Project Coordinator - Textiles & Crafts 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, built 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 build sustainable, energy-supported solutions for artisan-based livelihoods in the textiles and crafts sector. Under this vertical, we engage with handloom weaving, natural dyeing, block printing, embroidery, pottery, and other traditional crafts - examining where clean energy, process innovation, and market linkage can collectively improve artisan incomes and working conditions. SELCO Foundation seeks to develop contextual solutions across craft and textile value chains to improve livelihoods, reduce drudgery, and create new economic pathways for artisan communities and craft enterprises. You can find more information on this program and SELCO Foundation on our Organization Website.

About the Position

As a Program Coordinator for the Textiles & Crafts Innovation team, the candidate should have a grounded understanding of Indian craft and textile traditions, artisan livelihood systems, and the challenges of scaling craft-based enterprises. We are looking for someone who can serve as a knowledge anchor for the team - someone who understands the materials, processes, and people of the sector, and is curious about how thoughtful R&D and energy access can unlock new possibilities for artisan communities. A background in design, textile studies, craft documentation, or social sector work with craft communities is welcome. The coordinator is expected to co-design, implement, and adapt programmes across priority textiles and crafts value chains.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Textiles & Crafts Innovation team in research, mapping, and identification of viable craft and textile commodities for process and technology innovation - examining pain points across production, finishing, packaging, and market access.
• Build and maintain a working knowledge base of craft clusters, artisan typologies, material systems (fibres, dyes, tools, looms, kilns, etc.), and technology providers relevant to the sector.
• Map and profile end-user typologies - individual artisans, SHGs, craft cooperatives, and small craft enterprises - and identify nodal points where energy access or process innovation can create meaningful change.
• Stay current with government schemes, policies, and institutional mandates relevant to crafts and textiles - including DC Handicrafts, DC Handlooms, state craft boards, GI-tag frameworks, and MSME schemes.
• Develop and nurture relationships with relevant stakeholders: craft NGOs, design institutions, state craft development corporations, artisan collectives, buyers, and technology providers.
• Visit craft clusters and partner organisations to understand production realities, document challenges, develop prototypes or pilot interventions, and test new technologies or approaches relevant to specific value chains.
• Develop contextual business and financial models for different artisan and enterprise typologies, supported by field data and co-created with communities.
• Coordinate with SELCO's geography teams to support cross-learning across regions and craft contexts; facilitate knowledge exchange between artisan communities and programme teams.
• Coordinate and support data collection during field visits; synthesise findings and share with the knowledge team to produce case studies, presentations, reports, and other knowledge deliverables.
• Conduct pre- and post-implementation assessments; prepare financial profitability analyses and impact assessments for all programme implementations.
• Support the team in designing and delivering training and capacity-building modules in collaboration with artisans, craft resource persons, and technical partners.
• Contribute to monthly programme newsletters, documenting new typologies, learnings, and field insights for partner and geography teams.

Qualifications

Graduate or Masters in Design (Textile/Craft/Product), Handloom & Textile Technology, Rural Livelihoods, Development Studies, or allied disciplines - or equivalent experience working closely with craft communities or artisan enterprises. A minimum of 1 years of experience in the development sector, craft documentation, design research, or artisan livelihood programming is required. Prior exposure to specific craft clusters or textile value chains is a strong advantage. Specific interest in R&D, energy access, livelihood systems, and ecosystem building is essential.

Desired Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of Indian craft and textile traditions - materials, processes, community structures, and market realities.
• Strong research and documentation skills: ability to observe, listen, record, and synthesise field realities into usable knowledge products.
• Strong project design and operational skills, with stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities across artisan communities, NGOs, and institutional partners.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English; working fluency in Kannada or Hindi. Ability to communicate across language and literacy barriers in the field.
• Ability to process complex, ground-level information and create compelling documentation - reports, case studies, impact analyses, and programme briefs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office - Advanced Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to perform field assessments, cluster visits, and produce comprehensive reports.
• Comfort with ambiguity, iterative processes, and learning-by-doing in complex community contexts.
• 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, including to remote craft clusters.

How to apply

To apply for this position, please fill out the application form by clicking the below link

Link : https://forms.gle/1ieng9mMTEagjJXT6