National Foundation for India (NFI)
Job Title: Program / Location Lead
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Reports to: Program Director
Type: Full-time
Number of Positions: 1
 
About the Organization
The National Foundation for India (NFI) has been working for close to 35 years as a grant-making and capacity-building institution committed to strengthening civil society organisations and advancing social justice. NFI works to create pathways for communities to improve their lives while deepening understanding of critical social issues, ensuring that no one is left behind. Over the past three decades, NFI has partnered with more than 500 grassroots organisations working on key development challenges in remote and hard to reach regions across India.
 
Job Description
This is a senior full-time position based in Bhubaneswar that will oversee NFI’s programs across the eastern and central regions of India including Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The Program Lead will be responsible for executing the regional strategy, managing and implementing all existing and new programs, overseeing budgets and reporting, and leading the regional office and team. The role will also focus on strengthening NFI’s credibility, partnerships, and visibility within the region.
 
The position reports to the Program Director.
 
Eligibility

  • Postgraduate degree in Social Work, Management, or Social Sciences.

  • Minimum 10 - 15 years of post-qualification experience in the development sector.

  • Demonstrated experience in program planning and management, including budgets, reporting systems, and the development and use of MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning) frameworks.

  • Proven experience in program conceptualisation, proposal development, and fundraising.

  • Strong leadership abilities with experience in building, mentoring, and managing high-performing teams.

  • Willingness to travel frequently to remote locations as per program needs.

  • Proficiency in English and Hindi is required; knowledge of Odia is preferred.

 
Key Responsibilities - Program Lead

  • Lead and refine NFI’s regional program strategy based on field insights and evolving development priorities.

  • Oversee grant-making and grant management, including programmatic, financial, compliance, and risk management processes in line with NFI policies.

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with civil society organisation (CSO) partners through regular engagement and field visits.

  • Manage and implement key NFI initiatives like the Fraternity Fellowship, internships, and other programs.

  • Conceptualize new programs aligned with NFI’s mission and strategic priorities.

  • Lead, mentor, and manage program teams, fostering professional growth and building future leaders within the organisation.

  • Ensure effective program planning, implementation, and monitoring through strong systems, processes, and appropriate use of technology.

  • Represent NFI and engage with multiple stakeholders, including internal teams, donors, sector leaders, and partners.

  • Identify and mobilise appropriate resources, including recruitment of staff, consultants, and facilitators where necessary.

  • Support fundraising efforts, including donor identification, proposal development, and donor engagement in collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team.

  • Identify potential risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies.

 
Personal Attributes

  • Strong commitment to NFI’s mission and values.

  • Empathetic leadership style with the ability to work collaboratively.

  • Adaptable, proactive, and solutions-oriented.

  • Willing to go an extra mile as per the need or the organisation and the communities we work with.

 
Compensation
Annual remuneration up to INR 13 - 15 LPA (inclusive of applicable taxes), depending on experience and qualifications.
 
Contract Period
Fixed-term contract 
 
Diversity Policy
NFI values diversity and strives to build an inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals across all sections of society, regardless of caste, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief.
We encourage applications from socially excluded communities, including SC (Dalit), ST (Adivasi), and religious minorities. Women and transgender candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
 
Application Deadline
Last Date to Apply: 15th April 2026
Please submit your application by clicking on the link here Program Lead – East Central Region