Project Manager

Terms of Reference 

Job Location: Dahanu Palghar

About VRUTTI: 

Vrutti is a not for profit organization registered under the Society Registration Act; (Registration No – 1143/2001-2002) has been working with rural communities, who are predominantly dependent on farm-based livelihoods to improve their resilience and create wealth using an ‘entrepreneurship-led’ model to bring about lasting and scalable impact among the farming community by making farmers realize that ‘agriculture/ farming’ is an enterprise, farmer an entrepreneur, and delivery of services through entrepreneurship-led approaches which is unique to Vrutti. We strongly believe that ‘Sustainable Livelihood Approach’ can be a great lever to address poverty, marginalization and inclusive development. It is very important that these approaches are customized to address different forms of marginalization, people’s needs, aspirations and the local context. All our design and work starts with ‘People-First and People at the Centre‘– empathy-led designs distinct from technical/ scientific designs. 

We envision that smallholders are self-reliant, wealthy and no longer subsidy oriented. Farmers and local people look at agriculture as an enterprise; they practice sustainable farming practices, combined with new technologies, innovation, market integration and farm diversification. Through the development of agri-business, establishment of infrastructure and entrepreneurship, both women and men benefit from increased economic return, improved farm production and increased farm assets. Farmers are empowered and effectively manage their own affairs and resources judiciously, and women play an active role in farm related decision-making. Market players, bankers, technical and research institutions and the government engages with farmers for business, programmes and policy shaping. In the program areas smallholder agriculture is a preferred profession for the youth. 3Fold model of Vrutti becomes a model throughout the country. We facilitate achievement of this by provision of systematic farm advisory and planning, enabling enterprise development, facilitating linkages for inputs, farm services and outputs marketing, establishing infrastructure by the farmers and entrepreneurs, and strengthening farmer producer organizations at various levels.

Visit www.vrutti.org for details.  

About Project:

Through infra interventions in climate-smart agriculture, water security, education, social protection and market access, the initiative seeks to translate Altius’s commitment to rural transformation into tangible, climate-resilient outcomes for tribal households. ICF-Vrutti leverages its foundational work with strong community relationships, social and natural capital to integrate into a resilient tribal village development model, strengthened by financial capital for sustainability. The initiative strongly aligns with our goal of impacting 10 million vulnerable people with resilience in health, livelihoods and climate through agency building, access to products and services, converging with Altius’s CSR pillars of clean energy, rural & tribal development and inclusion agenda.

Job Title : Project Manager – One position

Project Name : Transforming Tribal Livelihoods through Integrated Climate Resilience in Dahanu block of Maharashtra state

Reporting to : Pawan M

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

The Project Manager at the Palghar location will be responsible for overseeing and ensuring the successful implementation of the project aimed at improving the lives and livelihoods of 3000 tribal farmers.

Below are the detailed key roles and responsibilities:

1. Project Planning and Implementation

1. Develop and Maintain Project Plans:
2. Create comprehensive and detailed project plans that outline project activities, timelines, resource allocation, and responsibilities.
3. Continuously update and adjust project plans to reflect progress, changes in scope, and emerging challenges.
4. Ensure Adherence to Timelines and Budgets:
5. Monitor project activities to ensure they are completed on time and within the approved budget.
6. Identify potential delays or budget overruns and implement corrective actions as needed.
7. Coordinate with Cross-Functional Teams:
8. Facilitate collaboration among various project teams and departments to ensure cohesive project execution.
9. Resolve any inter-departmental issues that may arise during project implementation.

2. Cluster Development

1. Establish and Develop Clusters:
2. Identify suitable locations for water works, Suitable school and PHC for particular work 
3. Work closely with local farmers to encourage participation and provide necessary support for cluster development.
4. Provide End-to-End Support:
5. Offer continuous guidance and support to farmers in the identified clusters throughout the cultivation cycle.
6. Ensure access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs needed for successful crop production.

3. Farmer Training and Capacity Building

1. Organize and Conduct Training Sessions:
2. Plan and execute training programs for farmers on crop cultivation practices, soil and water conservation, and sustainable farming technologies.
3. Utilize local experts, extension workers, and demonstration plots to facilitate hands-on learning.
4. Facilitate Exposure Visits:
5. Enable farmers to learn from peers and adopt best practices observed during these visits.

4. Institution Building

1. Promote and Sustain Farmers' Institutions:
2. Facilitate the formation and strengthening of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs).
3. Provide training and capacity building for FPOs and FIGs to ensure their effective functioning.
4. Enhance Post-Harvest Management and Market Linkages:
5. Establish and manage procurement centers to facilitate the sale of agricultural produce.
6. Train farmers on post-harvest management practices to reduce losses and improve produce quality.

5. Resource Mobilization and Partnership Management

1. Collaborate with Stakeholders:
2. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, private sector partners, and donors.
3. Leverage resources and expertise from these stakeholders to support project implementation.
4. Manage Partnerships:
5. Ensure effective coordination and communication with project partners.
6. Address any issues or challenges that arise in partnerships and seek mutually beneficial solutions.

6. Monitoring and Evaluation

1. Establish Monitoring and Evaluation Framework:
2. Develop and implement a robust framework to monitor project progress and evaluate impact.
3. Use both qualitative and quantitative methods to track project performance indicators.
4. Collect and Analyze Data:
5. Regularly collect data on project activities, outputs, and outcomes.
6. Analyze data to assess the effectiveness of interventions and identify areas for improvement.

7. Reporting and Documentation

1. Prepare and Submit Reports:
2. Compile and submit detailed monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports to stakeholders.
3. Ensure reports include comprehensive documentation of project activities, outcomes, and lessons learned.
4. Maintain Accurate Records:
5. Keep detailed and organized records of project activities, financial transactions, and other relevant documentation.
6. Ensure compliance with donor requirements and prepare for audits as needed.

8. Financial Management

1. Oversee Project Budget:
2. Manage the project budget, ensuring expenditures are in line with the approved budget.
3. Monitor financial transactions and maintain accurate financial records.
4. Prepare Financial Reports:
5. Compile and submit financial reports to donors and other stakeholders as required.
6. Ensure transparency and accountability in financial management.

9. Risk Management

1. Identify and Mitigate Risks:
2. Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential risks to project implementation.
3. Develop and implement strategies to mitigate identified risks.
4. Ensure Compliance:
5. Ensure that all project activities comply with relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies.

10. Capacity Building

1. Identify Training Needs:
2. Assess the training needs of project staff and farmers.
3. Develop and implement capacity-building programs to address identified needs.
4. Facilitate Professional Development:
5. Provide opportunities for project staff to enhance their skills and knowledge through training, workshops, and conferences.

11. Innovation and Improvement

1. Promote Best Practices:
2. Encourage the adoption of best practices and innovative approaches to improve project outcomes.
3. Stay updated on the latest developments in agricultural practices and project management.
4. Continuous Improvement:
5. Regularly evaluate project processes and outcomes.
6. Implement improvements as needed to enhance project efficiency and effectiveness.

Desired Experience & Skills 

1. Post graduate in Management, MSW & Agricultural, social sciences or related fields from reputed institutions.
2. More than five years of experience working in development & related sector preferable in Agriculture Livelihood domain programmes. 
3. The candidate should be able to communicate, read and write in English and Hindi.
4. Personal flexibility and high motivation to impact the team and farmer collectives.
5. Good communication and excellent reporting skills in local language and English
6. Proficient MS office skills & internet 
7. Proven ability to manage a project 

Traveling requirement: This job involves regular travel within the Project area

Salary range- Commensurate with qualifications, experience and present CTC