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Selection of Programme Officer — Pilot Projects, CIS-A2K

Posted by Nitika Tandon at Sep 10, 2013 10:05 AM |
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The Centre for Internet & Society (CIS) opened applications for the post of Programme Officer, Pilot Projects for its Access to Knowledge (A2K) Programme on 17th April 2013. The vacancy and call for applications was shared on all Indian language mailing lists, city mailing lists as well as Village Pumps.

Last date of submitting applications was 30th April which was later extended for another week. By the first week of May we had received 35 applications.

First level of shortlisting
Applicants were given an assignment where they had to write at least one new article on their respective language Wikipedia projects (though we encouraged them to write more than one article if they liked). Asking them to write new articles on Wikipedia was a way to assess their seriousness and level of commitment towards this job. Applicants who failed to submit their written assignment were outright rejected in this level. Amongst the ones that did complete the assignment were assessed on the basis of their relevant work experience and skills that matched requirements of the job profile. CIS-A2K assessed these applicants on different parameters such as:

  • Exposure to digital domain
  • Exposure in community driven projects
  • Exposure of working with schools of performing arts or cultural departments
  • Prior experience of working in multi-cultural environment
  • Prior experience in program design and management
  • Exposure to Wikimedia projects and community
  • Technical work experience

In this level, 9 applicants were rejected due to failure of completing the assignment and 1 applicant pulled out. Out of the remaining 25 applicants, CIS-A2K shortlisted 15.

Second level of shortlisting
Vishnu and Nitika conducted one hour Skype interviews with each of the shortlisted candidates. CIS-A2K tried to assess candidates on their:

  • Understanding and passion for Wikimedia movement and projects
  • Level of understanding of the job profile
  • Level of understanding of open source, open access, open standards.
  • Clarity of thinking and communication skills
  • Ability to work with teams and communities
  • Experience  / understanding of community mobilisation & outreach
  • Skills in project management
  • Comfort with working in unstructured environments
  • Ability to learn new things and approach unfamiliar situations
  • Personal passions and interests

    • On the basis of Skype conversations, CIS-A2K shortlisted 6 candidates out of 15 for the next level.

    Third level of shortlisting
    At this stage one more applicant pulled out and remaining 5 were called for personal interviews to our Bangalore office. All participants were requested to come prepared to present on the topic of 'Performing Arts and Wikipedia' for 10 mins. Each interview lasted for approximately an hour. Towards the closure of the day all participants were requested to gather where each one of them showcased their presentations. This further led to an interesting group discussion.

    CIS-A2K had requested Wikimedia India to select someone from the Chapter who could be involved in the selection process and we're glad that Sowmyan Tirumurti, Executive Manager of Wikimedia Chapter could join us for a little while on the day of personal interviews.

    Final Selection
    Based on all the parameters and levels of interviews, CIS-A2K decided to extend the offer to Syed Muzammiluddin for the position of Programme Officer - Pilot Projects. Muzammil's experience, skills and interest matched our requirements the best and we look forward to a long and successful relationship with him.