JD- Project Manager-DFS
Reason for the hire
MSC is implementing a long term DFS (Digital Farmer Services) project with the Government
of Bihar. The broad scope of the projects are as follows:
Digital Farmer Services: The objective of the project is to establish a state-level digital
platform for agriculture which will provide scalable farmer-facing services to small-scale
producers (SSPs), supported by a backend data stack with SSP data provided by diverse
partners. The platform will be designed as a one-stop solution for small, marginal, and
women farmers through multiple farmer-facing channels. The platform will provide
customized, climate-smart content and services and improved linkages with agricultural
ecosystem players. It will include public, private, and non-profit service providers. The
project is a partnership of multiple stakeholders, guided, supported, and steered by the
Government of Bihar.
The DFS project requires high level of monitoring and co-ordination effort over next five
years to create a state-level digital agricultural platform. Excellent project management
and seamless co-ordination with the Bihar government, public, private, and non-profit
service providers in agricultural ecosystem is critical to success of the DFS project. We are
looking for a suitable hire for the position of Project Manager-DFS who will support and drive
the implementation of DFS project.
Position: Project Manager-DFS
Location: Patna, Bihar
Reporting to: Associate Partner
Experience: Minimum10 years of relevant project management
experience in government, agriculture development / agri-
development consultancy projects in India. Prior work
experience is required with government departments to
implement technology projects, agri-techs and fin-techs.
Experience of working in agri and technology will be an
added advantage. Candidates having experience of
managing an entire cycle of project management would
be preferred.
Travel: Regular travel in Bihar with occasional travel to other
states.
Role Summary: We are seeking a talented and experienced Project Manager specializing in
Government IT consulting, with a strong background in implementing long-term IT projects.
The ideal candidate will oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of the Digital
Farmer Services (DFS) project, ensuring alignment with deliverables and stakeholder
expectations. This role requires close collaboration with internal teams, external partners,
and government officials to foster partnerships and drive the successful implementation of
the DFS platform.
Role and Responsibilities:
1. Client and Stakeholder Management:
o Act as the primary point of contact for the client (BMGF) and other
stakeholders.
o Collaborate with internal track leads (market linkage, finance, agri-advisory,
gender, tech, climate, etc.) and external stakeholders, including government
departments, agricultural universities, and private sector players.
o Foster partnerships with public institutions, private sector service providers,
and non-profit organizations to enhance the DFS platform’s value proposition.
2. Project Planning and Execution:
o Develop, plan, and manage the DFS project plan and activities, ensuring
alignment with deliverables and timelines.
o Monitor project milestones, budgets, and risks, using project management
tools to automate processes and ensure efficiency.
o Facilitate the launch of DFS pilots and monitor their effectiveness,
recommending adjustments to enhance performance and impact.
3. Collaboration and Coordination:
o Engage with stakeholders such as agricultural universities, directorates of
agriculture, agtech firms, and community organizations to co-develop the DFS
platform.
o Leverage existing assets, systems, and infrastructure of the Government of
Bihar to ensure the sustainability and scalability of the DFS platform.
o Work closely with government officials (secretaries, directors) to resolve
project-related queries and ensure smooth implementation.
4. Project Monitoring and Reporting:
o Establish mechanisms to track project progress and prepare periodic reports
for clients, steering committees, and other stakeholders.
o Coordinate with internal Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation (MLE) teams to
prepare impact and outcome reports for the DFS project.
o Analyze user feedback to identify areas for improvement and address technical
or operational challenges.
5. Capacity Building and Awareness:
o Organize training programs and workshops for farmers, extension workers, and
stakeholders to enhance digital literacy and promote platform utilization.
o Advocate for user needs by gathering feedback and integrating it into platform
design and features.
Skills and Expertise:
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in agriculture, business administration, IT, or a related
field (Master’s preferred).
Minimum of 10 years of experience in project management, with a focus on
government IT or agricultural projects.
Certification in Project Management (PMP, PRINCE2) is a plus
Technical Skills:
Strong understanding of project management principles, preferably in the agricultural
sector in India.
Familiarity with software development lifecycles, especially in state and central
government IT projects.
Proven experience managing large-scale, complex government and agriculture
projects.
Knowledge of emerging agri-business models and digital technologies transforming
agriculture.
Analytical skills to evaluate government policies, programs, and implementation
strategies.
Demonstrated ability to manage collaborations across multiple teams and
stakeholders.
Teamwork and Leadership:
Proven experience managing diverse teams and complex projects.
Excellent client management and leadership abilities.
Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills to foster a collaborative environment.
Communication Skills:
Excellent writing and presentation skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality
reports and presentations.
Proficient in oral communication in English; knowledge of local languages spoken in
Bihar is preferred.
Strong interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement, particularly with
senior government officials.
Other Soft Skills:
Self-motivated and driven to achieve project goals.
Passion for rural and agribusiness development.
Ability to work effectively in unstructured or semi-structured environments.
