National Project Manager - Value Chain Development And Private Sector Partnerships (open To Internal And External Applicants)

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in India has been instrumental in human development since 1951, working with the Government and partners to reduce poverty, inequality, and environmental impact, while accelerating sustainable development. The current Country Programme (2023-2027) focuses on strong institutions, enhanced economic opportunities for the marginalized, and climate-smart solutions. This role supports the Sustainable and Inclusive Growth portfolio, specifically enhancing economic opportunities and social protection.

Job Purpose

This role provides strategic, technical, and operational leadership for the "Market Led Inclusive Value Chain Development" Programme, supporting the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). The primary purpose is to ensure effective, coordinated, and high-quality implementation of the programme, which aims to build resilient, equitable, and inclusive value chains. This will deliver sustainable livelihoods and increased incomes for rural households, with a particular focus on women Self-Help Group (SHG) members. The position is critical for integrating gender-responsive strategies, enhancing women's agency in post-harvest operations, processing, branding, and market engagement, and fostering convergence with government schemes and private sector partnerships across multiple states and value chains.

Responsibilities

The National Project Manager will provide overall leadership for programme planning, execution, and monitoring, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of results including value chain analyses, private sector partnerships, and capacity building. This includes overseeing annual work plans, budgets, and adaptive management based on evidence. A key responsibility is leading engagement with the private sector (buyers, processors, agri-tech firms, financial actors) to facilitate market access, investment, and technology adoption for women's collectives. The role involves serving as the principal interface between government bodies (MoRD, NRLM, SRLMs), UNDP, private sector, and financial institutions, facilitating coordination and strengthening collaborations. Additionally, the manager will lead the development and operationalization of gender-transformative value chain frameworks, support mainstreaming of gender and climate considerations, and provide technical inputs for policy dialogues. The role also includes leading, supervising, and mentoring the Technical Support Unit (TSU) staff, fostering a collaborative team culture, and representing the programme in national and international forums.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience (with a Master's degree) or 7 years (with a Bachelor's degree) is required in building and scaling agricultural or rural value chains, inclusive market systems, and agri-businesses. Experience in private sector engagement, particularly with agri-businesses, food businesses, retail, or blended finance, is desirable. Proven expertise with climate-resilient livelihoods and experience working with Indian government departments like NRLM/SRLM is also preferred.

Skills

• Demonstrated leadership and programme management in multi-stakeholder environments. • Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and coordination skills. • Expertise in value chain development, gender integration, and institutional strengthening. • Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities. • Experience in private sector engagement (agri-businesses, retail, finance). • Knowledge of climate-resilient livelihoods and DRE-based solutions. • Experience with Indian government rural development missions. • Fluency in English and Hindi.

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