Manager Programs - Rural Livelihood

Azim Premji Foundation; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Azim Premji Foundation is seeking a senior professional to lead grant-making and program management for rural livelihoods, shaping scalable models that boost income security for marginalized communities across India.

You will identify interventions across farm, off-farm, non-farm and forest-based livelihoods, collaborate with CSOs and social enterprises, manage grants, and travel extensively to partner with field teams and communities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Rural Development or related field.
• 7–15 years of relevant rural livelihoods experience.
• Experience in managing large-scale rural livelihoods programs or CSO partnerships.
• Strong understanding of value chains, agribusiness, and sustainable development.
• Willingness to travel across rural geographies.

Responsibilities

• Identify emerging trends and scalable models across rural livelihoods with a focus on income diversification and economic inclusion.
• Provide thought leadership on integrated agribusiness, non-farm enterprises, forest-based livelihoods and digital market access.
• Engage and support CSOs, manage grant relationships and ensure high-quality program delivery.
• Support internal teams in knowledge building, program design and grant implementation.
• Manage disbursal of high-impact grants and ensure alignment with due diligence protocols.
• Travel extensively to engage with partners, field teams, and communities.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Project management

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master’s degree in Rural Development or related field

Bachelor’s degree with exceptional experience

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional for our work on rural and strategic livelihoods. This role combines grant-making and program management with the strategic development of innovative, scalable livelihood models. It requires both a deep understanding of grassroots rural realities and the ability to conceptualize and support systemic change that enhances income security and economic empowerment of marginalized communities.

The role involves identifying, evaluating, and supporting interventions across farm, off-farm, non-farm and forest-based livelihoods — including through civil society organizations, social enterprises and ecosystem partnerships — and leveraging markets, institutions and technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify emerging trends, approaches, and scalable models across rural livelihoods — with a focus on income diversification, value chain strengthening and economic inclusion.
• Provide thought leadership on integrated agribusiness, non-farm enterprises, forest-based livelihoods and digital innovation for market access and financial inclusion.
• Engage and support CSOs working with small and marginal farmers, traditional artisans and other vulnerable communities; manage grant relationships and support high-quality program delivery.
• Support internal teams in knowledge building, program design and ongoing grant implementation.
• Manage the disbursal of high-impact grants within the organisation in an individual capacity
• Ensure alignment of grant proposals and programmatic initiatives with the Foundation’s values and due diligence protocols.
• Travel extensively to engage with partners, field teams, and communities.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in Rural Development, Agriculture, Economics, Social Policy, Business Administration or a related field (Bachelor’s with exceptional experience may be considered).
• 7 –15 years of relevant experience in rural livelihoods, with a mix of grassroots implementation and strategic program development.
• Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale rural livelihoods programs and/or CSO partnerships.
• Strong understanding of value chains, agribusiness, non-farm/forest-based livelihoods, and sustainable development approaches.
• Proven ability to manage grants, mentor teams, and contribute to organisational learning and innovation.
• Excellent analytical, project management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• High level of initiative, self-direction, and problem-solving ability.
• Willingness to travel extensively across rural geographies.