Dharma Life - Head - Operations

Are you looking for an opportunity to take ownership, drive results, and make an impact?

Are you passionate about entrepreneurship?

- Dharma Life is looking for a Head of Operations to help shape and scale the impact across 15 states of India.

- We are an award-winning social impact organization committed to driving inclusive progress across rural India through transformative initiatives in 'women and child development.

- Our work is powered by a network of 20,000 rural women change agents, known as Dharma Life Entrepreneurs, who act as catalysts for positive change within their communities.

- This impact is further amplified by Dharma Life Labs, which leverages data-driven insights, cutting-edge innovation, and technology-driven solutions to enhance and scale our efforts, ensuring sustainable and measurable outcomes.

- Reporting to the Founder and CEO, in this role you will drive field operations and program excellence for Dharma Life's interventions in Climate Action, Care Economy, Women's Livelihood, and Health & Hygiene.

- The role integrates program management based on research components, financial aspects, monitoring, evaluation, learning, and stakeholder collaboration while leveraging technological innovation.

- You will be a key member of our team, contributing to our 2030 vision of empowering 10 million women to join India's expanding workforce while strengthening the network of Dharma Life's women entrepreneurs

Responsibilities:

- Program Management and MEL

- Lead program implementation in clean energy, women's livelihood (Jaya), health, and care-based projects ensuring alignment with KPIs/deliverables.

- Develop and manage MEL frameworks to evaluate program outcomes and guide strategic decisions.

- Translate evaluation insights into actionable program improvements.

- Budgeting and Financial Management

- Prepare, monitor, and optimize program budgets to ensure cost-effectiveness and compliance.

- Ensure adherence to financial and donor reporting requirements, conducting due diligence and sustainability reporting.

- Oversee procurement and resource allocation to achieve operational efficiency.

- Team Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

- Build, mentor, and guide team, building competencies and accountability across program operations

- Collaborate with internal stakeholders like DL Labs, DL Society, and external stakeholders, to align operations with strategic priorities.

- Lead efforts to enhance stakeholder communication and transparency through reporting and field engagement.

Strategic Leadership:

- Think, design, and implement tailored strategic approaches that synchronize program initiatives with the organization's overarching vision and objectives.

- Build partnerships with corporate entities in different thematic areas, and government stakeholders to enhance program impact.

Technology Integration and Reporting:

- Implement digital tools and platforms of Dharma Life - DL One App, Jaya, and LUYM LMS, for real-time program tracking, reporting, and operational efficiency.

- Leverage data analytics to monitor program performance and optimize workflows.

Compliance and Risk Management:

- Ensure compliance with organizational, legal, and donor requirements across programs.

- Identify operational risks and develop mitigation plans to safeguard program delivery.

Does this sound like you?

- A natural innovator, with a strong track record of leading a team to deliver results

- High-performing multi-tasker who is comfortable managing multiple projects

- Proven track record of successfully building and managing a team

- Strong analytical ability to solve problems and make decisions

- A proactive go-getter who enjoys working within an entrepreneurial environment that is mission-driven

- A dynamic collaborator and communicator, who can switch between "coaching" vs. "negotiating": Extensive experience coaching, mentoring, and motivating teams

- A dynamic professional with excellent business sense and strong negotiation skills

- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations

- A proficient communicator.

- Comfortable with regular travel to remote rural locations and passionate about working for rural India

- 15+ years of experience in program management, operations, and stakeholder engagement, preferably in CSR, sustainability, or development sectors.

- Postgraduate in Social Work, Development Studies, or equivalent MBA