Associate - Learning Hub

About CERP:

CERP is a leading independent social impact organization focused on improving decision making through rigorous research, advanced analytics, capacity building, data collection and advisory services. It strives to deepen the culture of evidence across public and private sectors, inspire

innovation, drive impact and improve lives.

About Learning Hub:

CERP’s Learning Hub is seeking an Associate to lead and manage key capacity-building and training initiatives. This role is ideal for professionals passionate about advancing development sector capabilities in Pakistan. The Associate will work closely with faculty, government partners, donors, and internal teams to design impactful training programs, lead high-stakes projects, and contribute to thought leadership in learning and development.

About Role:

The ideal candidate possesses a mix of economics, analytical, interpersonal & communications skills and is passionate about working with cross-functional groups to drive large-scale impact in Pakistan’s development sector. The Associate role is designed for people who are interested in contributing to the infrastructure of a rapidly

growing team, including:

• Project management of a portfolio of trainings focused on operational execution, encompassing financial management, client and stakeholder management, risk management, and the design and execution of projects.
• Lead donor-funded capacity-building programs, managing interactions across CERP verticals, with donors, participants, and relevant faculty.
• Assist in the design and implementation of training plans, leveraging expertise in economics, analytics, and education.
• Contribute to the development of strategic plans and initiatives to enhance the impact of the Learning Hub.
• Support work streams to ensure efficient execution of project deliverables.
• Coordinate outreach efforts to engage participants and stakeholders effectively.
• Facilitate trainings, workshops, and meetings to ensure high-quality learning experiences.
• Manage communication with vendors and partners to support project implementation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Management

• Lead the design and implementation of donor-funded training programs and capacity-building initiatives.
• Manage the end-to-end execution of large-scale training programs, including operational planning, logistics, stakeholder coordination, and participant engagement.
• Ensure on-time project delivery through effective risk management and resolution of operational challenges.
• Facilitate high-impact workshops, training sessions, and policy dialogues with a strong focus on learning outcomes and participant satisfaction.
• Oversee all aspects of program logistics, including onboarding, live delivery support, and post-training monitoring and evaluation.

2. Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate with donors, government stakeholders, faculty, and partner institutions to ensure smooth project execution.
• Develop communication and outreach strategies to engage diverse participant groups.
• Collaborate with national and international partners, NGOs, and government departments.

3. Budget & Financial Management

• Develop and manage program budgets in alignment with donor requirements and organizational policies.
• Monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgets and flag variances proactively.
• Coordinate with finance teams to ensure timely processing of payments, reimbursements, and financial reporting.
• Prepare financial reports for internal review and donor submission, ensuring accuracy and transparency.
• Support budget forecasting, cost optimization, and resource allocation for ongoing and future programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Education, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• 3–4 years of relevant work experience in training, development, education, or policy sectors.
• Experience managing large-scale programs and/or working with donor-funded projects.
• Willingness to travel for project implementation when required.

Skills Required:

• A positive, initiative-driven, can-do attitude
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Excellent writing and communication skills (in English and Urdu)
• Ability to design and evaluate training content, activities, and case studies.
• Comfortable with public speaking and facilitation of large groups.
• High attention to detail and ability to work independently under tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite; experience with virtual training platforms is a plus.