Job Responsibilities :
RF-Rural Transformation (RT) is a program being implemented by Reliance Foundation across 155 districts in India. RF-RT comprises three key interventions centered on # (i) Climate Resilience (CR4SD), (ii) Integrated Value Chains (IVCD) and (iii) Diversifying rural incomes into agri-allied and non-farm sectors (DRIVE).This role will work under the Integrated Value Chain Development (IVCD) thematic vertical for RT. This position will work in State Technical Units of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, and provide regional/state thematic support in implementing the RT program. The intervention area comprises two major work streams # (i) Improved practices for crop productivity enhancement and use of technologies for improved efficiency in the identified agriculture value chains and (ii) Engagement with Farmer Collectives to increase market returns, including through Market linkages, value addition and processing.The incumbent in this position will bring in expertise and experience in the major work streams, assume responsibility to provide/arrange technical support to the State teams as well as RF's field implementation partners. This position will report to the Thematic Lead of IVCD and functionally also report to the relevant State Project Managers.
- Capacity Building : Need assessment and appropriate capacity building of farmers, FPOs, personnel of field implementing partners, RF teams etc.
- Collaborations : Identify and develop suitable operational collaborations in the afore-mentioned work streams, and support teams/NGO partners in establishing thematic linkages with like-minded organizations.
- Implementation :Suggest appropriate solutions and strategies to teams/partners to achieve outputs and outcomes in IVCD work streams; as well as facilitate innovations and demonstration of best practices in coordination with the implementing teams.
- Reporting & Documentation : Preparation of periodic thematic reports and document best practices. Vetting of technical/thematic plans of NGO partners, provide recommendations and (where applicable) lead field level studies, data collection, and assessment of Farmer Collectives for establishing results and tracking the graduation in collaboration with program PMU and M&E for outcome measurement.
- Monitoring :Help state and district teams review implementation of the activities, ensure quality assurance systems are working and provide regular feedback to the implementing teams.
- Digital Integration: Promote the use of digital tools and platforms for data collection, performance tracking, and market intelligence to improve decision-making, enhance transparency, and facilitate real-time monitoring of field activities.
- Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with other thematic verticals under RF-RT # such as Climate Resilience (CR4SD) and Diversifying Rural Incomes (DRIVE) # to design and implement integrated interventions. Ensure that IVCD activities complement and leverage ongoing efforts in climate adaptation, agri-allied livelihoods, and non-farm sectors to deliver holistic and sustainable rural development outcomes. Facilitate regular inter-vertical coordination meetings and joint planning sessions to maximize impact at the community level.
Education Requirement :
Necessary:
- Postgraduate in Management/ Economics/ Agriculture or other relevant study stream
Desirable
- Additional relevant certifications from reputed institutions in India or abroad are desirable
Experience Requirement :
Necessary
At least 5-7 years of relevant sectoral experience.Demonstrated experience of working with FPOs on topics such as market linkages, governance, compliance, and overall training and capacity buildingExperience of working with multiple stakeholders and in a multi-cultural environment.Strong communication skills (spoken and written) in Hindi, and good communication skills in English. Knowledge of Marathi and/or Telugu will be an added advantage.
Skills & Competencies :
- RIL Group Companies
- Key Govt. Institutions such as NABARD, Niti Ayog, SFAC etc.
- ICAR, CGIAR Institutions and Leading Universities and Research Stations
- Market players such as Agri-input companies, commodity trading companies etc. (where relevant)
- Banks and other financial institutions
