Manager � Climate Action- Agriculture Initiatives

Location: Mumbai/Bangalore
Experience: 8 years

Organisation Overview (Samhita.org)

Samhita-CGF is an impact catalyst that has been a leader in India’s CSR landscape for 15 years. Over this time,
we have partnered with more than 250 funders and 500 impact organizations, co-creating solutions that are
measurable, scalable, and sustainable. Together, these efforts have improved the lives of over 17 million
Indians across 31 states and union territories. Through our initiatives, which are CSR and FCRA compliant, we
address key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic
Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

To do this, we support companies to align their core competencies with the needs of the social sector, and build catalytic partnerships with stakeholders with in-depth knowledge and networks to execute sustainable, outcome-oriented social impact initiatives. This approach bridges the gap between purpose and action, and forges business responsibility strategies that balance people, profit and planet, thereby creating a better normal for communities, environments and businesses.

Role Overview

Samhita’s Climate work helps deploy blended financing, market access and capacity building solutions to improve climate resilience of vulnerable communities. We have a clear focus on improving incomes and building climate resilience and hence a keen eye for those who can see the bigger picture. India’s agriculture is facing unprecedented challenges emerging from climate change but it also offers incredible opportunities for growth through the ongoing technology led revolution across value chains. Our own work on blended financing instruments in the climate space has seen significant success, while our partnerships with lenders, marketing agencies and AgTech players demonstrate that a new normal is possible. We are looking for someone who is committed to solving Indian agriculture’s challenges, leveraging these opportunities and is looking to break out of traditional hierarchies, with a bias for action.

The role will play a critical role in implementing programs related to climate action and Sustainability with a focus on the agriculture ecosystem and FPOs. The selected candidate will contribute towards program design and monitoring of projects as well as capacity building of external stakeholders to strengthen climate action planning and execution. Candidates need to bear in mind that Samhita’s work involves multiple partnerships -training. financing, market linkages etc to serve the same set of farmers, FPOs and other climate impacted groups. The candidate will also play a pivotal role in supporting the CEO and Business Development Teams in articulating the impact achieved and contribute to discussions to scale this work through new funders. Therefore, it is important that the selected candidate has:

A solid grounding in technical aspects of Agriculture and climate change landscape in India, with knowledge of contemporary tools, frameworks and assessment methodologies.
Excellent understanding of the Farm Producer companies; including relevant policy initiatives, gaps in current frameworks, and knowledge of stakeholders, networks and organisations working in this space.
Ability to articulate operational details, project achievements in a clear and concise manner in presentations and documents in English and Hindi.

Overall, we are looking for an energetic, committed and passionate professional, who has a commitment to India’s agriculture and can work under minimal supervision. Since coordination with multiple internal and external stakeholders is required, it is essential that the selected candidate is familiar, adept and comfortable working with a diverse group of people.

Key Functions and Responsibilities

Work on end-to-end program management � implementation and program monitoring for projects related to Climate adaptation and the Agriculture ecosystem. Projects will involve multiple interventions and hence coordinating several moving parts is critical to the daily role.
Supervise 1-2 implementation staff managing projects with various partners.
Building linkages with stakeholders relevant to the FPO ecosystem, Develop business development plans for FPOs, Improve governance of FPOs
Building proposals for new business propositions
Coordinate with Government agencies and service providers related to agriculture ecosystem
Independently manage FPO stakeholder conversations with government agencies, Technology and other service providers as well as implementation partners
Work with existing processes/systems whilst making constructive suggestions for improvements.
Stay updated on the policy landscape, sectoral developments, and industry trends in relation to climate action and Agriculture in India.
Work on based data and analysis for program management and insights.
Provide technical inputs on climate action and Agriculture, and contribute to the development of the overall strategy and program design
Contribute to the ideation, review, and proposal writing for ongoing and future projects.
Coordinate with internal and external team members, as required.
Perform any other tasks and responsibilities as may be required from time to time.

Educational Qualification and Professional Experience

MSc Agriculture/Environment Studies / Agro Forestry, MBA in Agribusiness/Rural Management / Rural Development or any other Postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as Agriculture, Environmental Studies, Environmental Economics/Policy etc.
8 years of relevant experience in one or more of the following: Managing climate adaptation initiatives related to farmers, Managing FPOs, Program management, and stakeholder engagement for climate action (Candidates who have previously worked on initiatives focused on Climate adaptation and agriculture/ FPOs will be preferred)

Necessary Skillset

Experience of having worked in impact consulting, financial services or large non-profit organizations working on climate change and agriculture.
Strong project management skills, managing complex, multifaceted projects resulting in measurable successes.
Ability to prioritize and communicate issues effectively, while working with multiple internal teams to deploy solutions
Demonstrated success in directly working with Farmers and FPOs
Understanding of Government agencies related to Agriculture, Climate Change and Water.
Demonstrated experience in contributing to the firm’s knowledge building capacities of stakeholders.
Strong presentation, problem solving and analytical skills.
Proactive, ability to self-motivate and work under minimal supervision.
Proficient in Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Word.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is mandatory. Additional knowledge of Hindi and Marathi/other regional languages are a plus.
Work Location: Mumbai/Bangalore

Why Samhita?

Make a big difference: Take, Own and implement.
Leadership: This is the perfect opportunity to go beyond traditional roles and lead cutting
edge innovative strategies. The candidate shall work alongside the brightest minds, in an environment that
fosters growth and creativity.
Impact: Working with Samhita will provide you with an opportunity to bring about a positive
change in the lives of millions.
Work Culture: Samhita has a team of young, hard-working, and dynamic individuals who strive
for excellence while maintaining a humble outlook. Our work has been strengthened and supported by
international and domestic donor agencies and foundations such as the USAID, Gates Foundation, Microsoft,
Google, Walmart Foundation, LinkedIn, S&P Global, Kotak Mahindra Bank, IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Finserv,
Accenture, Cummins, and many more.
Learning: Increase your problem-solving capabilities by delving into complex challenges.