Program Lead

 
 

Department: Programs
Location: Chennai
Reports To: Director – Social Additionality
Nature of Role: Field-based (approx. 70% field travel)

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 an experienced and passionate professional to join our team as Program Lead. This role involves leading the rollout of social development projects, building partnerships, mentoring project teams, and ensuring program accountability. The Program Lead will play a critical role in driving long-term sustainability, community ownership, and systemic change through advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Execution and Management

  • Lead the timely rollout and implementation of projects in alignment with design and objectives.

  • Develop detailed implementation plans (DIPs) and guide teams to execute effectively.

  • Coordinate with internal functions to secure support for smooth execution.

  • Promote innovative approaches and interventions in project activities.

  • Identify and resolve operational challenges in collaboration with project and central office teams.

  • Support development of SOPs to ensure streamlined processes.

  • Undertake regular field monitoring (approx. 70% travel).

  • Foster community ownership, align activities with community aspirations, and leverage local strengths for sustainability.

  • Ensure transparency and accountability in all project activities.

2. Partnerships and Advocacy

  • Build and maintain relationships with government, private sector, NGOs, and academic stakeholders at community, ward, and district levels.

  • Enhance visibility of projects and Plastics For Change with government stakeholders.

  • Align stakeholder mandates and resources with program objectives.

  • Represent Plastics For Change in advocacy forums, committees, and state/district-level platforms.

  • Collaborate with technical teams to design and execute advocacy strategies.

3. Team Leadership & Capacity Building

  • Orient and supervise project teams to ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities.

  • Foster coordination, positive spirit, and accountability within the team.

  • Identify capacity-building needs and organize training with technical support.

  • Establish KRAs/operating plans, conduct reviews, and manage performance appraisals.

  • Mentor and motivate staff with constructive feedback and guidance.

  • Address role clarity, conflicts, and team challenges in a timely manner.

4. Monitoring, Documentation & Reporting

  • Support technical teams in developing project-related content and knowledge sharing.

  • Lead execution of studies, documentation, and reporting requirements.

  • Develop blogs, briefs, and undertake photo documentation to enhance project visibility.

  • Ensure MIS-based reporting and timely donor updates.

5. General Responsibilities

  • Ensure professionalism and adherence to Plastics For Change’s SOPs, values, and data privacy policies.

  • Demonstrate effective workload prioritization and problem-solving skills.

  • Collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners.

  • Be flexible to travel frequently across India, sometimes at short notice, as per project needs.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Postgraduate degree in Social Work, Rural Development, Rural Management, or Social Sciences.

  • Minimum 5+ years’ experience in program management within the social sector.

  • Prior experience working with the informal sector workforce is essential.

  • Strong understanding of social and environmental concepts and methodologies.

  • Experience in plastics recycling, waste management, or related engagement is an advantage.

  • Fluency in English, Tamil, and Hindi.

Skills Required

  • Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.

  • Project and fund management expertise.

  • Thorough understanding of the development/social sector.

  • Excellent data management, documentation, and reporting skills.

  • Proficiency in MS Office and CRM tools.

  • Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

  • Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality outputs.

  • Proactive, self-motivated, and adaptable.

  • 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 Program Lead – 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.