CREA
Location: New Delhi
Reporting: Executive Director (India & Global)
Working Hours: 40 hours per week (full-time)
Duration: 1 year (renewable depending upon requirement, funding situation and performance)
Expected Start Date: Immediate
The Director, Programs and Innovation will lead the design, development and implementation of CREA’s programs, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s strategic goals and feminist values. The role requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of gender, sexuality and human rights issues, especially in the global South, and will be expected to carry forward CREA’s standing as a thought leader in the sector.
The Director, Programs and Innovation will provide strategic leadership for all programs. Reporting to both Executive Directors (India & Global), the Director, Programs and Innovation will oversee program design, planning, budgeting and execution while fostering collaboration across teams. The role involves representing CREA at various platforms and assisting the EDs with programmatic, fundraising and networking initiatives, implementing innovative strategies, coordinating with partners and keeping the Board of Directors updated on new developments or initiatives. This entails working with program leads and team members across the organisation as well as with external sector experts.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic planning and innovation
- Lead and ensure continuous alignment of programs with CREA’s Strategic Plan, offering innovative strategic and visionary leadership as the plan evolves.
- Lead the development and implementation of the new Strategic Plan (2026-2030) in collaboration with the Executive Directors and senior leadership.
Partnership Development
- Engage, cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners and community organisations.
- Represent CREA at national and international forums, advocating for the organisation’s mission and programs.
- Collaborate with other leaders in the human rights and feminist movements to identify opportunities for collective impact.
Program Leadership and Team Management
- Provide strategic guidance to program teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment to ensure programmatic and team success.
- Monitor and evaluate program performance and ensure that programs are delivered on time, within scope and budget.
- Identify opportunities for new programs and initiatives that align with CREA’s mission and values.
- Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring the effective use of resources.
- Manage a team of 3-4 program leads as well as hold overall charge of program staff across the organisation.
Fundraising
- Set the direction for strategic plans and create pathways for mobilising the required resources.
- Initiate implementation of the CREA model with innovative collaborations with other stakeholders and organisations to enhance sustainability.
- Oversee all donor-related responsibilities across programs and projects, including narrative reports and other donor requirements.
- Collaborate across teams to develop compelling funding proposals that align with CREA’s mission and strategic priorities.
- Ensure that funding proposals are well-written, persuasive and tailored to meet the requirements of different donors and funding agencies.
Advocacy and Communications
- Develop and implement advocacy strategies to advance CREA’s programmatic goals.
- Oversee the creation of communication materials that effectively convey the impact and importance of CREA’s work.
- Engage with media and other platforms to promote CREA’s programs and initiatives.
Other Functions
- Perform other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring efficient and effective functioning.
Life at CREA
Founded in 2000, CREA is an international feminist human rights organization based in New Delhi, India. It is one of the few feminist human rights organizations based in the global South, led by Southern feminists, working at community, national, regional, and international levels. Together with partners from a diverse range of human rights movements and networks, CREA’s work focuses on building feminist leadership, strengthening movements, expanding sexual and reproductive freedoms, promoting rights- based approaches to reducing gender-based violence (GBV), and advancing the human rights of structurally excluded people.
- We like to think of ourselves as a fearless, interrogative, colorful, edgy, sexy flock of birds flying freely to explore, to imagine and to build freedoms together.
- If you are one who is ready to challenge the system when it is needed, you could be one of us.
- If you believe you wish to build a world where an individual must have the agency and right to make choices about sexuality, reproduction and human rights, then you will find the room to explore here.
- Constant learning and sharing of knowledge is an expectation that team members have from CREA, and CREA from team members.
Qualifications and Experience
- A minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience in social change organisations (NGO and/or INGO) with at least ten (10) years in leadership positions
- A master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., gender studies, women’s studies, international human rights, other social sciences and/or philanthropy)
- Experience supporting or leading systems-change initiatives, demonstrating an understanding of complex, interconnected issues and the ability to drive transformative change
- Demonstrated experience in leading and managing complex programs, including strategic planning, budget management and team leadership
- Strong understanding of feminist principles and a commitment to advancing gender equality and human rights
- Proven track record of successful stakeholder engagement and partnership development
- Knowledge and demonstrated ability to create successful fundraising proposals
- Excellent communication and advocacy skills, with the ability to represent CREA effectively at various forums
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and diverse environment
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on results and impact
- Ability to inspire a diverse group of colleagues and provide clear direction and motivation
- Flexibility to work across time zones
- Strong proficiency in verbal and written English
- A valid permit to work in India
- Willingness to travel extensively (approx. 40% of the work time)
- Being recognised in feminist movements as a thoughtful leader who is widely networked, within the funding community as well as with a range of experts and activists, will be an added advantage.
Note: This job description is a general outline of the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the role and may include additional responsibilities to realign with the specific needs of the organisation.
We Offer:
We are committed to providing a working environment with constant learning and equal opportunity for all. We co-create an inclusive environment where diversity is valued. The salary range for this position is INR 3,25,000–5,50,000 per month depending on the candidate’s qualifications and experience and the organisation’s internal equity.
Leaves / Holidays
- 20 days of annual leave
- 12 holidays as per the CREA list of holidays
- 12 days of sick/casual leave per year
- 01 week of winter break at the end of the year
