Overview
Programme Managers at NGOs and development sector organisations design, implement, monitor, and evaluate social-impact programmes in education, health, livelihoods, environment, and rights. India's development sector employs ~500,000 professionals across Tata Trusts, Azim Premji Foundation, BMGF partner organisations (PATH, Jhpiego, John Snow Inc), large NGOs (CARE India, Pratham, Population Council, Magic Bus, SEWA, Bandhan Foundation), and the rapidly growing CSR-funded sector. Top development sector pay competes with mid-tier corporate roles.
Day-to-day responsibilities
Design programme theory of change and logical frameworks; manage programme implementation across multiple districts/states; lead monitoring and evaluation (M&E) with baseline, midline, endline assessments; manage donor relationships (BMGF, USAID, DFID, ADB, World Bank, corporates); write grant proposals and donor reports; manage budgets ranging from ₹2-50 crore; coordinate with state government implementation partners; conduct field visits to programme sites; manage teams of 10-100 field staff; engage with policy-makers and government stakeholders.
Skills required
- Programme design (theory of change, log frame, results framework)
- Monitoring & evaluation (M&E) methodology
- Donor management and proposal writing
- Budget and financial management
- Field operations and team leadership
- Stakeholder engagement (government, donors, community)
- Data analysis (Stata, R, Excel for M&E)
- Knowledge of sector domain (education, health, livelihoods, etc.)
Education path
Master's in Social Work (MSW from TISS Mumbai, Delhi School of Social Work, IGNOU), Master of Public Health (MPH), MBA Social Entrepreneurship (TISS, ISDM, Azim Premji University), MA Development Studies, or MA Public Policy. Top entry programmes: Indian School of Development Management (ISDM) Noida, Azim Premji University Bengaluru, TISS Mumbai, IRMA Anand (rural management). International master's (London School of Economics, Sussex IDS, Cornell) for senior global development sector tracks.
Career progression
- 1Programme Officer (0-3 yrs)
- 2Senior Programme Officer (3-7 yrs)
- 3Programme Manager (7-12 yrs)
- 4Senior Programme Manager / Director (12-18 yrs)
- 5Country Programme Director (18+ yrs)
Top employers in India
Useful certifications
- MSW / MPH / MBA Social Entrepreneurship
- PMP (Project Management)
- PMD Pro (Project Management for Development Professionals)
- M&E specialisations (3ie, IDInsight)
- Indian School of Development Management PGP
- Theory of Change facilitation