Position: Project Manager

Organization: Oorja

Location: Remote

Apply: https://www.oorjasolutions.org/apply-now

Key Duties 

• Lead grant fundraising efforts: application and proposal writing, preparing and presenting 
• Partnership building and relationship management (funders, investors, corporate entities,  local/grassroots NGOs, FPCs, etc.) 
• Oversee quantitative and qualitative impact management and measurement efforts based on  M&E framework 
• Strategy development and implementation of market linkage and agri-business value chain for  farmers’ produce 
• Research and identification of opportunities and partners for expansion into new geographies and markets 
• Strategy development and implementation of new farmer services (inputs, training, advisory,  finance, etc.) 
• Oversee corporate communications and grant funder and investor reporting 

Roles and Responsibilities 

The Project Manager’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Grant fundraising: drafting, reviewing and submitting applications or proposals for fundraising from foundations, DFIs, business competitions and other donors; preparing and presenting  proposals to grant funders and donors; conducting preliminary calls and liaising with them  throughout the engagement 
• Partnership development and relationship management with (1) funders, investors and corporate  entities, and (2) local/grassroots partnerships (farmer associations, cooperatives, FPCs, FPOs,  NGOs, buyers, retailers, etc.) in current and new geographies within India, including eastern Uttar  Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh 
• Assess and select new partner organisations; negotiate roles and finalise MoUs; liaise with  existing partners; develop and implement new collaborative projects; translate insights gained  from partner meetings into recommendations and plans 
• Impact management and measurement: implementation of the M&E framework; supervision of the collection of baseline and periodic impact data using standardised surveys; oversee data  collection, cleaning, storage and management; data analysis and visualisation in Excel, Tableau, or other suitable formats; calculation and presentation of key impact metrics and SROI
• Report writing for internal and external audiences: project reports; performance and impact  reports; annual reports; reporting to investors and donors in designated format 
• Oversee development of training and capacity building modules to strengthen farmers’  agricultural livelihoods in conjunction with energy services being delivered by Oorja (crop and  input selection, cultivation practices for field and horticultural crops, intercropping,  multicropping, yield enhancement, plant and soil health, pest and disease control, effective  irrigation, post-harvest storage and processing, agronomy, sustainable agricultural practices,  agricultural innovations, etc.) 
• Oversee the implementation of farmer training and capacity building programs (and eventually  advisory services): review video and print material, oversee the organisation and delivery of  participatory workshops, review monthly training reports sent by field staff to track farmers’  reached and trained and link this to the services provided 
• Oversee corporate communications to raise the organisation’s profile among different circles and  attract the attention of potential funders and collaborators: monthly newsletters, blogs,  contributions to publications, media and conferences  
• Conduct desk research and establish partnerships for expansion into new geographies and  markets: identify, analyse and select target geographies in South/Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan  Africa; identify potential collaborators; research and develop market entry strategy; oversee the  seamless execution and monitoring of pilot projects 
• Research, strategy development and overseeing the implementation of new service offerings for farmers including advisory services, quality inputs (seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, etc.),  small farm equipment rental, etc. 
• Lead the programmatic design and support with the implementation of gender mainstreaming  strategies to increase the representation of women along Oorja’s entire value chain, including as  customers, operators, payment collectors, employees, etc., in collaboration with technical  assistance providers 
• Support with strategy development in other areas of the business, including launch of new agricultural energy services, advisory services, rental services, mobile app development, product sales, etc.  
• Line management of a small team including Project Associate and Project Officer  

Qualifications 

• 5 – 10 years’ relevant work experience, with a strong interest in agriculture, livelihoods and  energy issues 
• Post-graduate degree in a relevant discipline 
• Experience managing partnerships including funders; working with an agribusiness, farmer  collectives or a clean energy company would be a plus 
• Successful track record in raising funding and writing fundraising applications and proposals;  having an established network with relevant investors and donors will be a major advantage 

Competencies and Abilities 

• Expertise in impact monitoring and evaluation methodologies, tools and software 
• High degree of computer literacy with command of MS Office, especially Excel; knowledge of  Google Data Studio and/or graphic design software or platforms (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva,  Prezi or equivalent) will be an advantage
• Superior organisational and time management skills and attention to detail 
• Impeccable written English and excellent communication abilities, both verbal and written
• Self-motivated and ability to work independently to meet deadlines and adhere to quality  standards 
• Cultivate an independent understanding of issues including social/economic development,  agriculture, water and energy, with a focus on rural India 
• Able to work within a multidisciplinary, international team with sensitivity and respect for  diversity 
• Strong team spirit and commitment to the environmental and social mission which drives Oorja
• Ability and willingness to travel to rural areas of India for fieldwork (<10%) 

Benefits 

• Exciting high-impact assignments 
• A collegial and creative work environment 
• Attractive wages 
• You will join a dynamic and passionate team of professionals 
• Opportunity to thrive and grow within flat hierarchies in pursuit of an inspiring mission.