Role: Program Manager-SELCO Foundation
location: Flexible across SELCO Foundation operational states; significant travel expected.
Type of Employment: Contract
Experience: 18-20 Years
Reporting To: Director

About us

SELCO Foundation, a not-for-profit, engages in field-based R&D and ecosystem building for development of decentralized renewable energy solutions that alleviate poverty in urban, rural, and tribal poor areas. The organization works across verticals such as energy access, build environment, health, skill development, energy entrepreneurs and partners from various developmental sectors. Foundation seeks to inspire and implement socially, financially, and environmentally inclusive solutions by improving access to sustainable energy.

1. Position Overview

SELCO Foundation is establishing a Central Project Monitoring Unit (CPMU) to support the Government of India’s CSS – Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs. The Senior Programme Manager will play a pivotal role in guiding this national initiative and ensuring effective coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

The position will focus on high-level strategy, collaborative engagement with the Ministry and implementing partners, and providing thought leadership for strengthening the 10,000 FPO ecosystem. The Senior Programme Manager will support core elements of the 10K FPO Scheme, including facilitation of FPO formation, business planning support, market and credit linkages, capacity building, and overall programme monitoring.

This role demands strong ecosystem-building capabilities, an entrepreneurial mindset, and deep understanding of agriculture value chains, farmer institutions, and national FPO programmes.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Programme Strategy & Design

  • Lead the overall strategy and roadmap for supporting the Government of India’s CSS – Formation & Promotion of 10,000 FPOs, with a focus on strengthening governance, business planning, market access, and long-term sustainability of FPOs.
  • Identify priority states, clusters, and value chains in alignment with DA&FW guidelines, State Implementing Agencies, CBBO performance, and national agri-growth priorities.
  • Develop frameworks, toolkits, and thematic intervention models (agri-inputs, aggregation, primary processing, storage, grading–sorting, value addition, livestock, horticulture, etc.) tailored to diverse agro-climatic and socio-economic contexts.

B. Ecosystem & Partnership Development

  • Build and strengthen partnerships with DA&FW, SFAC, NABARD, NCDC, State Agriculture Departments, , and market ecosystem players.
  • Co-create scalable and replicable implementation models with states, CBBOs, and district-level agencies for effective formation and nurturing of FPOs
  • Coordinate with financial institutions and schemes (AIF, NABARD financing windows, credit guarantee facilities) to improve credit access for FPOs and their member enterprises.

C. Programme Execution & State Support

  • Oversee multi-state operations of the CPMU, ensuring smooth coordination with state project management units, CBBOs, and other implementing partners.
  • Manage a team of programme managers, analysts, and technical experts to support Ministry in achieving formation, incubation, and business development milestones under the 10K FPO Scheme.
  • Facilitate capacity-building initiatives for FPO Boards, CEOs, accountants, and business managers on governance, compliance, enterprise development, market linkage, and digital record-keeping.
  • Ensure alignment of all interventions with the scheme guidelines, PMU requirements, monitoring frameworks, and best practices for inclusive and sustainable FPO development.

D. Research, Innovation & Knowledge

  • Drive the generation of insights, case studies, and learning materials to strengthen the national FPO knowledge ecosystem.
  • Identify gaps in FPO performance—governance, market access, technology adoption, finance—and coordinate pilots or demonstration models in collaboration with innovators, CBBOs, and value-chain enterprises.
  • Oversee monitoring & evaluation systems for real-time data tracking, progress reporting, quality audits, and impact documentation as required by DA&FW.

E. Advocacy & Sector Strengthening

  • Represent the CPMU in national and state reviews, policy discussions, donor interactions, and ecosystem convenings related to the 10K FPO Scheme.
  • Support creation of policy notes, strategy briefs, learning documents, and communication materials to inform national discourse on FPO development and farmer collectivization.
  • Provide technical and analytical support to the Ministry for refining scheme guidelines, improving CBBO performance, and strengthening market and credit ecosystems for FPOs.

3. Required Qualifications & Experience

  • 18-20 years of experience in agriculture, rural development, FPO ecosystem development, livelihood promotion, or enterprise strengthening.
  • Deep understanding of agriculture value chains, collectivization models, and operational structures of FPOs, CBBOs, and government schemes.
  • Direct experience working with government agencies (DA&FW, State Agri Departments), banks, NABARD/SFAC/NCDC, and multi-stakeholder platforms.
  • Proven ability to lead and manage multi-state programmes, technical teams, and complex partnerships.
  • Strong capabilities in strategic planning, data-driven programme monitoring, documentation, and communication.
  • Ability and willingness to travel extensively across states.

4. Key Competencies

  • Systems thinking and ability to build complex, multi-stakeholder ecosystems.
  • Deep empathy for end-users and commitment to inclusive development.
  • Entrepreneurial problem-solving and ability to operate in dynamic contexts.
  • Strong planning, team leadership, and partner management.
  • Understanding of decentralised renewable energy technologies is an added advantage.

How to Apply:

Please click Here to apply for the position.

Applications will be processed on a rolling basis.

Compensation will be commensurate with previous experience, calibre, and organization norms.

We look forward to hearing from people who identify with the vision of SELCO Foundation!

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