Area Manager

Location: Vyara / Songadh (Tapi District) Gujarat

Education: Postgraduate in Social Sciences, Rural Development, Management, or related disciplines

Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in the development sector with at least 4 years in a leadership or state-level role.

Skills & Competencies required

POSITION SUMMARY: The Area Manager will be responsible for leading the strategic and operational functions of AKRSP(I) in the assigned territory. This leadership role ensures high-quality implementation of development projects aligned with AKRSP(I)’s mission, effective coordination with internal departments and external stakeholders, and representation of the organization at state and national platforms.

• Strong programme management and strategic planning skills with a commitment to quality.

• Effective communicator with the ability to engage across diverse stakeholder groups.

• Team leadership, multitasking ability, and a field-oriented mindset.

• Ability to manage complex programmes and integrate thematic areas for greater impact.

• Sound knowledge of financial systems and budgetary processes.

• Strong relationship-building and networking skills.

• Secular and inclusive orientation, with sensitivity to diverse community contexts.

• Willingness to travel extensively and maintain flexibility in work schedules.

• Proven experience in programme management, government liaison, team leadership, and donor engagement.

• Fluency in English and Hindi; knowledge of local languages is an advantage

Job Profile

• Strategic and Programmatic Leadership:

• Develop and implement territory-specific strategies aligned with AKRSP(I)’s mission and long-term vision.

• Lead a multi-thematic team of professionals across sectors including natural resources, agriculture, livestock, skill development, and enterprise promotion.

• Ensure seamless integration of programmes and projects to achieve measurable household-level impact.

Programme Management and Quality Implementation:

• Oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of development projects with a strong focus on quality, timelines, and milestones.

• Guide teams in strategic work planning, budgeting, implementation, and evaluation.

• Support development of systems, frameworks, and indicators for effective programme delivery and learning.

Team Management:

• Provide proactive leadership in team management, motivation, and performance monitoring.

• Facilitate capacity-building efforts and foster a collaborative, learning-oriented work environment.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation:

• Liaise effectively with government officials, donors, and civil society partners.

• Represent AKRSP(I) at state and national platforms to advocate for rural development priorities.

• Coordinate donor and high-profile visits to showcase impact and strengthen partnerships.

Financial Oversight and Fundraising:

• Ensure effective financial management, including budgeting, tracking expenditures, and timely donor reporting.

• Contribute to resource mobilization efforts, including proposal development and donor engagement.

Coordination with Head Office:

• Collaborate with departments such as HR, Finance, M&E, Admin, and Safety & Security to ensure alignment and operational efficiency.

• Ensure timely submission of reports to donors, government agencies, and AKRSP(I) headquarters.

Please note that we will begin the search immediately, and if a suitable candidate is found, we will close the application process!