Sr Specialist SEL

This role requires a senior-level professional who can operate at the intersection of policy design, program implementation, field systems strengthening, and capacity building. The Specialist will contribute to shaping large-scale academic and SEL interventions while ensuring deep contextual alignment with the needs of first-generation learners and tribal communities. 

The position demands both strategic thinking and ground-level execution, with regular engagement across state, district, and school ecosystems. The Specialist will work closely with AD&TW leadership, district officials, school heads, and teachers to institutionalise sustainable improvements in learning outcomes and student well-being. 

Core Role and Responsibilities 

Review and Integration of SEL Content 

• Lead the design and contextualization of SEL frameworks aligned to the needs of tribal and Rural students in residential school settings 
  

• Integrate SEL into academic processes, ensuring alignment between educational and co-curricular components 
  

• Embed SEL practices into classroom transactions through structured activities, reflection prompts, and discussion tools 
  

• Develop and strengthen SEL components within teacher handbooks and instructional resources 
  

• Align SEL integration with broader academic strategies across GTR, EMRS, and ADW schools 
  

• Design student-facing programs (life skills, mentorship, career guidance) grounded in SEL principles 
  

• Ensure SEL approaches are culturally responsive and relevant to first-generation learners 
  

Domain Research and Content Understanding 

• Conduct continuous research on best practices in SEL, curriculum design, and tribal/residential education models 
  

• Develop a strong contextual understanding of the Tamil Nadu education ecosystem and AD&TW priorities 
  

• Contribute to academic strategy design, including curriculum implementation and assessment strengthening 
  

• Translate research insights into actionable program design and content frameworks 
  

• Undertake regular field visits to gather qualitative and quantitative insights from schools and communities 
  

• Use field learnings to refine content, adapt strategies, and improve program relevance 
  

• Build and contribute to a knowledge base to inform programmatic and policy-level decisions 
  

Quality Assurance and Teaching Support 

• Design and institutionalize teacher professional development systems on pedagogy, SEL, and inclusive practices 
  

• Develop training modules, SOPs, facilitation guides, and implementation frameworks for scale 
  

• Support and co-facilitate high-quality teacher training sessions across districts 
  

• Establish monitoring and evaluation systems to track program quality and training effectiveness 
  

• Analyze feedback and data to drive continuous improvement in content and delivery 
  

• Conduct classroom observations and implementation reviews to ensure fidelity and quality 
  

• Coordinate with stakeholders (AD&TW, districts, school leaders) to ensure smooth execution and alignment 
  

Candidate Profile 

• 5–7+ years of experience in the education sector, with expertise in curriculum design, teacher training, academic programs, or SEL 
  

• Strong understanding of Tamil Nadu’s education system, especially government, residential, and Tribal community contexts 
  

• Experience working with tribal communities, first-generation learners, or large-scale public education programs preferred 
  

• Strong facilitation, training, and program design skills, with proficiency in Tamil (speaking required; reading/writing preferred) 
  

• Strong analytical and planning abilities, with experience in data tracking, reporting, and use of MS Office and Google Suite tools