Job Title: Program Lead
Location: Delhi
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 the office Delhi that will oversee all programs across all verticals at NFI being delivered from Delhi. The incumbent will be responsible for overall strategy, fund raising and implementation of all programs, overseeing diverse teams in each of the verticals. This being a senior role, it candidate is expected to play a significant role in furthering the overall strategic goals of NFI as an organization to enable social justice, including building on NFI’s expansion plans.

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 (spoken and written) is required.

Key Responsibilities: Program Lead

  • Lead Frontline Insurance Program, which supports workers in civil society organisations by enabling access to social security through health insurance. Build strong relationships and trust with CSO partners to facilitate their enrolment and participation in the scheme.
  • Lead the Abhijit Sen Rural Internship Program, aimed at promoting engagement among university students and enabling deeper understanding of the socio-economic challenges faced by rural communities across India.
  • Provide leadership for the implementation and expansion of NFI’s initiatives on climate change, working with partners and stakeholders to strengthen program impact.
  • Take ownership of NFI’s program strategy, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s mission and long-term goals; conceptualize and design new programs accordingly.
  • Provide ongoing strategic and analytical guidance to the team, strengthening their capabilities and mentoring emerging leaders within the organisation.
  • Improve program effectiveness and team productivity through the strengthening of operational systems, processes, and technology use.
  • Identify potential programmatic and operational risks and develop mitigation strategies.
  • Develop strategic alliances with funding partners and other stakeholders to strengthen NFI’s visibility and positioning at both local and national levels.
  • Undertake any additional responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.


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: 31 March 2026
Please submit your application by clicking Here.