Switch ON - State Lead - Sustainable Livelihoods

Position Summary:

SwitchON Foundation is seeking a seasoned professional to lead its Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) and Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) program in Maharashtra.

The State Lead will be responsible for spearheading FPO strengthening, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, building partnerships, and driving scale-up across the state.

This role requires a blend of strategic leadership, program management, and grassroots expertise to ensure that SwitchONs mission of empowering smallholder farmers and building climate resilience is realized in Maharashtra.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership:

- Lead planning and execution of FPO strengthening and CRA initiatives across Maharashtra.

- Ensure state programs align with SwitchONs overall mission and priorities.

FPO & Livelihood Strengthening:

- Support FPOs with legal, financial, and governance compliance.

- Build sustainable business models, market linkages, etc.

Climate Resilient Agriculture:

- Introduce and scale regenerative and low-chemical farming practices.

- Promote soil health, crop diversification, and access to sustainable inputs.

- Link farmers with schemes and incentives for climate-smart practices.

- Facilitate adoption of decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions in agriculture.

Women & Farmer Collectives:

- Strengthen SHGs and women farmers participation in FPOs.

- Facilitate access to mechanization through custom hiring centers and innovations.

Partnerships & Convergence:

- Build collaborations with government departments (Agriculture, NRLM, NABARD, etc.), private sector, and NGOs.

- Drive convergence with state and central schemes for maximum impact.

Team Leadership & Capacity Building:

- Manage and mentor district teams for effective ground-level implementation.

- Organize training, workshops, and exposure visits for farmers, FPO leaders, and women entrepreneurs.

Monitoring & Reporting

- Track outcomes such as farmer income, adoption of practices, and FPO growth.

- Ensure timely documentation, reporting, and dissemination of knowledge.

Innovation & Scale-Up:

- Identify and pilot new models in agri-value chains.

- Scale successful interventions across regions.

Qualifications, Experience & Skills:

Educational Qualification:

- Master's in Social Sciences, Economics, Public Policy, or related fields.

Experience:

- Minimum 10-12 years of experience in sustainable agriculture, livelihoods, and FPO strengthening.

- Proven expertise in project management, value chain development, and stakeholder partnerships.

Skills & Attributes:

- Strong leadership and strategic thinking.

- Expertise in FPO governance, compliance, and business planning.

- Knowledge of Climate Resilient Agriculture practices and DRE-powered solutions