Desai Foundation

The Deputy Executive Director – Programs (DED – Programs) will provide strategic leadership, oversight, and management of all programmatic initiatives of the organisation. Working closely with the Executive Director, and senior leadership team, the DED – Programs will ensure that programs are aligned with the organization's mission, deliver measurable impact, and meet the highest standards of quality and accountability. The role requires a dynamic leader with strong program management experience, a deep understanding of the social/non-profit sector, and the ability to innovate, build partnerships, and scale impactful interventions. Responsibilities -Lead the design, development, and implementation of innovative programs aligned with organizational goals. -Translate the organization's vision and mission into actionable program strategies and measurable outcomes. -Identify emerging trends, needs, and opportunities to expand or adapt programs for greater impact. -Oversee planning, budgeting, execution, and evaluation of all programs. -Ensure effective monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems are in place to track progress and outcomes. -Maintain high standards of program quality, compliance, and accountability -Build and sustain strong relationships with donors, government agencies, corporates, foundations, and community stakeholders. -Support the fundraising team in developing program proposals, budgets, and reports. -Represent the organisation in external forums, conferences, and networks to showcase impact and build visibility. -Supervise program managers and ensure strong coordination across different thematic areas. -Mentor, coach, and build the capacity of program staff for professional growth and high performance. -Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability within the program team. -Provide regular program updates to the Executive Director and President. -Ensure compliance with donor requirements, legal obligations, and organizational policies. -Contribute to organizational strategy, annual plans, and long-term vision. Qualifications -Master’s degree in Social Work, Development Studies, Public Policy, Management, or related field. -10–15 years of progressive experience in program management within the non-profit/social impact sector. -Proven experience in designing, scaling, and evaluating programs with measurable outcomes. -Strong track record of engaging with donors, CSR partners, and government stakeholders. -Demonstrated leadership skills with experience managing diverse teams. -Knowledge of programmatic areas relevant to the organisation (e.g., health, livelihoods, education, environment). Skills & Competencies -Strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into practice. -Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. -Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement abilities. -Financial acumen, including program budgeting and resource allocation. -Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities. Please send your CV and cover letter to mittal@desaifoundationtrust.org with the subject line “Application – DED Programs” by Sept15, 2025.