Manager: Dignified Jobs Accelerator
Reports to: Associate Director & Head of Accelerator
Job Type: Full-time; Fixed-Term Employment (15 months), extension subject to project renewal
Expected Start Date: Immediate
Experience: 8 to 10 years
Salary Range: INR 18L to 23L
Location: Bangalore
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. This position will primarily focus on the delivery of the ClimaFii Alliance, while also contributing to other accelerator programs and strategic initiatives as they evolve.
The ClimaFii Alliance is a flagship initiative supporting climate-focused businesses that improve livelihoods through clean energy, distributed renewable energy (DRE), decarbonisation, and circular economy solutions. Implemented by Upaya Social Ventures in partnership with leading global organizations, the Alliance provides capital, technical assistance, market linkages, and investment readiness support to mission-driven businesses.
We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the end-to-end delivery of the ClimaFii Alliance and contribute to the development of future accelerator programs at Upaya. This role requires someone who combines strong program management capabilities with the ability to work closely with entrepreneurs, partners, and ecosystem stakeholders.
The ideal candidate enjoys working in entrepreneurial environments, can independently drive complex workstreams, build trusted relationships with founders and partners, and ensure high-quality program execution from scouting through post-program engagement.
Responsibilities:
Scouting & Selections
Develop and implement a sourcing strategy for climate-focused businesses
Build relationships with ecosystem partners
Lead end-to-end selection process
Coordinate selection committee activities
Program & Cohort Management
Work closely with the Program Lead and internal and external stakeholders to drive the end-to-end delivery of the ClimaFii Alliance, ensuring program objectives, milestones, and deliverables are achieved.
Develop and manage program plans, timelines, risks, and cross-functional workstreams to ensure high-quality execution.
Build strong relationships with cohort founders and ensure founders have a high-quality and value-driven experience throughout the program.
Understand founder priorities and identify opportunities for targeted support.
Coordinate technical assistance across fundraising, business growth, market access and impact measurement based on founder priorities and relevant opportunities for targeted support.
Track progress against business and impact milestones.
Continuously improve program design based on participant feedback and learnings.
Capture program learnings, identify emerging ecosystem trends, and contribute to thought leadership and the continuous evolution of Upaya's accelerator programs.
Partner & Stakeholder Management
Manage relationships with implementation partners, technical experts, ecosystem organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.
Coordinate program deliverables across partners.
Support with preparing reports, updates and presentations for internal and external stakeholders
Represent Upaya in ecosystem events and partner engagements
Support and drive workshops and events conducted for the cohort and other entrepreneurs in the Upaya network
Experience, Qualifications & Skills:
We are looking for a mission-driven professional with 8–10 years of relevant experience in program management, entrepreneurship support, impact investing, climate innovation, or ecosystem development. The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with strong execution and is comfortable working across multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
Required qualifications include:
8–10 years of relevant professional experience in accelerator programs, entrepreneurship support, impact investing, consulting, or ecosystem-building organizations.
Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder programs from design through execution.
Experience working closely with founders and early- to growth-stage businesses.
Strong understanding of business models, fundraising, and enterprise growth.
Familiarity with climate solutions such as clean energy, distributed renewable energy (DRE), decarbonisation, circular economy, climate adaptation, or sustainable livelihoods. Direct sector experience is preferred but not mandatory.
Excellent project and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing reports, presentations, and funder updates.
Ability to independently solve problems, exercise sound judgement, and drive outcomes with limited supervision.
Willingness to adapt and execute based on changing needs
Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.
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 a brief note on why we need to focus on climate resilience.
Please send the application to careers@upayasv.org, with the subject line: “Application for Manager - 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 144 companies, and the portfolio of 56 companies have created over 110,000 dignified jobs across India.