About Organization:
Vijayavahini Charitable Foundation(VCF) is a not-for-profit organization, supported by Tata Trusts, which focuses on a wide range of themes including agriculture, livelihood promotion, sanitation, nutrition, education, skill development and crafts among others.
Project Summary :
Antaran is a craft-based livelihood initiated of Tata Trusts, dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional crafts in India. Beyond facilitating design and market intervention, Antaran's work encompasses technical expertise, innovation, quality enhancement, enterprise development, market expansion, and the preservation of traditional craft ecosystems, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Antaran has nurtured over 300 artisan entrepreneurs from six lesser exposed handloom clusters (namely Nalbari, Kamrup, Maniabandha, Nuapatna , Gopalpur, Nagaland, and Venkatagiri, Srikalahasti and Barmer), of India across Assam, Nagaland, Odisha and Andhra.
Position Summary :
The Program Manager Crafts will drive VCF's mission by managing large scale craft programs in the region. The role encompasses designing and overseeing implementation, monitoring and evaluation strategies, budgetary planning and compliances, grant management, and reporting.
The position also requires building strategic partnerships and regional connections with government and non-government institutions. The Program Manager will provide strategic leadership, strengthen institutional relationships, and deliver measurable outcomes across implementation regions.
Role Details :
1 . Role : Program Manager - Crafts
2. Location : Srikalahasti, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
3 . Association : Consultant Contract
Stake holders:
Relationship (Within Organization) : Chief Functionary, Chief Financial Officer, Thematic Heads. M&E Team
Relationship (Outside Organization) : Donors, Govt. Departments, NGOs, Artisans.Craft Businesses
Brief Job Description :
1. Program Leadership and Strategic Planning:
• Design and implement programs to enhance livelihoods through crafts.
• Develop region-specific operational plans to promote traditional crafts and artisan communities aligning with the program design team.
• Utilize data-driven insights to refine program effectiveness.
2. Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy:
• Collaborate with government departments, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to promote crafts initiatives.
• Advocate for policies that support crafts and artisan development.
• Build partnerships to enhance program visibility and impact.
3. Team Leadership and Capacity Building:
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team to implement crafts-based initiatives.
• Develop and deliver training programs for artisans and program staff.
• Foster a culture of innovation and collaboration.
4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL):
• Establish and oversee robust MEL frameworks to track progress.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on program impact and share insights with stakeholders.
5. Financial Management and Compliance:
• Oversee program budgets, ensuring optimal utilization and compliance with donor guidelines.
• Ensure timely fulfillment of program procurement requirements through effective coordination with relevant internal departments and monitoring of procurement processes until completion.
• • Collaborate with finance teams for timely reporting and audit readiness.
6. Community Engagement and Advocacy:
• Mobilize artisan communities to participate actively in livelihood programs.
• Strengthen community capacity through training and awareness campaigns.
7. Compliance and Reporting:
• Ensure adherence to donor guidelines and organizational policies.
• Submit timely reports on program progress and financial accountability.
8. Perform other duties as required to align with organizational priorities or donor requirements.
Key Deliverables:
• Successful implementation of crafts programs within defined timelines.
• Establishment of sustainable market linkages for artisan products.
• Enhanced income generation for artisans and crafts-based communities.
• Development of new partnerships and collaborations.
• Timely submission of program and financial reports as per schedules.
Skills & Competencies:
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead and inspire teams.
• Technical Expertise: Knowledge of crafts, livelihood promotion, and rural development.
• Analytical Skills: Proficiency in program monitoring, data analysis, and impact assessment.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, Hindi and regional language.
• Technology: Proficiency in MS Office, MIS tools, and digital marketing.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to address operational challenges and innovate solutions.
• Networking: Strong relationship-building and negotiation skills.
Experience:
• A minimum of 8–10 years of experience in crafts promotion, livelihood programs, or related fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing market linkages and artisan support programs.
• Experience engaging with government stakeholders, donors, and community organizations.
• Track record of managing multidisciplinary teams and driving capacity-building initiatives.
Qualification:
• Master’s degree in Rural Development, Social Work, Handicrafts Design, fashion, or related disciplines.
• Familiarity with marketing strategies, crafts-based supply chains, and policy advocacy.
Interested applicants are request to share their CV to careers@vijayavahini.org .