Sports for Development Program Manager

Job Description Job Description About Mrida:Mrida is dedicated to ending poverty in tribal belts of rural Indiaspecifically in Mandla, Dindori,and Balaghat districtsthrough grassroots intervention programs in education, sports and technology. We aim to empower tribal children by equipping them with skills and career pathways to break cycles of exploitation and unemployment.In 2020-21, Mrida started the Building Communities Around Football Program to bring the joyof playing and learning to children from tribal communities at a time when schools were shutdue to COVID-19. The Program has continued for the last 5 years with the participation of newvillages each year and children each year. Last year, 1200 children participated in the Leagueacross 50 villages, and we reached 800 girls across 34 Government schools through menstrualhygiene workshops.Since its inception, the League has not only provided an opportunity to young children (U-10 andU-14) to play a structured sport, but also has contributed to the development of several femaleand male footballers who have gone on to represent Madhya Pradesh and beyond. Website: https://mrida.org/ Summary: The Sports for Development Program Manager will lead initiatives across eastern Madhya Pradesh that use sport as a catalyst for youth empowerment, education, gender equality, and community development. This role requires a deep understanding of local contexts, strong project management skills, and a passion for using sport to drive social change in tribal communities. Key Responsibilities: A. Program Leadership & Strategy Oversee the implementation of football-based development activities across targeted districts. Align program goals with broader social development themes such as education, gender inclusion, and health. B. Curriculum & Training Adapt and deliver football-based life skills curriculum for coaches and facilitators. Organize capacity-building workshops for staff, volunteers, and community leaders. C.Field Operations Manage day-to-day operations including training sessions, tournaments, and outreach events. Ensure safe, inclusive, and engaging environments for all participants, especially girls and marginalized youth. D.Monitoring & Evaluation Track program outcomes using sport-for-development indicators. Collect and analyze data to measure impact and inform strategic decisions. E.Stakeholder Engagement Build partnerships with local schools, Panchayats, NGOs, and government departments. Represent the program in regional forums, media, and donor engagements. F.Team Management Supervise district coordinators, coaches, and volunteers. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning. G.Resource Mobilization Support fundraising efforts and proposal development. Contribute to donor reports and impact storytelling. Qualifications & Skills Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Social Work, Development Studies, or related field 3 years of experience in program management, preferably in sport-for-development or youth-focused initiatives. Proven experience working with football programs at the grassroots or community level. Strong understanding of social development issues in tribal and rural contexts. Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills. Fluency in Hindi and English; Willingness to travel across the state and outside Preferred Attributes: 1. A passion for sports and creating impact through sport 2. Excellent conflict resolution and team skills 3. Ability to think strategically as well as troubleshoot on a daily basis Location: You will be required to relocate to Mohgaon, Mandla district, Madhya Pradesh where you would be based. If you're interested in this, we ask that you submit your application to [Confidential Information]. Your application must comprise the following: 1. Your latest CV/resume along with your last drawn salary 2. A letter explaining why you are suitable for this role and what value you would add to this position. The letter should demonstrate your understanding of the space as well as the geography that you would be working in. No applications would be considered without the cover letter. We encourage you to apply early as we aim to close this position by October 30, 2025.