Associate - Dignified Jobs Accelerator
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.