The ‘Head Coach - Senior Men’s National Team’ will report to the AIFF Secretary General and is accountable for the performance of the team in all matches and competitions it participates in during the term of the coach’s contract. The Head Coach will work closely with the National Team Department, the National Team Director and the Technical Director, to strengthen the position and performances of the Men’s Senior National Team.

Responsibilities:

* The primary role of the Head Coach - Senior Men’s National Team is to select, monitor, and prepare the Senior Men’s National Team (“National Team”) for the various matches and competitions played by the National Team including competitions of the FIFA and the AFC, and other international competitions, with the primary objective being to ensure that the National Team wins the maximum number of matches and competitions it participates in. In this regard, the role of the Head Coach - Senior Men’s National Team shall require the following:

- Design and implementation of a programme which identifies and maximizes the physical and mental abilities and potential of the players and support staff of the National Team;

- Design and implementation of team formations, systems and match tactics to suit the National Team and any relevant prevailing conditions;

- Maximisation of the use of all beneficial technology to plan and analyse the performance of the National Team;

- Scheduling, organisation, participation in and supervision of all necessary training sessions and, in this regard, implementation of training programmes;

- Scheduling, organisation and participation in every practice session and camp of the National Team; and

- Design and implementation of all necessary individually tailored development plans for players, to enhance their individual performance during matches, and to upgrade and improve player skills and fitness in the off-season.

Further, the Head Coach - Senior Men’s National Team shall:

* Report regularly to the AIFF Secretary General and the Technical Committee, and work in close cooperation with the National Team Department, the National Team Director and the Technical Director.

* Provide advice to the Secretary General and the Technical Director in respect of technical matters generally.

* Together with the relevant management team members of the AIFF, decide upon and recruit adequate support staff for the National Team.

* Communicate on a regular basis with the support staff, instruct and guide each of them regarding their work duties and expected performance, in line with and in consultation with AIFF.

* Together with any other relevant consultants, experts or employees of AIFF, suggest, implement and supervise appropriate facilities for the Teams and the Squad.

* Communicate with the National Team’s manager regarding travel arrangements.

* Keep himself informed and updated on the latest developments in football and adapt best practices for the continual improvement of the National Team.

* Lead and drive team culture and harmony with players and staff and to achieve professional excellence that aligns with AIFF’s expectations.

* Lead strategic, tactical, technical, team selection, and team culture direction of the National Team.

* Attend and lead the team at all matches, training sessions, and camps of the  National Team.

* Provide direction, support, and advice to coaching staff on all on-field matters relating to the National Team.

* Allocate tasks and duties to assistant coaches and manage their performance to meet expected standards.

* Work with National Team’s staff to ensure the team has the appropriate medical, conditioning, and other necessary support services.

* Liaise with the National Team’s  medical and physio staff with regard to rehabilitation/training and the availability of injured players.

* Cooperate with the Technical Director to assist in the mentoring of other Indian coaches.

* Mentor other national team (age-group and women) coaches from time to time, developing their coaching skills and effectiveness.

* Observe the performance of players and coaches in lower age-groups when not occupied with National Team scouting, camps, and competitions.

* Participate in seminars/workshops/conferences organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS)/ Sports Authority of India (SAI), as permitted by the National Team schedule.

* Advice the Secretary General and the National Team department on off-field matters relating to the National Team, when required.

* Provide advice and assessment of the performance of the National Team to the Secretary General, Technical Committee, Technical Director and the National Team Director. 

* Upon request, consult with the Technical Director and National Team Director in relation to the technical direction and development of football in India.

* Provide strong leadership to the playing and coaching groups that encourages a supportive team environment.

* Provide understanding of industry best practice with respect to talented player development, sports science, game plan and game sense, use of available technology, and skills development.

* Maintain positive working relationship with President, Secretary General, Technical Director, Media, and other relevant administrative staff.

* Maintain good working relationship and cooperation with the media and communications department.

* Mandatorily cooperate with AIFF on media and other appearances and promotions to meet commercial (including media, sponsor, and broadcast commitments) and game promotion requirements, including social media, website, and e-learning as directed by AIFF.

* Communicate with the AIFF’s media officer regarding possible press conferences, publications and other similar opportunities.

* If requested by AIFF attend and give press conference(s) or interview(s): prior to or after any match; and at any other reasonable time, which are traditionally given by a head coach/manager in respect of such occasions.

* Sign all such products and merchandise as AIFF requests including Teams’ shirts, photographs and footballs.

* Conduct any other media-related interviews, press conferences, or filming requests pre-approved by AIFF. Also, represent the Federation where requested at official functions, events, and initiatives.

* Build good relations with all club coaches in India, the AFC, FIFA and other football associations, federations and confederations.

* Maintain communications with domestic football clubs, specifically their coaches, as required by the AIFF/permitted by AIFF.

* Communicate effective and consistent media messages.

* Role model and ambassador of AIFF.

* Develop a sound working relationship with AIFF partners, corporate sponsors and media.

* Participate in the annual review of the Head Coach’s performance, conducted by Secretary General and the Technical Director.

Key Requirements – Football & Operational:

* Minimum of 10-15 years of coaching experience at the elite youth and senior level football.

* Experience as the first team coach (head coach) of the senior national team will be preferred with experience of coaching in the World Cup and continental championship qualifiers being an advantage.

* Minimum of AFC/UEFA Pro license or equivalent.

* Experience as a football player (not necessarily at the highest national level).

* Ability to further develop the current team/staff performance environment into a consistently successful one.

* Efficient – plan much in advance and make the best use of the available resources and deliver within the budget.

* Have the ability to be resourceful and manage the players and staff to a high level of football and personal excellence within budgetary guidelines.

* Sound experience in the management of relationships; understanding needs, cultural sensitivity, and working with AIFF partners including media and sponsors.

* Leadership, strategic, and networking skills.

* Willingness to share knowledge and mentor other national team and Indian coaches.

* A dynamic, confident communicator with the ability to adapt style and approach as and when required.

* Attention to detail and excellent organization skills.

* Ability to work in a team environment and to prioritize team objectives over individual objectives.

* Respectful – Create a truthful, hard-working environment that fosters a respectful atmosphere within the team and with other technical and administrative staff.

* Highest standards of professional and personal conduct, especially confidentiality, and respect for colleagues.

* Willingness to cooperate with and support AIFF’s media and digital requirements.

* Enthusiasm and willingness to be flexible in approach to achieve desired outcomes

Duration and Remuneration can be decided during the interview period

Interested candidates should mail their applications along with CVs, cover letter, and proof of relevant qualification at aiff@the-aiff.com with the subject as “Application for the Post of SNMT Head Coach - Name” and also state their expected remuneration. Only shortlisted candidates will be called, and they may be asked to make a presentation and/or attend an interview at a time and date which will be communicated on the e-mail ID provided by the shortlisted applicant.

AIFF reserves the right to cancel/reject the vacancy or applications without assigning any reason.