Program Coordinator- Agri & Allied Innovation

Job Description

SELCO Foundation, a not-for-profit, engages in field-based R&D and ecosystem building for development of decentralized renewable energy solutions that alleviate poverty in urban, rural, and tribal poor areas. The organization works across verticals such as energy access, build environment, health, skill development, energy entrepreneurs and partners from various developmental sectors. Foundation seeks to inspire and implement socially, financially, and environmentally inclusive solutions by improving access to sustainable energy.

As one of the priority development verticals, we are working to develop sustainable energy driven solutions for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and allied livelihoods. Under this vertical we have been working on specific value chains such as cereals millets, oilseeds, Dairy, Poultry and livelihoods cooling as a solution cutting across all horticulture produce. SELCO Foundation seeks to develop sustainable energy solutions across agriculture commodity specific value chains to improve, diversify farm incomes and reduce drudgery across practices and processes - on farm and in post-harvest processing. Specifically, we are looking at clean and efficient technologies that bring about value among small marginal farmers and entrepreneurs, FPOs, FPC's, SHG and other stakeholders.

You can find more information on this program and SELCO Foundation on our Organization Website.

About the Position

As a Program Coordinator for the Animal Husbandry & Allied Innovation team, the candidate should have strong sectoral knowledge and understanding of agriculture and animal husbandry-based livelihood systems, with proven experience in the development sector. Background in agriculture, animal husbandry, rural livelihoods, or allied areas is welcome. The coordinator is expected to design, implement, and execute impact-driven projects across priority animal husbandry value chains.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Animal Husbandry & Allied Innovation team in research, identification of viable animal husbandry commodities for innovation (both technological and financial), and implement decentralized renewable energy-based technologies for value chain-specific and generic solutions.
• Map and profile end-user typologies, technology providers and manufacturers for identification of technology nodal points; coordinate for smooth implementation of projects.
• Keep abreast with government schemes, policies, trends, and sustainable practices emerging in animal husbandry - across dairy, poultry, small ruminants, piggery, apiculture, fisheries, and allied sectors.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with relevant stakeholders (NGO partners, government institutes, veterinary departments, etc.) related to all nodal points within animal husbandry value chains.
• Visit sites and partner organisations to identify different end-user and commodity typologies, develop prototypes, and test new technologies relevant to the value chains. Develop different business and financial models for these typologies.
• Coordinate with other geography teams of SELCO and support them in developing and implementing programmes to create cross-learning platforms for specified value chains.
• Coordinate and support data collection; share findings with the knowledge team to develop knowledge deliverables (case studies, presentations, reports, etc.).
• Conduct site surveys and prepare pre- and post-implementation assessments and financial profitability analyses for all implementations.
• Support the team in conducting training and capacity-building requirements arising from implementations; create training modules with relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate with end users for maintenance and troubleshooting support for implementations at each site, working with technology providers to resolve issues.
• Support the team in producing newsletters including case studies, learnings, and new typologies, shared with partners and geographies monthly.

Qualifications

Graduate or Masters in Agriculture, Horticulture, Rural Development, Agricultural Engineering, or allied disciplines with a minimum of 2 years of experience in development sector livelihoods, agriculture, or animal husbandry. Prior exposure to animal husbandry value chains is an advantage but not a requirement. Specific interest in technology, energy access, livelihood, and ecosystem building is essential.

Desired Skills

• Strong project design, and operational skills, along with stakeholder management and relationshipbuilding capabilities.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong networking capabilities and demonstrated interpersonal skills suitable for collaborating with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to process information and create compelling documentation - reports, impact analyses, and case studies for the sector.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office - Advanced Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to perform field assessments, on-site evaluations, and produce comprehensive reports.
• Willingness to learn, grow, and develop at a rapid pace with a steep learning curve.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and multicultural environment.
• Willingness to travel for at least 10 days a month.