Project Manager (m/w/d)
SELCO Foundation
Company Overview
SELCO Foundation
Bangalore, India
2010
Approximately 600 employees across the SELCO ecosystem, leveraging philanthropic funding without public revenue disclosure (source: frappe.io).
What They Do
SELCO Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and deploying decentralized renewable energy solutions, primarily focusing on solar technologies. Founded by Harish Hande, who also co-founded SELCO India, the Foundation aims to alleviate poverty and enhance access to essential services such as healthcare and education in underserved rural communities across India (source: energypedia.info). The Foundation operates mainly in South Asia, particularly in states like Karnataka, Odisha, and Jharkhand, utilizing a network of energy service centers established by SELCO India (source: selcofoundation.org). Their approach emphasizes user-centered solutions, including solar-powered lighting, thermal water heaters, and energy-efficient medical equipment, which are designed to reduce labor and enable income generation for low-income rural users (source: lemelson.org).
Projects & Track Record
SELCO Foundation has undertaken several notable projects aimed at enhancing energy access and improving livelihoods. One significant initiative is the e-Shala (e-school) project, which deploys solar-powered storage devices and LED projectors to electrify education in rural areas, particularly in Karnataka (source: wikipedia.org). Additionally, the Foundation has supported agricultural mechanization projects, such as Jayashree's bread-making unit, which utilizes SELCO-supported machinery to reduce labor on farms (source: lemelson.org). The Foundation's current major projects include the 'Energy for Health' initiative, which aims to provide solar solutions to 25,000 healthcare facilities by 2026, and the Sustainable Energy Led Climate Action Program (SELCAP) focusing on energy planning in Odisha and Jharkhand (source: hbs.edu).
Recent Developments
In recent years, SELCO Foundation has expanded its partnerships and initiatives significantly. The 'Energy for Health' partnership with IKEA Foundation has been announced to target solar solutions for 25,000 healthcare facilities by 2026, building on previous successful projects (source: hbs.edu). The Foundation also received a $400,000 grant from the MacArthur Foundation in 2022 to integrate decentralized renewable energy into programs in Odisha and Jharkhand, following a $200,000 grant in 2020 for healthcare initiatives (source: macfound.org). While no acquisitions or mergers have been reported, the Foundation continues to receive funding from various sources, including a notable $2 million grant from DOEN Foundation in 2016 (source: doughnuteconomics.org).
Working There
SELCO Foundation operates within a broader ecosystem that includes SELCO India and other entities, employing around 600 people across various roles. Positions range from design thinking and technology development to program implementation in health, education, and livelihoods (source: frappe.io). The Foundation primarily hires from its headquarters in Bangalore and branches across several Indian states, emphasizing local recruitment to build trust in rural service roles (source: selco-india.com). The company culture is centered around long-term mission protection, inclusive hiring practices, and collaboration within the ecosystem, focusing on user-centered innovation and community ownership models (source: doughnuteconomics.org).
Contact
Last updated on 2025-12-27 | Report an issue
Job Description
SELCO Foundation is seeking an experienced, curious Project Manager to lead knowledge, research and partnership efforts for its Mizoram programme - translating field insights on livelihoods, energy and climate vulnerability into influential learning, programme design inputs and strategic collaborations.
SELCO Foundation expanded its operations into Mizoram since January 2023 to address the climate vulnerability and energy challenges faced by the region. Mizoram, a state in Northeast India, is characterized by its hilly terrain and remote communities, making access to reliable energy sources a significant hurdle. The larger vision in Mizoram aims for a sustainable renewable energy champion state to replicate the experienced knowledge across the country with similar climate vulnerability and poverty typology.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Own knowledge generation across the Mizoram portfolio: design, manage and deliver high-quality research, case studies, learning notes and synthesis products
- Translate field observations into actionable narratives and recommendations for programme and project teams to improve design and decision-making.
- Plan and execute mixed-methods research (qualitative and quantitative): study design, tools, field coordination, analysis and dissemination.
- Create compelling knowledge artefacts - briefs, presentations, visualisations, short films and slide decks - suited to diverse audiences (practitioners, funders, government).
- Manage partnerships with research institutes, universities, local NGOs, government departments and consultants; identify collaboration opportunities and manage contracts/agreements.
- Build and maintain a knowledge management system (KM) - documentation standards, repositories, version control, and easy access for internal teams.
- Support monitoring, evaluation & learning (MEL) activities: define indicators, contribute to baseline/endline design, and integrate learning into adaptive management.
- Convene and represent SELCO Foundation in regional learning forums, partnerships and stakeholder workshops.
- Mentor and coordinate with field staff to strengthen data collection quality and learning culture
- Ensure ethical research practice and culturally sensitive engagement with communities.
Key Requirements
- 4-7 years' experience in research/knowledge management/partnerships in development, livelihoods, energy access or climate resilience programmes.
- Demonstrated ability to convert complex, ground-level data into clear, actionable insights for programme design and policy influence.
- Experience building and managing collaborations with academic partners, NGOs or government.
- Track record producing high-quality outputs: research reports, policy briefs, case studies, presentations and visual content.
- Strong project management skills: planning, budgeting, vendor/consultant management and timely delivery.
- Cultural sensitivity and experience working in rural, remote and/or Northeast India contexts is desirable.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Willingness to travel frequently across Mizoram and stay in field locations as required
Technical Skills Required
- Mixed-methods research skills: qualitative methods (FGDs, KIIs, ethnographic observation) and basic quantitative analysis (survey design, data cleaning, interpretation).
- Excel (advanced)
- Visualization tools: PowerPoint (advanced), Canva; comfort producing infographic-style summaries.
- Knowledge management platforms: Workspace, shared drives, basic repository management
- Familiarity with MEL frameworks, indicator design, and simple dashboarding
- Ability to manage consultants: TOR preparation, evaluation, deliverable review and payments.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Environmental Studies, Economics, Public Policy, Engineering with social focus, or related field
- Master's degree preferred (Development Studies, Public Policy, Social Science, Economics, Environmental Management, Energy Policy, or similar).
- Equivalent combination of education + relevant work experience will be considered.
Please Click Here to apply for the position.
- Applications will be processed on a rolling basis.
- Compensation will be commensurate with previous experience, calibre, and organization norms.
We look forward to hearing from people who identify with the vision of SELCO Foundation!
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About the role
February 3, 2026
Full Time
Non-profit
February 3, 2026
On-site
- Aizawl, India
4-7 years
UTC+05:30
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