Head of Operations - Programmes and Services

Are you looking for an opportunity to take ownership, drive results, and make an impact? Are you passionate about entrepreneurship? Dharma Life is looking for a Head of Operations to help shape and scale the impact across 15 states of India. We are an award-winning social impact organization committed to driving inclusive progress across rural India through transformative initiatives in ‘women and child development.’ Our work is powered by a network of 20,000 rural women change agents, known as Dharma Life Entrepreneurs, who act as catalysts for positive change within their communities. This impact is further amplified by Dharma Life Labs, which leverages data-driven insights, cutting-edge innovation, and technology-driven solutions to enhance and scale our efforts, ensuring sustainable and measurable outcomes. Reporting to the Founder and CEO, in this role you will drive field operations and program excellence for Dharma Life’s interventions in Climate Action, Care Economy, Women’s Livelihood, and Health & Hygiene. The role integrates program management based on research components, financial aspects, monitoring, evaluation, learning, and stakeholder collaboration while leveraging technological innovation. You will be a key member of our team, contributing to our 2030 vision of empowering 10 million women to join India’s expanding workforce while strengthening the network of Dharma Life’s women entrepreneurs Responsibilities Program Management and MEL

• Lead program implementation in clean energy, women's livelihood (Jaya), health, and care-based projects ensuring alignment with KPIs/deliverables.
• Develop and manage MEL frameworks to evaluate program outcomes and guide strategic decisions. Translate evaluation insights into actionable program improvements.

• Prepare, monitor, and optimize program budgets to ensure cost-effectiveness and compliance. Ensure adherence to financial and donor reporting requirements, conducting due diligence and sustainability reporting.
• Oversee procurement and resource allocation to achieve operational efficiency.

• Build, mentor, and guide team, building competencies and accountability across program operations 
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders like DL Labs, DL Society, and external stakeholders, to align operations with strategic priorities. Lead efforts to enhance stakeholder communication and transparency through reporting and field engagement.

• Think, design, and implement tailored strategic approaches that synchronize program initiatives with the organization's overarching vision and objectives. 
• Build partnerships with corporate entities in different thematic areas, and government stakeholders to enhance program impact.

• Implement digital tools and platforms of Dharma Life – DL One App, Jaya, and LUYM LMS, for real-time program tracking, reporting, and operational efficiency.
• Leverage data analytics to monitor program performance and optimize workflows.

• Ensure compliance with organizational, legal, and donor requirements across programs.
• Identify operational risks and develop mitigation plans to safeguard program delivery.

• A natural innovator, with a strong track record of leading a team to deliver results
• High-performing multi-tasker who is comfortable managing multiple projects
• Proven track record of successfully building and managing a team
• Strong analytical ability to solve problems and make decisions
• A proactive go-getter who enjoys working within an entrepreneurial environment that is mission-driven
• A dynamic collaborator and communicator, who can switch between “coaching” vs. “negotiating”: Extensive experience coaching, mentoring, and motivating teams
• A dynamic professional with excellent business sense and strong negotiation skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations
• A proficient communicator. 
• Comfortable with regular travel to remote rural locations and passionate about working for rural India
• 15+ years of experience in program management, operations, and stakeholder engagement, preferably in CSR, sustainability, or development sectors.
• Postgraduate in Social Work, Development Studies, or equivalent MBA