Program Manager – Rural and Strategic Livelihoods
- Company
Azim Premji Foundation
- Location
Bengaluru(Karnataka)
- Employment Type
Full-Time
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Functional Category
Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
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Experience
10 - 15 years
- Date Posted
05-Aug-2025
- Application Deadline
20-Aug-2025
About Azim Premji Foundation
We focus on providing quality education to all, through the country’s vast network of government schools. Collaborations are key to our work, and we work with governments on various aspects of school education: such as enhancing capacity, knowledge and perspective of teachers and other functionaries in the field, textbook and curricula development and encouraging better practices in schools.
Overview of the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional for our work on rural and strategic livelihoods. This role combines grant-making and program management with the strategic development of innovative scalable livelihood models. It requires both a deep understanding of grassroots rural realities and the ability to conceptualize and support systemic change that enhances income security and economic empowerment of marginalized communities. The role involves identifying evaluating and supporting interventions across farm off-farm non-farm and forest-based livelihoods — including through civil society organizations social enterprises and ecosystem partnerships — and leveraging markets institutions and technology.
Job Description
Identify emerging trends approaches and scalable models across rural livelihoods — with a focus on income diversification value chain strengthening and economic inclusion.
Provide thought leadership on integrated agribusiness non-farm enterprises forest-based livelihoods and digital innovation for market access and financial inclusion.
Engage and support CSOs working with small and marginal farmers traditional artisans and other vulnerable communities; manage grant relationships and support high-quality program delivery.
Support internal teams in knowledge building program design and ongoing grant implementation.
Manage the disbursal of high-impact grants within the organisation in an individual capacity
Ensure alignment of grant proposals and programmatic initiatives with the Foundation’s values and due diligence protocols.
Travel extensively to engage with partners field teams and communities.
Required & Preferred Qualifications
Skill
Strong understanding of value chains agribusiness non-farm/forest-based livelihoods and sustainable development approaches.
Proven ability to manage grants mentor teams and contribute to organisational learning and innovation.
Excellent analytical project management communication and interpersonal skills.
High level of initiative self-direction and problem-solving ability.
Willingness to travel extensively across rural geographies.
Education
Master’s degree in Rural Development Agriculture Economics Social Policy Business Administration or a related field (Bachelor’s with exceptional experience may be considered).
Experience
10–15 years of relevant experience in rural livelihoods with a mix of grassroots implementation and strategic program development. Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale rural livelihoods programs and/or CSO partnerships.
Company Policies
Learning & Development
Upskilling