Program Manager

Location: Delhi/Bangalore

About FED

Foundation for Economic Development (FED) is a Delhi-based non-profit organisation that aims to bring about a sustained and broad-based economic growth of over 10% in India.

The evidence clearly shows that economic growth is the best tool to lift people out of poverty and improve the quality of life for everyone. Until 1991, India's poverty rate remained unchanged at ~50%. Post reforms, poverty reduced from ~50% to ~20%, with 35 crore (350 million) fewer people living in abject poverty.

Since 2010, sustaining rapid growth has been challenging as the easy gains have been realised. It is critical for India to maintain a growth rate of over 10% for long periods of time if we want Indians' quality of life to improve rapidly and sustainably.

FED will identify select sectors of the economy which have the highest potential for generating incremental growth and jobs, and then work with policymakers to make it happen. The organisation has Dr Aravind Panagariya, Naushad Forbes, Gurcharan Das, Jerry Rao and Ashish Dhawan on its advisory board, who are helping shape the thinking and execution.

Our Work

FED has identified Export Led Labour Intensive Manufacturing, Tourism and Construction as the highest opportunity sectors for generating incremental growth through aggressive reforms over the next few years. Immediate focus is largely on labour intensive manufacturing, as this is an area of highest upside if the right reforms can be brought about around critical factors of production like labour, land, utilities and logistics.

Our Approach

FED's work streams are divided into three primary areas:

- Research and Strategy: Deep dive into identified sectors, speak to relevant stakeholders, study practices from other countries and build data-backed evidence for change.

- Communication and Outreach: Build salience for prospect in target sectors and the need for reforms through op-eds in relevant channels, social media, as well as one-on-one engagement with key bureaucrats and policymakers.

- Implementation Support: Work with select state governments in helping implement specific actions to promote the target sectors. The team is currently working closely with the UP Government on its Mission Trillion Dollar economy. The team is also working with the Telangana and Tamil Nadu governments on their economic growth agenda.

Position Summary

We are seeking an exceptional Program Manager (PM) to take forward high-impact initiatives that contribute to India's long-term economic development.



This role is ideal for individuals who thrive in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments and enjoy solving complex, ambiguous problems through structured thinking, stakeholder engagement, and disciplined execution.

As a Program Manager, you will work closely with FED's leadership, policy experts, government stakeholders, industry leaders, and partner organisations to design and deliver strategic initiatives that influence policy, strengthen institutions, and drive economic reforms. You will be responsible for translating broad strategic objectives into actionable workplans, leading multidisciplinary projects, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality outputs.

This role requires an individual who combines analytical rigour with strong execution capabilities, demonstrates ownership in navigating ambiguity, and is equally comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders as they are working hands-on to solve operational challenges.

Key Responsibilities

Project Ownership & Execution

- Manage the end-to-end planning and execution of strategic projects, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes.

- Translate broad organisational priorities into structured project plans, workstreams and measurable deliverables.

- Monitor project progress, identify risks, and proactively resolve bottlenecks.

- Ensure alignment across multiple concurrent projects while maintaining quality and timelines.

Stakeholder Management

- Build and manage relationships with external stakeholders.

- Coordinate cross-functional teams and drive alignment across internal and external stakeholders with diverse priorities.

- Support stakeholder engagement strategies and contribute to advocacy and implementation plans.

Research & Problem Solving

- Analyse publicly available data, policy documents and sectoral information to generate actionable insights.

- Break down complex and ambiguous problems into clear, structured recommendations.

Strategic Communication

- Prepare high-quality presentations, reports, briefing notes, concept notes and other communication materials for internal and external audiences.

- Present findings and recommendations in a clear, concise and executive-friendly manner.

- Support leadership in meetings,



workshops and strategic discussions with key stakeholders.

Team & Operational Leadership

- Coordinate project teams to ensure effective execution and collaboration.

- Mentor junior team members by providing guidance, feedback and developmental support.

- Demonstrate a hands-on approach by contributing directly to project execution whenever required.

Successful Program Managers at FED are individuals who:

- Take ownership and drive outcomes with minimal supervision.

- Are comfortable working in highly ambiguous environments and can independently create clarity and structure.

- Demonstrate strong analytical thinking and sound judgement when solving complex problems.

- Balance strategic thinking with a willingness to contribute at the execution level.

- Build credibility and influence through collaboration rather than authority.

- Continuously seek feedback, challenge assumptions, and demonstrate a strong learning mindset.

- Thrive in entrepreneurial, fast-paced environments where priorities evolve rapidly.

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

Education

- Undergraduate degree from a Tier 1 institution is essential.

- A postgraduate qualification (MBA, Master's in Economics, Public Policy, Management or a related discipline) from a premier institution is preferred.

Experience

- 4–6 years of relevant professional experience.

- Prior experience in top-tier management consulting, strategy consulting, impact consulting or economic/public policy consulting organisations is strongly preferred.

- Demonstrated experience managing projects from conception through execution.

- Experience working directly with key internal and external stakeholders.

- Proven ability to independently manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.

Required Competencies

- Exceptional analytical and structured problem-solving skills.

- Ability to synthesise large volumes of qualitative and quantitative information into actionable recommendations.

- Excellent project planning, coordination and execution capabilities.

- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder-facing skills, including high-quality presentation and facilitation skills.

- High level of flexibility and responsiveness, with the ability to shift priorities quickly as organisational demands require.

- Proven self-starter (comfortable with what could be a remote team) with demonstrated problem-solving and organisational skills.

Department :

Foundation for Economic Development

📌 Program Manager (Delhi)
🏢 The Convergence Foundation
📍 Delhi