Lead – Livelihoods

 
 

Department: Programs
Location: Chennai
Reports To: Director – Social Additionality
Nature of Role: Field-based (frequent travel across India as per project needs)

About Plastics For Change

Plastics For Change has developed a sustainable sourcing platform that connects waste collectors to global brands, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality recycled plastic. Our fair-trade verified ethical sourcing model improves both the social and environmental impact of products by creating inclusive, efficient, and transparent supply chains.

We are committed to replacing virgin plastic with ethically sourced recycled plastic while enabling dignified livelihoods and preventing ocean plastic pollution.

To learn more, visit www.plasticsforchange.org

Role Summary

We are seeking a passionate and skilled professional to join our Programs team as Lead – Livelihoods. This role will focus on designing and implementing livelihood initiatives for waste collector communities, enterprise development, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement. The Lead – Livelihoods will play a pivotal role in promoting entrepreneurship, building partnerships, and ensuring sustainable income generation for vulnerable groups.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Operations and Learning

  • Support project teams to effectively implement livelihood activities aligned with project design, plans, and quality standards.

  • Enhance the technical quality of interventions through regular coordination with the Director – Social Additionality.

  • Develop detailed implementation plans (DIPs) and budgets, and support teams in meeting objectives.

  • Issue directives and guidelines to ensure timely, effective program delivery.

  • Identify operational challenges and coordinate solutions with teams and Director – SA.

  • Develop knowledge products (case studies, manuals, success stories, booklets).

  • Promote reflective practices to refine strategies for greater impact and scalability.

2. Enterprise Development

  • Establish women-led Plastic Collection Centers and Collection Points.

  • Launch e-tricycle-based plastic waste collection initiatives.

  • Implement skill training and market linkage initiatives to secure decent income opportunities.

  • Forge partnerships with government, private sector, and technical institutions for enterprise support.

  • Build networks with state livelihood missions, banks, incubators, accelerators, and retail/e-commerce platforms.

3. Capacity Building

  • Organize entrepreneurship awareness and development programs.

  • Coordinate multi-stakeholder workshops and training sessions on enterprise development.

  • Conduct EAPs, EDPs, and mentorship programs for emerging entrepreneurs.

  • Provide continuous business support for women micro-entrepreneurs.

  • Develop IEC materials, training modules, and tools for capacity building.

4. Reporting and Documentation

  • Log KPIs into the PFC platform for monitoring.

  • Ensure accurate, timely documentation and data flow using PFC’s systems.

  • Periodically review and update SOPs and documentation processes.

  • Submit daily, weekly, and monthly progress reports.

  • Prepare financial reports on income and expenditure.

  • Maintain MIS data and provide insights to Director – SA and relevant teams.

5. General Responsibilities

  • Maintain professionalism, prioritize tasks effectively, and ensure adherence to PFC SOPs and policies.

  • Uphold confidentiality and data security.

  • Collaborate closely with PFC teams and partners.

  • Willingness to travel frequently across India, including on short notice.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Master’s degree in Social Work/Sciences, Entrepreneurship Development, or related field.

  • Minimum 5+ years of experience managing livelihood or income generation programs in the social sector.

  • Experience in social business development is desirable.

  • Prior experience working with informal sector and vulnerable workforce.

  • Strong understanding of social and environmental sustainability concepts.

  • Proficiency in English, Tamil, Bengali, and Telugu (knowledge of Hindi is a plus).

Skills & Competencies

  • Innovative, collaborative, and results-driven mindset.

  • Strong analytical, financial, and negotiation skills.

  • Excellent stakeholder engagement and networking skills.

  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

  • Strong documentation, reporting, and communication skills.

  • Proficiency in MS Office and ICT tools.

  • Ability to manage project deliverables within timelines and budgets.

  • Strategic, decisive, and action-oriented with a sense of accountability.

  • Demonstrates humility, honesty, transparency, integrity, and confidentiality.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive CTC as per industry standards.

  • Performance-based bonus.

  • Medical insurance.

  • Fixed monthly travel allowance.

Application Process

To apply, please send your CV in PDF format to recruitment@plasticsforchange.com with the subject line:
“Application for Lead – Livelihoods – Chennai”

DISCLAIMER

PFC is an equal employment opportunity for all employees and provides employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at PFC are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. PFC will not tolerate any kind of discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. PFC encourages applicants of all ages.