Program Support Associate

About the Role and Organization

Heifer International is dedicated to aiding farming families in improving their income, nutrition, and asset base sustainably. Operating since 1944, it collaborates with local communities through livestock, agriculture, and market linkages to help families escape and remain out of poverty. In India, their efforts focus on supporting smallholder farmers and producer groups across several states, strengthening livelihoods and leadership locally.

This position supports state programme operations, ensuring smooth office functioning, procurement, and training logistics, allowing field teams to concentrate on community engagement.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee daily administrative and operational needs of the state office.
• Organize and facilitate state-level meetings, training sessions, workshops, and field visits administratively.
• Maintain comprehensive office records, inventories, and documentation systematically.
• Coordinate travel arrangements including transport, lodging, and local conveyance for staff and visitors.
• Manage office assets and equipment upkeep efficiently.
• Act as a liaison for administrative coordination between state and head offices.
• Support procurement activities adhering strictly to organizational policies.
• Engage with vendors and service providers for quotations, negotiations, deliveries, and timelines.
• Maintain procurement records and assist with invoice processing alongside finance and admin teams.
• Oversee printing and procurement of materials needed for workshops and training.
• Lead full event management for workshops, seminars, training sessions, and meetings, covering all logistics from venue, hospitality, participant coordination to event completion.
• Prepare thorough event documentation and manage expense tracking through to final settlement.

Candidate Profile and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in arts, commerce, social sciences, social work, or related livelihoods field.
• Preference for candidates with a Master’s degree in business administration or social work.
• At least 2 years of experience in program and administrative support roles.
• Preferred experience with development sector organizations or international NGOs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
• Understanding of integrated development challenges and poverty drivers in India.
• Knowledge of development sector trends and their implications for community progress.
• Strong organizational skills for record keeping, inventories, and documentation.
• Vendor relations experience including negotiation and managing delivery schedules.
• High attention to detail especially regarding financial documentation and contracts.
• Competence in planning and executing large-scale events without overlooking details.
• Effective coordination with diverse teams including programme, finance, and external suppliers.
• Willingness to travel intra-state for field activities and events.
• Ability to adhere to deadlines and organizational policies meticulously.

Benefits and Opportunities

• Work with a globally recognized organization supporting farming families for more than eight decades.
• Gain exposure across programme operations including finance and field team activities at the state level.
• Enhance practical skills in procurement, vendor management, and event coordination.
• Contribute to impactful projects that directly improve livelihoods in Bihar and Odisha.

Additional Details

This is a full-time position based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha or Patna, Bihar. The role offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience.