Pankaj Paresh Kanth

Dynamic development sector professional with 18+ years' experience in managing more than 25 programs in Skill Development, Capacity building, Entrepreneurship Development (EDP) and allied livelihood sectors. Extensive experience working with Central and State Government funded initiatives and other funding agencies across multiple states i.e. Bihar, Jharkhand, MP, CG, UP, Rajasthan, Asam, that create significant socio-economic impacts on 7,000+ beneficiaries.

Proven expertise in program leadership, strategic planning and implementation of flagship schemes such as DDU-GKY, PMKVY, Skill India Mission, Digital skilling etc. and regulatory compliance. Expertise includes operational management, leading multidisciplinary teams, new business sourcing, institutional capacity building and deliver sustainable outcomes through process optimization and risk mitigation.

Freelance Consultant - Livelihood Specialist - Freelance

(2024-01)

• Providing technical expertise guidance for skill development, livelihood and entrepreneurship programs for Employability Enhancement
• Guiding team for Implementation Planning, Budgeting, design strategies and Monitoring frameworks
• Mentoring for project performance review, mid-term Corrective Actions, capacity building and ensuring regulatory compliances
• Facilitating for employer collaboration and industry partnership, Conducting scheduled programs review for performance
• Framing social research and data collection framework along with data analysis and Report writing

Sr. Consultant - Functional Head - Shreeyam Foundation - Patna

(2020-06 - 2024-01)

Organization focus on Youth Employability, Women Empowerment, Livelihood, Education & Etc.

• Led organizational to ensure continuous growth, sustainability and transformation by designing, sourcing and implementing high-value projects in collaboration with aligned partner organizations.
• Enhanced operational efficiency by streamlining workflows, optimizing processes and introducing data-driven strategies to strengthen service delivery.
• Provided technical leadership and strategic direction to programs team for effective implementation and monitoring frameworks, ensuring delivery in line with industry needs and standard
• Expanded client outreach and stakeholder engagement, resulting in stronger partnerships and increased funding opportunities.
• Sourced and implemented new projects and funding opportunities, expanded project portfolios, increased reach and impact.
• Increased organizational turnover and achieved self-sustaining status.
• Developed implementation strategies, designed monitoring frameworks and optimized process to ensure impact, sustainability and regulatory compliances
• Enhanced outreach to women, youth, marginalized groups and rural communities.
• Overseeing planning & budgeting as well as risk mitigation to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Controlled fund flow management and validated financial transactions to ensure strict compliance with set policies and procedures.
• Strengthened operational efficiency through proactive program governance and stakeholder collaboration.

Consultant - National Head - Training & Capacity Building - All India Institute of Local Self Government (AILSG) - New Delhi

(2019-06 - 2020-05)

• Designed and implemented monitoring mechanisms, SOPs and performance frameworks to track progress, ensured regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.
• Led and mentored the Training & Quality Assurance team, ensuring high-quality training delivery and effective risk management through timely interventions.
• Monitored KPIs, identified bottlenecks, and facilitated rapid problem resolution to maintain operational efficiency.
• Advised senior management on project viability and feasibility, enabling informed decision-making.
• Supported proposal development, tender submissions, and stakeholder engagement, fostering strong partnerships and enabling seamless project execution.

Sr. Manager - Business Lead - Bihar & Jharkhand - The Skills Academy Pvt. Ltd. - New Delhi

(2016-12 - 2019-05)

• Led organization's business in the region, spearheaded overall programs, find out new business opportunity, validated its viability & feasibility and ensured proper implementation
• Provided strategic leadership across projects, ensured timely execution and optimal resource utilization.
• Developed and implemented detailed project plans, budgets and risk management strategies to drive operational efficiency.
• Strengthened government relationship and stakeholder collaboration through proactive coordination.
• Integrated key strategic initiatives with implementation to enhance project impact and long-term sustainability.
• Controlled continuous fund flow management and validated financial transactions to ensured strict compliance with set policies and procedures.
• Maintained communication channels between cross-functional teams and senior management, ensuring transparency, collaboration and instant decision-making.

Manager - State Head - Bihar - Laurus Edutech Pvt. Ltd. - Patna

(2014-06 - 2016-11)

• Led multiple projects simultaneously across Bihar ensuring achievement of all expected outcomes
• Managed budgetary planning and financial resource allocation, ensuring cost-effectiveness and compliance
• Oversaw end-to-end project operations, reviewed milestones, identified improvement areas and implemented corrective actions to minimize risks and ensure timely delivery.
• Strengthened community as well as stakeholder engagement and fostered strong stakeholder relationships, enabling smooth coordination and project acceptance at the grassroots level.
• Established a results-driven monitoring framework to track progress and enhanced accountability across project teams.

Executive - Cluster Lead - Centum Learning Ltd. - Patna/Jabalpur/Udaipur

(2012-08 - 2014-06)

• Spearheaded end-to-end project execution across 15-20 districts, overseeing the entire project lifecycle from planning to closure.
• Ensured optimal allocation and utilization of resources, including workforce, infrastructure, and financial assets, to maximize efficiency and impact.
• Directed multi-district operations, coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver on time, within budget, and in alignment with organizational goals.
• Implemented robust monitoring mechanisms to track progress, identify bottlenecks, and ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Facilitated seamless communication and coordination between internal teams, management and external partners for smooth project delivery.

Programme Coordinator - Global Foundation for Social Welfare & Educational Development - Patna

(2007-03 - 2011-07)

• Led the execution, coordination and monitoring of projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets and quality standards.
• Managed and mentored project teams, driving performance, accountability and goal achievement.
• Provided comprehensive office administrative support, streamlining operations and ensuring efficient workflow.
• Oversaw documentation, reporting and compliance processes to maintain accurate records and meet stakeholder requirements.

Masters - Rural Development - IGNOU

Rural Development Management - Rural Development Management - NIRD&PR, Hyderabad

Bachelor of Library & Information Science - Library & Information Science - Nalanda Open University, Patna

B.Sc. (Hons.) - Physics - Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Darbhanga

Intermediate - Science - Bihar Intermediate Education Council, Patna

Matriculation - Bihar School Examination Board, Patna