Project Lead (CSR - Jharkhand)

Job Summary: The Program Lead will oversee the implementation and management of programs within the designated area, ensuring that they are aligned with the organizations mission and strategic goals. This role involves supervising program operations, managing resources, building strong community and stakeholder relationships, and leading a team to achieve program outcomes. The Program Lead will ensure effective coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of district-level initiatives, working closely with local stakeholders and ensuring the sustainability and impact of programs.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Management and Implementation:

• Lead the implementation of district-level programs around clean energy, women skill development and livelihood, health, care-based projects in line with the organizations strategic objectives and mission.
• Ensure that all program activities are executed effectively, efficiently, and within budget while meeting key performance indicators (KPIs) an deliverables.
• Coordinate program logistics, field operations, and support services to ensure smooth execution of activities.
• Monitor program progress and adapt implementation plans as needed based on local needs, challenges, and opportunities.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL): Establish proper monitoring system for field execution and progress of projects, resource allocation and management as well as providing feedback for improvements

Stakeholder and Community Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local stakeholders, including government authorities, community leaders, local organizations, and other key partners.
• Interact directly with local entrepreneurs and engage and involve local communities through building trust, gathering insights, and driving participation in Dharma Life’s programs.
• Responsible for Planning & Mobilizing the day-to-day activities of social entrepreneurs and beneficiaries.

Budget and Financial Management:

• Develop and manage district-level program budgets, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to meet program needs.
• Monitor program expenses to ensure they are in line with approved budgets, manage procurement and distribution of materials and services in a cost-effective manner and provide regular financial reports to senior management

Team Leadership and Capacity Building:

• Identify training and capacity-building needs for team members and Lead, mentor, and support program staff and field teams, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary tools, skills, and knowledge for successful program execution.
• Monitor the performance of team to ensure efficiency in business operations

Strategic Leadership and Program Design:

• Provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership on how to improve program delivery, scale impact, and address emerging challenges as well as contribute to the design and planning of new initiatives, ensuring they are tailored to meet the specific needs of the district.

Reporting:

• Implement digital tools and platforms of Dharma Life – DL One App, Jaya and LUYM LMS, for real-time program tracking, reporting, and operational efficiency.
• Provide project updates on a consistent basis to various stakeholders about strategy, adjustments, and progress. Devise robust processes of qualitative and quantitative reports, follow ups and reviews from the overall project learning and reporting perspective.

Skills & Qualification required:

• A Postgraduate in Management /MBA from a Business School (from a Rural development/ Social Development background)
• At least 4 years of prior experience in the development sector, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role for program management.
• Experience working with social development organizations will be preferred in the capacity of client management, government projects. Preferably should have worked in the sector of women and child development, clean energy, skill development initiatives.
• Excellent project and time management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with community members, local leaders, with a culturally sensitive approach.
• Solution-oriented, with the ability to think strategically and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Hands on experience in rural areas. Strong geographical knowledge and connect is desirable
• Passion for Social Impact: A strong desire to work in the development sector and make a difference in underserved communities.
• Capacity to interpret data, understand impact metrics, and identify opportunities for program improvement.