earthON - Project Manager (7-12 yrs)

Designation: Project Manager

Organization: Switchon Foundation

Location: Siliguri, West Bengal

Experience: Min: 7 years and above.

About SwitchON: Foundation & its Programs:

- SwitchON Foundation (www.SwitchON.org.in) is a distinguished non-profit organization established in 2008, focusing on Sustainable Agriculture/Livelihoods, Renewable Energy Access, and Environment & Climate Change.

- We are renowned for building social enterprises and ecosystems that create scalable impact.

- SwitchON Foundation is certified as a Great Place to Work, fostering diversity and inclusivity with a significant representation of women in leadership roles.

- Our team of 175+ operates across 10 states, influencing behavior change and informing policy.

Overview:

- We are seeking a Project Manager with strong B2B (Business-to-Business) experience and expertise in relationship management.

- This role will focus on managing projects in the tea garden industry and the solar energy sector, while nurturing key partnerships with business stakeholders, corporate sponsors, government bodies, and local communities in north bengal the ideal candidate will have a proven track record in building and maintaining B2B relationships, while also driving sustainable solutions in rural tea garden regions, integrating solar energy systems, and managing cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities:

B2B Relationship Management:

- Develop and maintain strong relationships with business partners, including tea estate owners, solar energy providers, corporate sponsors, and industry stakeholders.

- Identify new partnership opportunities with businesses that align with the NGO's mission, including potential corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnerships in tea and solar sectors.

- Act as the main point of contact for all B2B communications and ensure smooth communication between the NGO and business stakeholders.

- Negotiate and manage partnerships, ensuring mutual value creation, and maintaining strong professional networks.

Project Planning & Coordination:

- Lead the design, planning, and execution of projects in tea gardens and solar energy solutions, ensuring alignment with the organization's strategic objectives.

- Create detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets while coordinating efforts across teams and with external partners.

- Manage logistics, resource allocation, and schedules to ensure that all projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy:

- Engage with key business stakeholders (including local government officials, corporations, and industry leaders) to advocate for the NGO's initiatives and build long-term relationships.

- Foster strong relationships with stakeholders by identifying their business needs and integrating those into the NGO's projects.

- Collaborate with businesses on joint initiatives to enhance social and environmental outcomes, particularly focusing on integrating solar energy into tea gardens and other sustainable practices.

Monitoring & Reporting:

- Oversee the implementation of project activities, ensuring the alignment of project deliverables with the expected outcomes.

- Prepare regular progress reports for internal teams, stakeholders, and donors, highlighting project achievements, challenges, and financial tracking.

- Use data-driven insights to refine project strategies, improve outcomes, and strengthen relationships with business partners.

Financial Management & Budgeting:

- Manage project budgets, ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently and that projects remain within financial constraints.

- Track and report on project expenditures, ensuring cost-effective management of resources and that financial targets are met.

- Work closely with B2B partners to manage funding for joint initiatives, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Sustainability & Impact:

- Promote the integration of solar energy solutions within tea gardens to reduce carbon footprints and improve energy sustainability.

- Ensure that all projects are designed with sustainability in mind, aiming to achieve long-term environmental, social, and economic impact.

- Promote practices that ensure the welfare of the local community, aligning with the NGO's environmental goals.

Team Leadership & Development:

- Lead and motivate project teams to ensure successful project delivery and foster a collaborative team culture.

- Train and mentor team members on best practices in relationship management, B2B engagement, and project execution.

- Manage any field staff and coordinate their activities on-site to ensure smooth execution of projects.

Key Requirements:

Educational Qualifications:

- Bachelor's / Master's Degree with good exposure in Renewable Energy, or Business Administration or related field or Agribusiness.

- Graduate with good field experience in North Bengal especially in tea garden can also apply.

- Additional certifications in project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) is desirable but not essential .

Experience:

- Minimum 5-7 years of experience in B2B relationship management,business development including working with corporate partners, government bodies, and businesses within the tea garden and solar energy sectors.

- Proven track record of managing cross-sector partnerships and delivering successful projects in rural development, sustainable agriculture, and/or renewable energy.

- Experience in relationship management, with a focus on building long-term strategic partnerships and managing multiple stakeholders across diverse sectors.

- Hands-on experience with solar energy technology and its application in rural settings or agricultural enterprises is preferable but not essential .

Skills & Competencies:

- Strong B2B communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with business partners and stakeholders.

- Excellent project management skills, including the ability to develop and execute complex plans, manage budgets, and meet deadlines.

- High proficiency in negotiation, contract management, and strategic partnership development.

- Knowledge of CSR initiatives and business models for integrating solar energy and sustainability in agricultural industries is highly appreciated.

- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to address challenges in project execution, especially in the tea and solar industries.

- Fluent in English and local languages (e.g., Hindi, Bengali, or regional languages) for effective communication.

- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, multicultural team.

- Strong commitment to sustainable development, social responsibility, and environmental conservation.

Reporting Structure:

- This position reports to the AGMDRE in Kolkata, and will have 3-4 team members reporting to it.

Travel Requirements:

- Candidates must be willing to travel extensively within the project locations of North Bengal and Kolkata, as required.