Location: New Delhi, India
Experience: 5 years (Master's) or 7 years (Bachelor's) in value chain / rural livelihoods
Compensation: Competitive
Closes on: 15 May 2026
UNDP India
UNDP has worked in India since 1951 across nearly every area of human development. Alongside the Government of India and development partners, UNDP works to end poverty, reduce inequalities, strengthen local governance, protect the environment, and accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. With a presence in every state and union territory, the organisation reaches the most vulnerable and marginalized communities across the country. UNDP India's Country Programme (2023–2027) focuses on three pillars: accountable institutions for SDG progress, inclusive economic opportunities and social protection, and climate-smart and resilient development.
Role
The National Project Manager will provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership for the Market-Led Inclusive Value Chain Development Programme.
Responsibilities
- Plan and run the programme across all states, making sure work gets done on time and budgets are on track.
- Check progress regularly and adjust plans when things are not working as expected.
- Make sure the programme stays true to its goals especially around helping women and building climate-resilient livelihoods.
- Build relationships with businesses, buyers, and financial partners so rural women and farmer groups can sell their products and grow their income.
- Be the main point of contact between the government, UNDP, businesses, and communities.
- Help women's groups and farmer collectives connect with markets in a way that lasts long after the project ends.
- Create practical guides and frameworks that put women and climate action at the heart of value chain work.
- Advise government teams at state and national levels on how to make their programmes more inclusive and effective.
- Guide and support a team of specialists working across different areas from value chains to communications.
- Set clear goals for each team member, support their growth, and build a team culture where everyone feels valued and works together.
- Speak for the programme at national and international meetings and conferences.
- Write reports and share learnings with donors and development partners.
- Help position UNDP and the Government of India as leaders in women-centred, market-driven rural development.
Requirements
- A Master's degree in Development, Economics, Agriculture, Rural Management, Public Policy, or Business — or a Bachelor's degree with 2 extra years of experience.
- At least 5 years (Master's) or 7 years (Bachelor's) of hands-on work in agricultural value chains, rural livelihoods, or market development.
- Proven ability to lead large programmes involving many different organisations and stakeholders.
- Good understanding of how to make value chains work better for women from production to sales to decision-making.
- Strong skills in thinking through complex problems, planning ahead, and finding practical solutions.
- Prior work with government programmes like NRLM, SRLM, or the Department of Agriculture.
- Must be fluent in both English and Hindi.
- Willingness to travel to programme states across India.
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