Axis Bank Foundation:Programme Lead

Role descriptionAbout Axis Bank Foundation (ABF)Axis Bank Foundation (ABF) was set up in 2006 to provide a strategic approach for the Corporate Social Responsibility of Axis Bank Ltd. (ABL) and its subsidiaries. It is registered as a Public Charitable Trust under the Bombay Public Trust Act.ABF’S Strategic IntentEstablished in 2006, ABF has constantly evolved to remain responsive to the needs of marginalized communities. We have adopted a research and consultation linked approach to inform our strategy and implementation approaches for development. This included creating an issue map of challenges associated with rural livelihoods which resulted in our understanding that economic empowerment of societies is the solution to multi-faceted development issues.Subsequently, through multi stakeholder dialogue and deliberations, we support strong grass-root level organizations in building localized interventions with potential to translate into sustainable livelihoods. This with the belief that economic empowerment, resulting from improved livelihoods, nurtures higher aspirations in terms of better quality of life, access to health services and education among participants.To achieve this mandate, we foster long term partnerships with grassroots NGOs with demonstrated technical and social expertise to enable sustainable livelihoods. The approach strongly advocates collaboration and leveraging funds from various other donors with the aim of impacting a larger population and enabling linkages with formal financial institutions and markets as a means to sustainability. Our strength lies in designing and supporting projects of scale, assuring key funding that further enables raising - resources from multiple sources.ABF’s approachOur approach to grant making is based on its strategic mission and commitment to forging sustainable livelihoods across India. This approach is founded on deep engagement with the Community & NGO partners as well as prudent project management.We thrive on a partnership approach with its NGO partners, with our donors and as a team. We are active donors and the funding approach has been designed to evolve as per the need of the community and the program. The desire to co-create remains high in our actions. We associate long term with the communities and therefore NGOs. Building capacity, relevant support leverage from various sources of funds for a regional are the core philosophies.The management comprises of multiple functions - Donor management, Grant management, Program management, Finance, Legal & Compliance (Internal & External), Research, communication, Stakeholder engagement, M&E, HR, Learning & Development, Technology & Employee engagement for the Donors. The vibrancy of the program is complemented with the diversity of skills that we have in the team. The functions are driven by robust processes within the larger risk and compliance framework. The approach is progressive, with a focus on efficiency and effectiveness. A culture of learning, enhancing one’s own sphere of influence on the program / Rural livelihoods is highly encouraged.About the Role· Designation: Program Lead· Location: Mumbai (Hybrid)· Reporting : ET & CEO ABFAbout the Role· The position is accountable for ensuring on point delivery of ABF Sustainable Livelihoods Program (SLP) and closely working the Executive Trustee & Chief Executive Officer (ET&CEO) to ensure meeting the organisation’s mandate on achieving impact.· Lead a team of Program Managers, who are the key point of contact for the NGOs and manage the project lifecycle. Also, provide them with guidance and mentorship support as well as ensure that their capacity gaps are identified and addressed.· Ensure all Program Outcomes are achieved while ensuring compliance, donor requirements, and proficient risk management.· Ensure adherence to key SOPs and Playbooks developed for project and operations management by self and team members. Ensure all key policy documents/ SOPs/ Playbooks are always updated.· Ensure robust project and programme governance (and related data trackers/MIS) with adherence to all the set processes and timelines for project management.· Ensure CSR Fund management through regular tracking of approved budgets, disbursements, and utilisation.· Ensure delivery of the Mission4Million (M4M) strategy by developing a strong understanding on the same. Support the ET & CEO to co-create, design and ground projects as per the M4M strategy.· Ensure strong and strategic relationships with the NGO partners. This includes, undertaking capacity gap assessments, creating strategic alignment and relevance of their approach for the SLP.· Provide thought leadership to the SLP, Program Managers and NGO partners to ensure integration of technical and sectoral best practices into the projects. Contribute to overall program strengthening and prudent investment of ABF grants.· Engage deeply and align with functional leads (Program, Operations and Communications) to ensure complete cross-functional alignment and streamlining efforts for maximum efficiency.· Contribute towards creating a culture of operational excellence with zero-pendency within the Program team and the organisation.· Managing stakeholder expectations and alignment.Desired skills & experience· Minimum 10-15 years of working experience in CSR / Development domain.· Excellent Program / Project lifecycle management and operational skills.· Deep understanding of the development sector, preferably on community institutions, natural resource management, agriculture and allied, skilling etc.· Highly developed skillset to assess and analyse livelihood project proposals and budgets. As well as on program monitoring & evaluations and knowledge management.· Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with NGOs and other stakeholders tactfully, empathetically and with strategic foresight.· Good understanding of CSR related compliance and other internal compliance.· Good interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships with people at all levels, both internally and externally.· Ability to understand and inform the larger picture in the sector and otherwise, through strong systems thinking skills.· Understanding of stakeholder expectations, their asks and managing information.· Proficient communication skills in English and Hindi (both verbal and written)· Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and strong ability to manage data on MS-excel.Educational Qualification• Masters in Rural Development/ Development Management/ Sustainability Management.