AJSA India
Website:
ajsaindia.org
Job details:
JOB DESCRIPTION
DIRECTOR – PROGRAMS
Full-Time | Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Position Title - Director – Programs
- Employment Type - Full-Time
- Grade / Level - Senior Leadership
- Remuneration- INR 12 – 14.4 Lakhs per annum (commensurate with experience)
- Number of Openings - 1 (One)
- Reporting To- Executive Director
- Direct Reports- Program Managers, Field Coordinators, Grants & Partnerships Team
- Location- AJSA India Office, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Last Date to Apply- 30th April 2026
- Apply To - jobs@ajsaindia.org | Subject: Application for Director – Programs
1. About AJSA India
At AJSA India, we have been facilitating community-led development initiatives since 1989, working with rural and marginalized communities to address the root causes of poverty and vulnerability. As a non-government, not-for-profit organization, AJSA promotes sustainable development through a holistic and community-driven approach that strengthens local institutions, improves livelihoods, and enhances resilience to social, economic, and environmental challenges. Our work focuses on empowering communities through climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable livelihoods, natural resource management, and strengthened local governance systems. By working closely with Panchayati Raj Institutions, community-based organizations, and government departments, AJSA supports inclusive development pathways that ensure long-term and locally owned solutions.
2. Position Overview
The Director – Programs is a senior leadership role that provides strategic direction, programmatic oversight, and institutional stewardship for the entire portfolio of projects and initiatives at AJSA India. The incumbent will serve as a key member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and will act as the primary bridge between the organisation's vision and its on-ground implementation realities.
This role demands a dynamic, mission-driven professional who combines deep development sector expertise with strong fundraising acumen, stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to mentor and build high-performing teams. The Director – Programs will be accountable for delivering impact at scale while ensuring financial discipline, donor compliance, and strategic alignment across all programmes.
3. Organisational Context and Reporting Structure
The Director – Programs reports directly to the Executive Director / CEO and is a member of the Senior Management Team. The role provides leadership to:
- Program Managers (thematic and geographic portfolios)
- Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) Team
- Grants, Partnerships & Resource Mobilisation Team
- Field Coordinators and Block-level Implementation Staff
- Documentation and Communications Associate
The Director – Programs will be expected to deputise for the Executive Director during absences and to represent the organisation externally at senior levels.
5. Qualifications and Experience
5.1 Educational Qualifications
- Master's degree (essential) in Social Work, Development Studies, Public Policy, Rural Management, Public Administration, Environmental Studies, or a closely related discipline from a recognised university or institution.
- Additional certifications or training in Project Management (e.g., PMP, Prince2), Monitoring & Evaluation (e.g., USAID MEAL, CARE PIIRS), or Fundraising & Grant Management will be an advantage.
5.2 Professional Experience
- Minimum 10-15 years of progressively responsible experience in the development sector, with a proven track record in programme design, management, and delivery.
- At least 5 years in a senior leadership or management role with demonstrated people management responsibilities.
- Demonstrated experience in fundraising, grant acquisition, and donor management with bilateral donors (e.g., DFID/FCDO, USAID, EU, GIZ), multilateral agencies (UN, World Bank), or major foundations (Ford, Tata Trusts, Azim Premji Foundation, etc.).
- Strong experience with MEAL systems design, results-based management frameworks, and participatory evaluation methodologies.
- Experience in managing multi-year, multi-location projects.
- Experience of working in Odisha or comparable Eastern India states, and understanding of local governance, tribal welfare, and social development context will be highly preferred.
6. Remuneration and Benefits
• Gross Annual Compensation: INR 12 – 14 Lakhs per annum, commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience.
10. Equal Opportunity Statement
AJSA India is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. AJSA India strongly encourages applications from qualified women candidates, persons with disabilities, and individuals from socially marginalised.
11. How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the above criteria are invited to apply by submitting the following documents:
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover Letter - explaining suitability for the position (not exceeding 1 page)
• Contact details of two professional references (references will not be contacted without prior consent)
Submission Details:
• Email To: jobs@ajsaindia.org
• Subject Line: Application for Director – Programs
• Last Date to Apply: 30th April 2026
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an online screening interview followed by a panel interview. Only shortlisted applicants will receive a response. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. No telephone enquiries please.
For a detailed Job Description, please visit the following link
www.ajsaindia.org/career
Click on Apply to know more.