Invest India - Mid Specialist - Cluster Development

About the Department:

Invest India is the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It hosts teams working with various government initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India, AGNii, and PMG.

Key Responsibilities:

Cluster Development and Management:

- Lead and manage the cluster development initiatives for ODOP by identifying potential clusters, designing strategies for their modernization, and overseeing the implementation of development projects.

- Monitoring Field activities

- Ensuring Social Convergence as per the Project Mandate

- Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Reporting

- Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and maintain strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders including government bodies, local industries, and community organizations to facilitate smooth project execution and sustainability.

- Innovation and Product Development: Encourage and oversee the incorporation of innovative designs, technical improvements, and brand-building efforts to promote diversification and enhance the competitive edge of indigenous products.

- Market Linkages and Expansion: Develop strategies to strengthen market linkages, both domestically and internationally, for ODOP products. This includes exploring new markets, fostering partnerships, and participating in trade shows and exhibitions to showcase cluster products.

- Monitoring and Evaluation: Conduct regular assessments to monitor the progress of cluster development projects, evaluate their impact on the local economy and cultural preservation, and adjust strategies as necessary to meet project goals.

- Capacity Building: Organize training and development programs for artisans and local producers to enhance their skills and knowledge in modern production techniques, quality standards, and business practices.

Qualifications:

- Bachelors/Masters in social work, economics, development studies or related filed. Candidate having any certificate/diploma in handloom/handicraft management will be preferred.

- 4-6 years of relevant experience in with a focus on economic development, cluster development, or working with government projects.

- Experience in on-ground implementation of similar projects with Government stakeholders and Well versed with Governance structure of community based enterprises.

- Prior cluster development experience for communities, with respect to capacity building workshops, creation of community enterprise, revival and safeguarding of skills, market linkages and reporting.

- Demonstrated experience in working with government bodies and understanding of government operations and project guidelines is crucial.

- Ability to lead projects, manage teams, and drive initiatives with minimal supervision. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills are essential.

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, from government officials to local community members and artisans.

- An understanding of and respect for cultural heritage and traditional practices, along with a commitment to sustainable development and economic growth of local communities.

- Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a results-oriented approach.

- Demonstrated capacities of working with stakeholders from varied constituencies to represent their interests sensitively

- Technical and academic understanding of ODOP, Indian traditional crafts/handloom sectors and techniques

- Multitasking ability

- Excellent communication skills; both written and spoken

- Team player

- Basic presentation skills

- Sound office IT skills - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Forms, basic Adobe Photoshop