Program Manager - Disaster & Climate Resilience

Job Description

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

The Program Manager - Disaster & Climate Resilience will lead SELCO Foundation's interventions aimed at building long-term resilience for disaster-prone communities through a decentralized energy and livelihood lens. Disasters-ranging from rapid-onset events like floods and cyclones to slow-onset crises like droughts-disproportionately impact climate-vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure.

This is a high-ownership, hybrid role involving both direct field implementation and strategic ecosystem orchestration. The candidate will possess 6 to 7 years of professional experience and will be responsible for designing, deploying, and managing interventions across all three phases of disaster management: Pre-disaster (risk mitigation, preparedness, resilient infrastructure planning), During disaster (emergency energy/livelihood relief access), and Post-disaster (sustainable livelihood recovery, rehabilitation, and long-term climate adaptation).

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Program Design & Livelihood Resilience

   • Conceptualize and implement decentralized renewable energy (DRE)-led disaster resilience strategies targeting vulnerable livelihood sectors (agriculture, micro-enterprises, healthcare, and community infrastructure) across priority geographies like Northeast India, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Odisha.
   • Apply a holistic lens across Pre, During, and Post-disaster phases to strengthen community resilience, safeguard assets, and minimize economic disruption caused by natural and human-induced hazards.
   • Identify and scale sustainable technologies, resilient built-environment designs, and financial models tailored to flood, cyclone, and drought-affected regions.

2. On-Ground Implementation & Field Operations

   • Oversee end-to-end execution of disaster mitigation and livelihood recovery projects in deep-rural and vulnerable geographies.
   • Coordinate with regional field teams, local partner organizations, and community groups to ensure timely rollout of resilient infrastructure, energy systems, and livelihood interventions.
   • Lead disaster preparedness audits and risk assessments for local physical infrastructure and community assets in targeted districts.

3. Stakeholder Orchestration & Ecosystem Building

   • Act as an orchestrator across multiple actors-government departments (SDMAs/DDMAs), civil society organizations, local enterprises, financial institutions, and humanitarian relief agencies-to integrate energy access and sustainable livelihoods into broader disaster management frameworks.
   • Facilitate multi-stakeholder coalitions to mobilize resources, streamline post-disaster livelihood restoration, and build regional capacity.

4. Project Management, Tracking & Reporting

   • Maintain comprehensive project timelines, deliverable trackers, and budget allocations for all disaster-related grants and initiatives.
   • Prepare high-quality, structured monthly progress reports, field documentation, and impact assessments for internal leadership, donors, and institutional partners.
   • Conduct regular field visits to project sites to monitor implementation quality, capture field insights, and resolve operational bottlenecks.

Key Deliverables

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Disaster Management, Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, Rural Management, Public Policy, Social Work, or a related discipline.
• 6 to 7 years of relevant professional experience managing disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate adaptation, or livelihood-focused development programs.
• Demonstrated experience in field implementation and stakeholder orchestration across diverse Indian geographies (experience in Northeast, Maharashtra, Karnataka, or Odisha is highly desirable).

Desired Skills

• Strong Program Management: Proven track record in orchestrating multi-region projects, budget tracking, and deliverable management under changing field conditions.
• Disaster & Livelihood Expertise: In-depth understanding of disaster management cycles (pre, during, post), climate adaptation strategies, and rural livelihood vulnerabilities.
• Field Leadership & Problem Solving: Ability to navigate complex ground realities, resolve field bottlenecks proactively, and communicate effectively with local communities and high-level officials alike.
• Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Skills to build consensus and orchestrate efforts between government bodies, NGOs, tech providers, and local enterprise networks.
• Clear Written & Analytical Skills: Proficient in developing structured field reports, policy inputs, and project documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Digital Tools: Comfort with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaborative online platforms.
• Willingness to travel extensively to remote and disaster-vulnerable field locations across India.