About the Program Schools of Excellence (SoE) is a transformative project launched in 2022 by the Tamil Nadu School Education Department. The initiative aims to transform 28 selected schools across Tamil Nadu’s key corporations and municipalities into excellent institutions of holistic education. Job Description The Associate / Senior Associate – Data Analyst will play a key role in strengthening data systems, monitoring programme performance, and generating actionable insights for the Vetri Palligal initiative. Roles & Responsibilities: • Data Management & Quality Assurance: Collect, clean, validate, and maintain programme datasets from multiple sources, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely availability of data for reporting. • Data Analysis & Insights: Analyse programme data to identify trends, implementation gaps, and performance patterns, and translate findings into actionable recommendations for state leadership. • Dashboard & Reporting: Develop and maintain dashboards, trackers, and periodic reports that monitor key programme indicators and support review meetings with internal and government stakeholders. • Monitoring & Evaluation Support: Support monitoring frameworks by tracking key performance indicators, conducting data validation exercises, and contributing to programme reviews and evaluations. • Data Systems & Process Improvement: Strengthen data collection and reporting processes by creating standardised templates, documentation, and workflows that improve data quality and operational efficiency. Preferred Education Qualification / Experience: • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Statistics, Data Analytics, Economics, Computer Science, Public Policy, Management, or a related field. • Minimum 1–3 years of experience in data analysis, MIS, monitoring and evaluation, or a similar analytical role, preferably within the public or development sector. • Experience working with large datasets and government reporting systems is highly desirable. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge: • Proficiency in Tamil (reading and writing). • Understanding of data analysis, data validation, and reporting methodologies. • Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation concepts is desirable. Skills: • Advanced proficiency in Google Sheets, including formulas, pivot tables, lookups, and dashboards. • Proficiency in Excel for data cleaning and analysis. • Experience with Power BI, Looker Studio, Tableau, or similar visualisation tools is preferred. • Basic knowledge of SQL and data management is an added advantage. Mindsets: • Attention to detail with a high standard of data accuracy. • Curiosity to identify patterns and generate meaningful insights. • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholders. • Systems thinking to understand how data informs programme implementation and policy decisions. Other Information: • Scope: Full time • Designation: Senior Associate to Lead • Reporting to: Assistant Manager, Schools of Excellence • Remuneration: Rs. 4,50,000 - 6,00,000, negotiable based on the candidate’s profile • Expected Joining Date: June • Location: Chennai Minimum commitment: Two years