Going to School is looking for experienced and entrepreneurial Programme Managers to lead the Youth Venture Fund in Kishanganj. The programme supports young entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses that address climate change while creating livelihoods in their communities.
The Youth Venture Fund works with young people who have completed Going to School's Climate Change Enterprise Education programme in Grades 6–12. Through Green Business Schools, participants develop enterprise ideas and receive support to turn them into practical, well-researched business plans that can be presented for funding.
As a Programme Manager, you will lead a team and work directly with young entrepreneurs to research business opportunities, prepare business plans and cash-flow projections, and support them from idea to enterprise. This is a hands-on, field-based role that requires regular travel, strong business knowledge, and the ability to mentor young people through every stage of the process.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Leadership
- Lead a team of 5–10 Enterprise Associates and ensure programme activities are delivered effectively.
- Plan, coordinate, and monitor Green Business Schools across your assigned area.
- Provide guidance and regular feedback to your team to ensure programme targets are achieved.
- Monitor field activities and maintain high standards of programme quality.
Supporting Young Entrepreneurs
- Work directly with 50 young entrepreneurs every 60 days.
- Ensure that at least 25 participants are women.
- Ensure that no more than 10 participants are from agriculture-based enterprises, encouraging a wide range of innovative climate-focused businesses.
- Mentor young entrepreneurs in developing viable and sustainable business ideas.
- Help participants understand market opportunities and strengthen their confidence as entrepreneurs.
Business Research and Enterprise Development
- Research innovative climate-friendly business opportunities suitable for Kishanganj and surrounding communities.
- Guide entrepreneurs in developing detailed business plans and realistic cash-flow projections.
- Research government schemes, financial opportunities, suppliers, pricing, and market demand.
- Encourage enterprises that promote sustainability, such as alternatives to single-use plastics, crop waste products, sustainable construction materials, recycled products, clean technologies, vegan leather, and other environmentally responsible businesses.
- Ensure every business plan is based on genuine field research and practical business understanding. The use of AI-generated content is not permitted.
Business Plan Development
- Lead the preparation and review of 50 high-quality business plans every 60 days for presentation to the Youth Venture Fund.
- Review business plans for accuracy, financial viability, and completeness before submission.
- Work closely with entrepreneurs to revise and strengthen their plans where required.
Enterprise Support and Monitoring
- Once enterprises receive support, ensure regular field visits to monitor progress.
- Visit supported businesses at least once every two weeks to understand challenges and provide practical guidance.
- Document business performance, challenges, and achievements using Salesforce.
- Support entrepreneurs in overcoming operational and business challenges.
Reporting and Documentation
- Maintain accurate programme records and business data.
- Prepare reports and updates using Excel, PowerPoint, Salesforce, and email.
- Submit timely programme reports and ensure all documentation is complete and accurate.
- Write reports, business plans, and case studies independently without the use of AI-generated content.
Skills and Experience
We are looking for candidates who have:
- 5–10 years of relevant professional experience.
- Experience in entrepreneurship, enterprise development, business consulting, rural development, or programme management.
- Strong understanding of business planning, financial planning, and cash-flow preparation.
- Experience conducting business and market research.
- Ability to mentor and support aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Experience managing teams and delivering programmes in the field.
- Strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Experience or knowledge in one or more of the following areas will be an advantage:
- Entrepreneurship
- Rural business development
- Finance
- Sustainable enterprise
- Mechanical Engineering
- Clean technologies
- Rural Engineering
- Environmental or climate-related enterprises
- MBA or equivalent qualification in Business, Rural Management, Finance, or Entrepreneurship
Language Requirements
- Fluency in Hindi (speaking, reading, and writing) is essential.
- Strong written English is required for preparing reports, business plans, and programme documentation.
Computer Skills
Candidates should be comfortable using:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Email
- Salesforce
Working Hours
- Monday to Saturday
- Extensive field travel will be required.
- This is a full-time field-based role. Work from Home is not permitted.
Success in this Role
Success in this role will be measured by:
- Successful delivery of Green Business Schools.
- Development and submission of 50 quality business plans every 60 days.
- Effective leadership and development of the programme team.
- Strong participation of women entrepreneurs and a diverse portfolio of climate enterprises.
- Regular mentoring and monitoring of supported businesses.
- Accurate reporting and timely documentation.
- High-quality programme data maintained on Salesforce.
- Positive outcomes for young entrepreneurs and sustainable enterprise development.
Selection Process
All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete an assessment before an employment offer is made. Successful completion of the assessment is a mandatory part of the recruitment process.
Pay: ₹25,000.00 - ₹45,000.00 per month
Work Location: In person
