Program Officer - Dairy Value Chain

Our Client is looking for a dynamic and execution-oriented Program Officer - Operations & Strategy to support the implementation of the Bihar Dairy Transformation Project. The role will involve working closely with dairy cooperatives, government stakeholders, private sector partners, field teams, and other ecosystem stakeholders to strengthen dairy value-chain operations and drive implementation of key project initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring strong capabilities in operations, supply chain, procurement, data analysis, project management, and stakeholder coordination, with the ability to translate strategic priorities into actionable plans and ensure timely execution on the ground.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Operations & Implementation Support the planning, coordination, and execution of project activities across identified districts and dairy value-chain interventions.
• Develop implementation plans, activity trackers, timelines, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure timely delivery of project milestones.
• Coordinate with field teams, dairy cooperatives, government departments, industry partners, and other stakeholders for effective implementation.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and work with relevant stakeholders to develop practical solutions.
• Support regular project reviews and ensure follow-up on agreed actions and deliverables.

2. Dairy Value Chain & Supply Chain

• Analyse key operational aspects of the dairy value chain, including milk procurement, collection, chilling, processing, logistics, inventory, input supply, and market linkages.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, strengthen supply chains, and enhance service delivery to dairy farmers.
• Prepare agendas, presentations, meeting notes, action trackers, and follow-up communications. Build effective working relationships with partners and ensure timely resolution of operational issues.

3. Project Development & Knowledge Management

• Support preparation of concept notes, proposals, project reports, presentations, and other program documents.
• Conduct secondary research and field assessments to inform project interventions.
• Document learnings, case studies, best practices, and replicable models from project implementation.
• Support development of knowledge products and communication materials related to dairy transformation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Postgraduate degree in Rural Management, Management, Supply Chain, Operations, Development Studies, Agriculture, Dairy Management, or a related discipline.
• 2-4 years of relevant professional experience in operations, supply chain, procurement, consulting, project management, rural development, agriculture/dairy value chains, or a related sector. Experience in dairy, food, agriculture, FMCG, supply chain, procurement, or rural value chains will be preferred.
• Candidates with experience working with government, cooperatives, development organisations, private sector, or multi-stakeholder programs will be an advantage.