Project Anchor – Natural Farming based Value Chains – Watershed Support Services and Activities Network (WASSAN)

Apply by 5th December 2023

Watershed Support Services and Activities Network (WASSAN), Hyderabad is a network-based organization focusing on improving the quality of mainstream programs in natural resources management and livelihoods. It engages actively in policy advocacy initiatives at state and national level mainly related to rainfed areas. WASSAN has contributed substantially to development of watershed policies in various states and at Government of India. WASSAN is also working with various partners in different States as part of RRA Network on rainfed agriculture related agenda.

No of Positions: 1 (One)

Job Role: Overall project management and technical support

Job Location:  HDFC Bank Parivartan- Satya Sai and Annamayya Districts, Andhra Pradesh (with travel to nearby areas)

Reporting to: Project Manager

About the Project:
The project aims to strengthen local circular economy through supporting village enterprises and farmers’ institutions that provide critical backward and forward linkages for transition to Natural Farming and increase in farm incomes across three clusters in Satya Sai and Annamayya districts of Andhra Pradesh. The project scope includes eight themes, all which are centred in a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) in the given cluster- establishing local seed system, bio-input enterprises, agriculture service centres, develop local commodity and fresh produce value chain, establish village enterprises in post -harvest management and primary processing, PGS organic certification and supporting FPOs.

Job Summary
The Project Anchor will be responsible for overseeing the overall management and technical support of the project. This role involves coordinating with thematic anchors and experts to ensure the regular preparation and updating of action plans for each theme. Ensuring robust, complete action plans that align with the project and organizational objectives is crucial. The Project Anchor will also focus on team capacity building, financial planning and monitoring, timely communication, and adherence to donor requirements.

Job description:

1. Coordinate with Thematic anchors and experts to ensure theme-wise Action plans are prepared (and updated) regularly.
2. Ensure action plans are robust and complete and are linked to theme-wise expenditure plans.
3. Ensure activities in each theme align to the overall project and organizational objective for the region.
4. Ensure clear SOPs are prepared and shared by experts in each theme.
5. Ensure team has relevant capacities and adhere to SOPs.
6. Responsible for overall financial planning, control and monitoring.
7. Responsible for preparation and consolidation of quarterly and monthly budgets.
8. Responsible for ensuring the thematic teams deliver commitments with respect to physical and financial achievements – immediately flag delays and work with teams to expedite progress.
9. Follow up with program, project support and Accounts team to ensure timely and proper submission and clearance of bills, payments as per best practices and organization norms.
10. Responsible for ensuring proper Project Communications covering project activities, achievements, impact, lessons; prepare reports and case studies as required.
11. Coordinate with illustrators, designers, video-makers for preparing relevant communication material and handle social media for the project.
12. Has to ensure robust, transparent and timely updation of Project MIS, serving the purpose of reporting as well as internal review and decision-making.
13. Travel extensively to the field sites of project implementation to ensure process hygiene, accuracy of reporting and feedback from the community.
14. Conduct weekly, monthly meetings and maintain the progress tracker.
15. Ensure all donor requirements with respect to reports, data, UCs, field visits and any others are met adequately and in time.
16. Assume greater role in execution with respect to at least two themes- preferably business development for village enterprises and Farmers’ institutions.

Desired Candidate Profile:

1. Candidates should have completed Post Graduation in one of the following disciplines- Business – Rural Management, Agri-Business Management, Social Sciences, Agriculture, Agriculture Economics or B-tech from reputed institutions.
2. Should be fluent in English, Hindi and Telugu.
3. Should be willing to relocate to Kadiri, Satya Sai District -Andhra Pradesh
4. Should have relevant work experience of at least 5 years -managing Development projects as part of CSOs, Govt./Non-Govt. agencies.
5. People with experience of working closely with Community Institutions- SHGs, FPOs at scale will be given preference.
6. Should have good communication and documentation skills.
7. Should be a team player and have the ability to lead the team.
8. Should possess strong technical skills- Excel, Power point, Project Management (preferable)
9. Should adhere to timelines.
10. Should be passionate about Rural Development and working with community institutions, market engagement.

Compensation:
As per the competitive Market standard, commensurate with qualification and experience.

How to apply:
Interested candidates may apply using the following link – https://forms.gle/WmuAwxunBsF8RwvP8 by 5th December 2023.

WASSAN is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages women to apply. WASSAN retains the right to withdraw the advertisement at any point in time without any further notice or explanation. Advertisement does not mean recruitment.