Government Relations Lead

Location: Delhi, with travel to govt offices across regions
Experience: 8-10 years
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience

Karya

Karya is pioneering the world’s first ethical data platform, founded in 2021 in Bengaluru, India. The company is on a mission to create accelerated pathways out of poverty by offering dignified digital work to underserved communities, while delivering high-quality datasets to the world’s leading AI companies. Karya’s innovative platform breaks complex AI data tasks into micro-tasks, distributing them to individuals in rural and low-income regions, enabling them to earn nearly 20 times the Indian minimum wage.

With more than 50 million tasks completed and over 100,000 workers impacted, Karya stands out by blending technology with social impact. The company champions inclusivity by creating culturally sensitive AI training data and supports multiple Indian languages and dialects, extending its reach globally into Kenya and Ethiopia. Karya’s work has been recognized internationally, featuring on the cover of Time Magazine and acknowledged by leaders like Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Supported by giants like Microsoft, Google, and the Gates Foundation, Karya is shaping a fairer future where AI benefits everyone, especially those traditionally left behind.

Role

Karya is seeking a Government Relations Lead to be a key driver in scaling its impact by developing and managing strategic partnerships with central, state, and district government stakeholders. This role will also involve navigating public policy trends and engaging with think tanks, civil society organisations (CSOs), and policy advocates to align external ecosystem initiatives with Karya’s goals.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain networks with key government officials across relevant ministries and departments at multiple government levels to secure partnerships that support Karya’s mission of unlocking digital work opportunities
• Engage government departments and stakeholders to gain large-scale buy-in for Karya’s initiatives
• Map and engage strategically with external stakeholders, including policymakers, think tanks, and CSOs, to present Karya's initiatives effectively
• Monitor and analyse national and state policy landscapes for strategic insights and intelligence
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment of government partnerships with organisational objectives
• Support execution of government-related projects at scale, including substantial travel (up to 40%) and working from various government offices

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Business, or related field
• 8-10 years' experience working with and managing government stakeholders, with a strong understanding of the Indian policy and government landscape
• Proven project management skills with the ability to handle multiple stakeholders and large-scale initiatives
• Exceptional relationship-building and collaboration skills
• Strong people management and leadership capabilities
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Commitment to Karya’s core values: Dignity, Empathy, and Rigour

Nice-to-Have:

• Experience in the gig economy or social enterprises
• Knowledge of OKR-based performance tracking
• Experience mentoring teams to enhance collaboration and productivity
• Personal or professional experience with the communities Karya serves
• Knowledge or experience in AI and data labeling operations

Benefits

• Competitive salary with perks and career growth opportunities
• Flexible vacation and work-from-home options
• Industry-standard insurance and benefits
• Access to industry networks and learning opportunities
• Work in a mission-driven, inclusive, fast-growing environment

Apply

Karya is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact hr@karya.in.