Head of Operations, Programmes and Services

Overview of the role:

Are you looking for an opportunity to take ownership, drive results, and make an impact?

Are you passionate about entrepreneurship?

Dharma Life is looking for a Head of Operations to help shape and scale the impact across 15 states of India. We are an award-winning social impact organization committed to driving inclusive progress across rural India through transformative initiatives in women and child development. Our work is powered by a robust network of 20,000 rural women change agents, known as Dharma Life Entrepreneurs, who act as catalysts for positive change within their communities. This impact is further amplified by Dharma Life Labs, which leverages data-driven insights, cutting-edge innovation, and technology-driven solutions to enhance and scale our efforts, ensuring sustainable and measurable outcomes.

Reporting to the Founder and CEO, in this role you will drive field operations and program excellence for Dharma Lifes interventions in Climate Action, Care Economy, Women's Livelihood, and Health & Hygiene. The role integrates program management based on research components, financial aspects, monitoring, evaluation, learning, and stakeholder collaboration while leveraging technological innovation. You will be a key member of our team, contributing to our 2030 vision of empowering 10 million women to join Indias expanding workforce while strengthening the network of Dharma Lifes women entrepreneurs.

Application Process

Submit your application to email - careers@dharmalife.com

Expectations from the role

Program Management and MEL

• Lead program implementation in clean energy, women livelihood (Jaya), health, care-based projects ensuring alignment with KPIs/deliverables.
• Develop and manage MEL frameworks to evaluate program outcomes and guide strategic decisions. Translate evaluation insights into actionable program improvements.

Budgeting and Financial Management

• Prepare, monitor, and optimize program budgets to ensure cost-effectiveness and compliance. Ensure adherence to financial and donor reporting requirements, conducting due diligence and sustainability reporting.
• Oversee procurement and resource allocation to achieve operational efficiency.

Team Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build, mentor and guide team, building competencies and accountability across program operations
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders like DL Labs, DL Society and external stakeholders, to align operations with strategic priorities.Lead efforts to enhance stakeholder communication and transparency through reporting and field engagement.

Strategic Leadership

• Think, design and implement tailored strategic approaches that synchronize program initiatives with the organization's overarching vision and the objectives.
• Build partnerships with corporate entities in different thematic areas, and government stakeholders to enhance program impact.

Technology Integration and 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.
• Leverage data analytics to monitor program performance and optimize workflows.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with organizational, legal, and donor requirements across programs.
• Identify operational risks and develop mitigation plans to safeguard program delivery.

Does this sound like you?

• A natural innovator, with a strong track-record of leading a team to deliver results:
• High- performing multi-tasker who is comfortable managing multiple projects
• Proven track record of successfully building and managing a team
• Strong analytical ability to solve problems and make decisions
• A proactive go-getter who enjoys working within an entrepreneurial environment that is mission-driven
• A dynamic collaborator and communicator, who can switch between coaching vs. negotiating: Extensive experience coaching, mentoring and motivating teams
• A dynamic professional with excellent business sense and strong negotiation skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations
• A proficient communicator.
• Comfortable with regular travel to remote rural locations and passionate about working for rural India
• 15+ years of experience in program management, operations, and stakeholder engagement, preferably in CSR, sustainability, or development sectors.
• Postgraduate in Social Work, Development Studies, or equivalent MBA

What We Offer

• A mission-driven organization creating impact at scale.
• Opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
• Access to advanced tools and resources for operational excellence.

Key Result Areas (KRAs)

Program Impact:

• Achieve measurable improvements in program reach and beneficiary satisfaction.
• Ensure 95% adherence to project timelines and SMART-aligned goals.

Operational Efficiency with Financial:

• Maintain budget variance under 5% across programs.
• Optimize procurement and resource utilization to reduce costs by 10-15%.

Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting:

• Conduct regular field visits and ensure transparent reporting to donors and stakeholders.
• Develop sustainability reports integrating program achievements and budget insights.

Team Development:

• Conduct quarterly training sessions to upskill operational teams in program management and MEL.

Data and Technology Utilization:

• Achieve 100% adoption of technology tools, DLOne, MS Jira, Jaya, LUYM for MEL and reporting.
• Generate actionable insights for continuous program improvement through data analysis.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Program Milestones: Percentage of milestones achieved on time.
• Financial Compliance: Audit success rates and adherence to donor budgets.
• MEL: Number of actionable insights implemented based on evaluations.
• Stakeholder Satisfaction: Ratings from partner organizations and beneficiaries.
• Operational Efficiency: Cost savings through optimized processes and procurement.