State Lead – Sustainable Agriculture & Livelihoods (CRA & FPO Program, Maharashtra)

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• Designation: State Lead – Sustainable Agriculture & Livelihoods (CRA & FPO Program, Maharashtra)
• Organization: SwitchON Foundation
• Location: Maharashtra (Vidarbha & Nagar Region; field-based with state-level travel)
• Work Experience: 10-12 years in sustainable agriculture, livelihoods, and FPO promotion
• Compensation: Up to ₹8 Lakhs (Fixed) + Variable Pay + Commitment Bonus + Travel/stay reimbursements as per policy
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in Hindi & English; Marathi preferred

About SwitchON Foundation

Established in 2008, SwitchON Foundation is a pioneering non-profit organization committed to driving climate action through sustainable agriculture, clean energy, clean air advocacy, and sustainable cities. With a dedicated team of over 175 professionals, we work across 10 states in India to empower communities with climate-smart solutions.

Recognized as a Great Place to Work, SwitchON fosters an inclusive and diverse culture, with strong representation of women in leadership. Our impact is delivered through innovative programs, social enterprises, and policy advocacy, creating long-term, scalable change.

To learn more, visit: www.switchon.org.in

Position Summary

SwitchON Foundation is seeking a seasoned professional to lead its Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) and Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) program in Maharashtra. The State Lead will be responsible for spearheading FPO strengthening, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, building partnerships, and driving scale-up across the state. This role requires a blend of strategic leadership, program management, and grassroots expertise to ensure that SwitchON’s mission of empowering smallholder farmers and building climate resilience is realized in Maharashtra.

Job Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Lead planning and execution of FPO strengthening and CRA initiatives across Maharashtra.
• Ensure state programs align with SwitchON’s overall mission and priorities.

FPO & Livelihood Strengthening

• Support FPOs with legal, financial, and governance compliances.
• Build sustainable business models, market linkages, etc.

Climate Resilient Agriculture

• Introduce and scale regenerative and low-chemical farming practices.
• Promote soil health, crop diversification, and access to sustainable inputs.
• Link farmers with schemes and incentives for climate-smart practices.
• Facilitate adoption of decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions in agriculture.

Women & Farmer Collectives

• Strengthen SHGs and women farmers’ participation in FPOs.
• Facilitate access to mechanization through custom hiring centers and innovations.

Partnerships & Convergence

• Build collaborations with government departments (Agriculture, NRLM, NABARD, etc.), private sector, and NGOs.
• Drive convergence with state and central schemes for maximum impact.

Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Manage and mentor district teams for effective ground-level implementation.
• Organize training, workshops, and exposure visits for farmers, FPO leaders, and women entrepreneurs.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Track outcomes such as farmer income, adoption of practices, and FPO growth.
• Ensure timely documentation, reporting, and dissemination of knowledge.

Innovation & Scale-Up

• Identify and pilot new models in agri-value chains.
• Scale successful interventions across regions.

Education Qualification/Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s/Master’s in Social Sciences, Economics, Public Policy, Agriculture, Rural Development, or related fields.

Experience

• Minimum 10-12 years of experience in sustainable agriculture, livelihoods, and FPO strengthening.
• Proven expertise in project management, value chain development, and stakeholder partnerships.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking.
• Expertise in FPO governance, compliance, and business planning.
• Knowledge of Climate Resilient Agriculture practices and DRE-powered solutions.
• Experience in donor, CSR, and government partnerships.
• Financial literacy and agri-business planning.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and negotiation skills.
• Familiarity with digital tools (Google Suite, MIS, Kobo, dashboards).

Reporting Structure

• Reports To: General Manager
• Direct Reports: 4–5 district/state-level staff

Travel Requirements

• 50–60% travel across Maharashtra.
• Occasional travel to Kolkata for reviews/coordination.

Compensation

• Up to ₹8 Lakhs per annum (Fixed) + Variable Pay + Commitment Bonus.
• Travel/stay reimbursements as per policy.
• Full-time role, field-based.

Interested candidates are invited to apply by filling out the application form here: https://forms.gle/NmTGoJeumhFeSKkj8

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