprehensive understanding of project execution and offered support as needed. Assessed grants' efficacy through reviews and impact evaluations.
- Oversaw the completion of Utilization Certificates, narrative reports and audit requirements.
- Designed and implemented pilots for teacher professional development
- Contributed to the development of the Parag Initiative's strategic direction by co-creating an innovative five-year strategy and vision document, coupled with an actionable project implementation plan.
Special Correspondent
Hindustan Times
03.2008 - 08.2010
- Facilitated high-level discussions with 15+ senior officials at the Niti Ayog and Minsters of Education, extracting critical insights that shaped strategic recommendations for improving educational outcomes in the national policy framework
- Specialized in researching and analyzing critical aspects of education: first generation learners, implementing the Right to Education Act, child rights, and teacher shortages
- Researched higher education policy and practice in depth, engaging with prestigious institutions such as Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, state and central universities, and colleges
- Researched and wrote extensively about NGOs implementing innovative work to support education policy
Senior Reporter
The Indian Express
11.2006 - 01.2008
Reporter
Hindustan Times
06.2004 - 11.2006
Education
MA in International Education & Development -
University of Sussex
Brighton, United KingdomProfessional Certificate Programme, Applied Behavioral Science -
Ashoka University
New DelhiSkills
- Strategic Planning
- Team leadership, training, and development
- Leadership Development
- Communications strategy
- Budgeting and financial management
- Excellent Interpersonal Communication
- Building & Sustaining partnership
- Grant Management
- Program Management
- Operational planning
- Dealing with Ambiguity & Change
Awards
- The Educational Initiatives Award, 2019 (https://www.tatatrusts.org/media/events/parag-tata-trusts-publication-initiative)
- Fully Funded World Bank Graduate Scholarship, 2010
Timeline
Executive Director
Centre for Intrinsic Motivation
07.2023 - Current
India Country Director
STiR Education
07.2021 - Current
Head, Parag Initiative
Tata Trusts
07.2015 - 06.2021
Programme Manager, Elementary Education
Tata Trusts
12.2011 - 06.2015
Special Correspondent
Hindustan Times
03.2008 - 08.2010
Senior Reporter
The Indian Express
11.2006 - 01.2008
Reporter
Hindustan Times
06.2004 - 11.2006
MA in International Education & Development -
University of Sussex
Professional Certificate Programme, Applied Behavioral Science -
Ashoka University
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