Program Coordinator – Sunbird Emerging Leaders’ Fellowship SELF | NGO Job in Northeast India

The development sector in India continues to expand with meaningful career opportunities for professionals who want to create long term social impact. One such exciting opportunity is the Program Coordinator role at Sunbird Trust under the Sunbird Emerging Leaders Fellowship SELF.

This role is ideal for young professionals with at least two years of experience who are passionate about education, youth empowerment, and working in underserved regions of India. Based in Northeast India including Manipur, Assam, and Meghalaya, this position offers not only a competitive salary but also the opportunity to work at the intersection of education, leadership development, and peace building.

In this detailed guide, you will find everything you need to know about the Program Coordinator role, including responsibilities, eligibility, salary, application process, and tips to apply successfully.

About Sunbird Trust

Founded in December 2014, Sunbird Trust is a non religious and non sectarian organization working towards the vision of peace through education in insurgency affected areas of Northeast India.

The organization focuses on empowering youth from underserved communities by providing access to quality education and opportunities for personal and professional growth. By doing so, it aims to prevent radicalization and enable young individuals to become self sufficient contributors to their families and communities.

Over the years, Sunbird Trust has made a significant impact across multiple states in Northeast India.

Key achievements include:

• Impacting more than 2,00,000 lives across project areas
• Supporting the education of over 9000 children
• Partnering with 100 institutions across six states
• Building 13 schools and 21 hostels
• Maintaining a team of 45 professionals from leading institutions
• Recognition through EdelGive Grow Fund and Azim Premji University
• Achieving Great Place to Work accreditation

This strong foundation makes Sunbird Trust one of the most impactful organizations working in the region.

About the Sunbird Emerging Leaders Fellowship SELF

The Sunbird Emerging Leaders Fellowship SELF is a 15 month structured fellowship designed for graduates who have been supported by Sunbird Trust.

The program focuses on bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real world professional skills. Fellows are placed in Sunbird locations where they work alongside experienced teams while undergoing targeted training and mentorship.

Program Objective

The main goal of the fellowship is to enhance employability among youth from conflict affected and underserved regions in Northeast India.

The program emphasizes:

• Professional mindset development
• Practical work experience
• Skill building in digital and technical areas
• Leadership and community engagement

This makes SELF a highly impactful initiative in shaping future leaders from the region.

Key Details of the Program Coordinator Role

Here is a quick overview of the opportunity:

Key Information	Details
Position	Program Coordinator SELF
Organization	Sunbird Trust
Location	Manipur, Assam, Meghalaya
Experience Required	Minimum 2 years
Salary	INR 5,40,000 CTC
Reporting To	Chief Operating Officer
Program Duration	15 months
Application Mode	Online

This role combines program management, training, mentoring, and stakeholder coordination, making it ideal for professionals looking to grow in the development sector.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Program Coordinator will be responsible for the end to end management of the SELF fellowship program. This includes design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.

Program Design

The coordinator will play a crucial role in shaping the structure of the fellowship.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing recruitment and selection processes
• Developing structured fellowship frameworks
• Collaborating with regional teams for contextual relevance
• Creating training modules for skill development
• Working with monitoring and evaluation teams

This stage ensures that the program remains relevant, effective, and aligned with organizational goals.

Program Implementation

Implementation is one of the most critical aspects of the role.

Responsibilities include:

• Recruiting and placing fellows across locations
• Coordinating with local stakeholders and teams
• Conducting training sessions on key skills
• Facilitating mentorship and experiential learning

The coordinator ensures smooth execution while maintaining high quality standards.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Tracking progress and measuring outcomes is essential for program success.

Key tasks include:

• Setting timelines and tracking frameworks
• Conducting weekly and monthly check ins
• Monitoring fellow performance
• Maintaining growth trackers

This ensures accountability and continuous improvement.

Location Based Support

The coordinator will work closely with local teams to support fellows on the ground.

Responsibilities include:

• Designing location specific plans
• Supporting community integration
• Addressing challenges faced by fellows

This role requires adaptability and strong interpersonal skills.

Closing and Transition

At the end of the fellowship, the coordinator ensures proper closure.

Key tasks include:

• Conducting exit interviews
• Supporting final presentations
• Managing knowledge transfer

This helps maintain continuity and program quality.

General Responsibilities

Additional responsibilities include:

• Managing documentation and appointment processes
• Ensuring timely stipend disbursement
• Connecting fellows with career opportunities
• Preparing reports for stakeholders
• Contributing to program budgets
• Maintaining alumni engagement systems

These responsibilities highlight the comprehensive nature of the role.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Program Coordinator position, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in any field

Work Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience
• Experience in fellowship programs or similar initiatives is preferred

Skills Required

Candidates should possess:

• Strong communication skills
• Proficiency in MS Office and English
• Knowledge of the social sector
• Excellent time management abilities
• Team collaboration skills
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Ability to work under tight deadlines
• Proactive and self motivated approach

These skills are essential for managing a dynamic and field based program.

Salary and Benefits

The compensation for this role is INR 5,40,000 per annum.

Apart from salary, the role offers:

• Opportunity to work in a high impact NGO
• Hands on experience in program management
• Exposure to Northeast India’s development challenges
• Networking with sector professionals
• Career growth in the social sector

For professionals seeking meaningful careers, this role offers both financial stability and purpose.

Why This Role is Important

The Program Coordinator plays a central role in ensuring the success of the SELF fellowship.

This position directly contributes to:

• Youth empowerment in conflict affected regions
• Strengthening education ecosystems
• Building future leaders in underserved areas
• Supporting long term peace and development

In many ways, this role goes beyond a typical job and becomes a platform for real change.

Application Process

The selection process is structured and competitive.

Steps include:

Preliminary screening of applications
Pre work assignment
Personal interviews
Reference checks

Candidates are encouraged to prepare thoroughly for each stage.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply through the official application form:

Apply now

It is advisable to apply early as positions in reputed NGOs like Sunbird Trust attract strong competition.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

If you are planning to apply for this role, here are some practical tips:

Highlight Relevant Experience

Showcase your experience in:

• Program management
• Fellowship or training initiatives
• Community engagement

Demonstrate Impact

Quantify your achievements wherever possible. For example:

• Number of beneficiaries impacted
• Programs managed
• Outcomes achieved

Showcase Sector Knowledge

Demonstrate your understanding of:

• Development sector challenges
• Northeast India context
• Youth and education issues

Prepare for Interviews

Be ready to discuss:

• Leadership experiences
• Problem solving approaches
• Real life case scenarios

A strong application can significantly improve your chances of selection.

Career Growth Opportunities

Working as a Program Coordinator in a reputed NGO opens multiple career pathways.

You can grow into roles such as:

• Program Manager
• Fellowship Lead
• Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
• Social Impact Consultant

This role can serve as a stepping stone for leadership positions in the development sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior experience in Northeast India required

Not mandatory, but understanding the region can be an added advantage.

Is this a field based role

Yes, the role involves working closely with local teams and fellows in different locations.

What type of candidates are ideal for this role

Candidates who are proactive, adaptable, and passionate about social impact.

Can freshers apply

No, a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience is required.

Conclusion

The Program Coordinator role for the Sunbird Emerging Leaders Fellowship SELF is a unique opportunity for professionals who want to build a meaningful career in the development sector.

With a strong focus on youth empowerment, education, and leadership development, this role allows you to contribute directly to transforming lives in Northeast India.

If you are passionate about social change, program management, and working in diverse environments, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Apply now and take the next step towards a purpose driven career.