Associate – Dignified Jobs Accelerator

Organization
Upaya Social Ventures
Location
Bangalore, India
Job Type
Full-time
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their resume along with a cover letter (maximum one page, font size 11) outlining their interest in the role, one social business or entrepreneur that inspires them (and why) and why they believe they are a strong fit for the position. Please send the application to careers@upayasv.org, with the subject line: “Application for Associate - Dignified Jobs Accelerator” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Where to Apply
https://www.upayasv.org/jobs/associate-dja
Tags
Full-time

Reports to: Associate Director & Head of Accelerator

Time Commitment: Full-time, with occasional evening meetings with our US colleagues is required throughout the year

Expected Start Date: Immediate

Experience: 4 – 8 years

Salary Range: INR 10L to 14L

Location: Bangalore, India

Position Summary:

Since 2017, Upaya has run the Dignified Jobs Accelerator (DJA), a growth and investment-readiness program for mission-aligned businesses. Our current strategic focus is to run sector-focused or thematic cohorts. Till date, this has included themes such as the Allied Sector of Agriculture, Circular Innovation Cohort and the Climate and Finance Innovations (ClimaFii) Alliance.

The DJA is run in collaboration with strategic and program partners.

We are seeking a dynamic, self-starter to drive the program’s activities and partner management across multiple programs. This exciting opportunity involves working on scouting, selections and program implementation. You’ll also have an opportunity to learn how to design capacity building programs and work with social businesses. This position involves coordinating with various internal and external program partners and other stakeholders to meet the desired outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

Scouting & outreach

Building a strong pipeline of businesses as per program theme or in alignment with Upaya’s focus areas

Identifying and driving outreach efforts with relevant ecosystem partners

Coordinating with the Communications team to develop collaterals and outreach documents

Exploring new channels and avenues for outreach and brand visibility amongst entrepreneurs, investors and funders

Selections

End-to-end delivery of the selections cycle

Coordinate with the internal team and applicants as required

Program Management

Ensure seamless execution of program(s) in alignment with defined objectives and outcomes

Plan and deliver workshops and sessions through the course of the program. This includes managing logistics, coordinating with cohort entrepreneurs and following-up where necessary

Build strong relationships with cohort founders and ensure a positive, value-driven experience in their engagement with Upaya

Coordinate with external facilitators and stakeholders to ensure smooth delivery of the sessions

Liaison between the cohort and the Communications team to deliver on content and collaterals

Create documents and other collateral relevant to the program

Partner Management

Be the liaison between Upaya and program partners. This includes managing all communications, expectations and activities as per the scope of the program

Coordinate with program partners throughout the program duration to ensure deliverables to the cohort

Support and drive any other workshops and events conducted for the cohort and other entrepreneurs in the Upaya network

Experience, Qualifications & Skills:

We are looking for a mission- and culture-aligned professional with 4 – 8 years of relevant experience, including exposure to program management, working with founders, or within incubation, acceleration, or impact investing programs. The ideal candidate is purpose-driven, highly organized, and demonstrates strong ownership, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and drive outcomes.

Graduates / postgraduates with relevant degrees and experience are welcome to apply.

Required prior experience of working in incubation/accelerator programs, with impact driven / social businesses

Demonstrated experience in program/project management and liasoning with multiple stakeholders

A background in finance and/or management, an understanding of business models and the social business ecosystem

Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal language

Demonstrated ability to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial, self-motivated environment

Great at execution and demonstrated ability of building and managing relationships

Highly organized, attention to detail and an ability to prioritize and multitask

Willingness to adapt and execute based on changing needs

Proficient in MS Office and/or Google docs applications

Why Join Upaya:

Be part of a mission-driven organization creating dignified jobs and fighting poverty through enterprise.

Collaborate with a diverse and passionate global team.

Opportunity to shape high-impact partnerships and initiatives that influence an inclusive growth ecosystem.

 

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their resume along with a cover letter (maximum one page, font size 11) outlining their interest in the role, one social business or entrepreneur that inspires them (and why) and why they believe they are a strong fit for the position.

Please send the application to careers@upayasv.org, with the subject line: “Application for Associate – Dignified Jobs Accelerator”

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

 

About Upaya Social Ventures:

Upaya Social Ventures is building a dignified economy by providing investment and support to early-stage businesses creating sustainable livelihoods for people living in the most extreme poverty.

Upaya’s award-winning impact-first model seeks out and supports oft-overlooked companies creating work that is safe, stable, inclusive, and rewarding — generating a transformative impact on families, communities, and economies.

Till date, Upaya has accelerated 134 companies, and the portfolio of 40 companies have created over 50,000 dignified jobs across India.