Project Coordinator - NTFPs, Agriculture 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. Under the Agricultural vertical we have been working on specific value chains such as millets, rice, spice, tomato, potato and with agriculture 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 Project Coordinator - NTFP, the candidate will lead research, innovation, implementation, and scaling of Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) interventions across multiple geographies. The role requires strong understanding of rural livelihoods, value chain development, decentralized enterprises, renewable energy applications, and stakeholder engagement.

The candidate will work closely with internal teams, NGOs, FPOs, government departments, research institutions, startups, technology providers, consultants, and funding partners to identify scalable technologies, develop enterprise models, coordinate pilot projects, strengthen ecosystem partnerships, and document learnings for sector-wide adoption.

Key responsibilities

• Lead research and sector assessments across Honey, Mushroom, Turmeric, Tamarind, Bamboo, Medicinal Plants, Wild Fruits, and other NTFP value chains to identify opportunities for decentralized processing, value addition, and enterprise development.
• Identify, benchmark, and validate innovative technologies, machinery, renewable energy solutions, and business models suitable for rural enterprises.
• Lead planning, implementation, monitoring, and scale-up of NTFP projects across multiple geographies in collaboration with NGOs, FPOs, SHGs, Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), research institutions, and technology partners.
• Conduct field assessments, end-user profiling, feasibility studies, technology validation, and pilot implementation to generate evidence for scaling.
• Develop concept notes, Proposals, DPRs, technical reports, presentations, case studies, impact reports, and donor documentation.
• Build partnerships with government departments, research organizations, startups, private sector, CSR partners, financial institutions, and ecosystem stakeholders to strengthen NTFP enterprises.
• Facilitate convergence with government schemes, financial institutions, and market actors to improve sustainability and scale of interventions
• Coordinate with consultants, vendors, implementation partners, and internal teams to ensure timely execution of project activities and deliverables.
• Document field learnings, enterprise models, technology performance, and impact stories to support knowledge dissemination and organizational learning.
• Represent SELCO Foundation in stakeholder meetings, workshops, technical discussions, and sector forums related to NTFP and rural livelihoods.

Essential Qualification

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Forestry, Agriculture, Horticulture, Rural Development, Food Technology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• 3-4 years of experience in NTFP, agriculture, rural livelihoods, enterprise development, value chain development, or allied sectors.
• Experience in project implementation, stakeholder management, field coordination, and rural enterprise development.

Desirable Profile

• Experience working on Honey, Mushroom, Turmeric, Tamarind, Bamboo, Medicinal Plants, or other NTFP value chains.
• Experience in technology validation, renewable energy applications, decentralized processing, and value addition.
• Experience working with FPOs, SHGs, tribal communities, NGOs, and government departments.
• Strong understanding of rural enterprise development, market linkages, and business model development.
• Experience in proposal writing, project documentation, impact assessment, and knowledge management.
• Excellent communication, coordination, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and independently lead projects across diverse geographies.