Program Lead

DeHaat; Lucknow; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

DeHaat invites a dynamic, execution-focused Program Lead to drive the development and sustainability of Farmer Producer Companies across banana and chili clusters in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. You will build networks, strengthen farmer institutions, and guide end-to-end interventions from seed to market to empower agri-entrepreneurs.

The role requires leading regional teams, managing market linkages, and guiding financial planning to ensure FPC sustainability.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in Eastern UP.
• Proven ability to strengthen governance and business performance in FPCs.
• Experience in market linkage, agri-trade, or crop cluster development.
• Strong analytical skills including financial planning and budgeting.
• Proven track record in stakeholder management and regional leadership.
• Hands-on, execution-focused approach with problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a strong network of FPCs across the region.
• Lead capacity building and handholding initiatives for governance and performance.
• Drive farmer mobilization programs for crop cluster development (banana & chilli).
• Develop and execute market linkage strategies, including buyer partnerships.
• Support and scale input business development within FPCs.
• Plan and implement seed-to-market interventions to enhance value chains.
• Manage regional program operations, including team leadership and delivery.
• Oversee financial planning, resource allocation, and strategy for sustainability.
• Leverage relationships with FPCs, traders, and agri-market players in Eastern UP.
• Monitor program performance and drive data-based decision making.
• Lead setup and commissioning of packhouses and ripening chambers.
• Oversee packhouse production and processing operations.
• Drive pre-harvest activities including farmer training and input facilitation.
• Coordinate with internal teams, government bodies, and research institutions.

Skills

Network building

Farmer mobilization

Capacity building

Market linkage

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Data-driven decisions

Problem solving

Job description

Job Purpose

We're seeking a dynamic, execution-focused Program Lead to drive the development and sustainability of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) across banana and chili crop clusters in Eastern Uttar Pradesh by building strong networks, strengthening farmer institutions, and helping them become sustainable agri-businesses through end-to-end (seed-to-market) interventions.

Job Responsibilities

• Build and manage a strong network of FPCs across the region


• Lead capacity building and handholding initiatives for FPCs to improve governance and business performance


• Drive farmer mobilization programs for crop cluster development (banana and chili)


• Develop and execute market linkage strategies, including buyer partnerships and trade facilitation


• Support and scale input business development (seeds, fertilizers, agri-inputs) within FPCs


• Plan and implement seed-to-market interventions to enhance value chain efficiency


• Manage regional program operations, including team leadership and target delivery


• Oversee financial planning, resource allocation, and business strategy for FPC sustainability


• Leverage existing relationships with FPCs, traders, and agri-market players in Eastern UP


• Monitor program performance and drive data-based decision-making


• Lead setup and commissioning of packhouses and ripening chambers


• Oversee packhouse production and processing operations


• Drive pre-harvest activities including farmer training and input facilitation for FPCs


• Manage stakeholder coordination with internal teams, government bodies, and research institutions

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience working in Eastern UP (mandatory)


• Proven experience with Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs)


• Strong expertise in capacity building and farmer mobilization


• Experience in market linkage, agri-trade, or crop cluster development


• Exposure to input business development for FPCs


• Existing network with FPCs and agri-markets in the region (preferred)


• Strong analytical skills with hands‑on experience in financial planning and business building


• Experience in team management and regional leadership


• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills


• Hands‑on, execution‑focused approach with problem‑solving ability