Job Description – Senior Program Manager (2 Positions)
Department: Program Division
Organization: Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF)
Location: Delhi – Head Office
Employment Type: Full-time
About DEF
Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) works to bridge the digital divide and empower underserved communities through meaningful access to information, connectivity, technology, and livelihood opportunities. Through its digital infrastructure, community networks, entrepreneurship programs, and grassroots interventions, DEF promotes digital inclusion, women’s empowerment, education, connectivity access, and artisan development across rural and marginalised regions in India.
About the Role
We are seeking two dynamic and experienced Senior Program Managers to lead and oversee key programs within DEF’s Program Division. The role requires strong program strategy, execution, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership skills. The candidate will work closely with internal teams, donors, partners, and field staff to ensure effective implementation of initiatives focused on digital inclusion, connectivity, women’s entrepreneurship, education, livelihoods, and artisan cluster development.
Key Responsibilities
Program Strategy & Planning
• Develop program strategies, detailed implementation plans, and roadmaps aligned with DEF’s mission.
• Design and strengthen initiatives promoting women’s digital entrepreneurship, community networks, digital access, digital literacy, education models, and artisan livelihood development.
• Identify opportunities to innovate, scale, and build sustainability across DEF programs.
Program Implementation & Operations
• Lead day-to-day operations of multiple programs and ensure milestones, KPIs, and deliverables are met.
• Coordinate with field teams, program coordinators, trainers, and mobilisers to ensure smooth execution across all geographies.
• Manage program budgets, resources, and timelines effectively.
Stakeholder & Donor Management
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, government departments, corporate partners, NGOs, and ecosystem stakeholders.
• Lead donor communication, proposal development, presentations, and program reporting.
• Represent DEF in external meetings, visits, workshops, and conferences.
Monitoring, Reporting & Documentation
• Track program progress through data-driven monitoring systems.
• Review field data, MIS, case studies, stories of change, and ensure high-quality documentation.
• Prepare timely program reports, impact summaries, and internal review documents.
Team Leadership & Capacity Building
• Provide guidance and mentorship to program teams across multiple states.
• Conduct regular reviews, planning meetings, and capacity-building sessions for staff.
• Foster collaboration, ownership, and a field-led learning culture.
Required Qualifications & Experience
• Master’s degree in Social Work, Rural Development, Public Policy, Development Studies, or a related field.
• 6–10 years of experience in program management, preferably within the non-profit or development sector.
• Proven experience managing multi-location projects and diverse teams.
• Experience in digital inclusion, connectivity, community networks, women entrepreneurship, ICT-based interventions, or artisan livelihoods is an advantage.
Skills & Competencies
• Strong project and team management skills.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and reporting abilities.
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in fast-paced environments.
• Proficiency in MS Office and digital collaboration tools.
• Comfort working with budgets, proposals, donors, and field operations.
Other Requirements
• Willingness to travel to project locations across India.
• Strong commitment to DEF’s mission, values, and community-first approach.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can send their CVs to: rizwan@defindia.org & shweta@defindia.org ,
Subject Line: Application – [Position Name]