Program Associate

**Department**: Programs
**Location**: Chennai & Pondicherry
**Reports To**: Lead - Programs
**Nature of Role**: Field-based (100% field visits)

**About Plastics For Change**

Plastics For Change has developed a sustainable sourcing platform that connects waste collectors to global brands, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality recycled plastic. Our fair-trade verified ethical sourcing model improves both the social and environmental impact of products by creating inclusive, efficient, and transparent supply chains.

We are committed to replacing virgin plastic with ethically sourced recycled plastic while enabling dignified livelihoods and preventing ocean plastic pollution.

**Role Summary**

We are seeking a passionate and motivated individual to join our Programs team as a **Program Associate**. This role involves direct engagement with waste collector communities, execution of social impact projects, and advocacy with key stakeholders. The Program Associate will play a key role in driving sustainable community development and ensuring program goals are met with quality and accountability.

**Key Responsibilities**

**1. Project Execution and Management (70%)**
- Ensure timely rollout and implementation of projects as per detailed implementation plans (DIPs).
- Collaborate with program lead, coordinators, and internal teams for smooth execution.
- Conduct regular field visits (100% of time) to monitor progress and ensure goals are met.
- Incorporate innovative approaches to improve program outcomes.
- Address operational challenges in coordination with Program Lead.
- Foster community involvement and ownership of project activities.
- Align program interventions with community aspirations for long-term sustainability.
- Maintain transparency and accountability in all project-related activities.

**2. Partnership Development and Advocacy (30%)**
- Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders across community, ward, and district levels, including government, private sector, NGOs, and academia.
- Increase program and organizational visibility among government and external stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities to align partner activities with project objectives.
- Represent Plastics For Change at meetings, committees, and advocacy forums.
- Support district
- and state-level advocacy efforts to influence systemic change.
- Collaborate with the technical team to design and implement advocacy strategies.

**3. General Responsibilities**
- Ensure adherence to Plastics For Change’s SOPs, values, and data privacy policies.
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.
- Take initiative in problem-solving and continuously improve program delivery.

**Qualifications & Experience**
- Graduate in Social Work, Rural Development, Rural Management, Social Sciences, or any relevant field (NGO experience preferred).
- Minimum 1+ years’ experience in program implementation within the social sector.
- Strong understanding of social and environmental concepts.
- Fluency in English, Tamil, and Hindi.

**Skills Required**:

- Strong interpersonal and community engagement skills.
- Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Proactive, self-motivated, and adaptable.
- Excellent documentation, reporting, and detail orientation.
- Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and deliver quality outputs.
- Strong sense of integrity, transparency, and confidentiality.

**Compensation & Benefits**
- Competitive CTC as per industry standards.
- Performance-based bonus.
- Medical insurance.
- Fixed monthly travel allowance.

**Application Process**

**“Application for Program Associate - Chennai/Pondicherry”**
- DISCLAIMER_