Associate Director

SWATI - Society for Women's Action and Training Initiative · India

Associate Director at SWATI (Society for Women's Action and Training Initiatives)

More About SWATI:

SWATI is a feminist organisation working towards gender equality and women's empowerment. Since 1994, we have worked with rural communities, governments and public institutions to address violence against women and strengthen women's voice, leadership and access to justice. Today, SWATI works across two states, five districts and more than 250 villages. Over the last two years, our programmes have directly engaged more than 150,000 people while contributing to changes in public systems that extend well beyond our immediate geography.

Working at SWATI means working in an organisation where data informs practice and evidence backs claims. Most new initiatives begin with questions rather than ready-made solutions. Research, documentation and reflection are part of programme design, implementation and review, helping us understand what is working, what needs to change and where new possibilities lie.

SWATI has stayed lean so far. Teams are small, management layers are few, and decisions are generally taken close to implementation. Roles provide clarity of responsibility, but people often contribute beyond their immediate functions. Programme, research, finance, communications and operations regularly intersect because the work rarely fits neatly into organisational boundaries.

Many of SWATI's initiatives - including kNOw Fear, Mahila Sahayta Kendras, Mahila Gram Sabhas, the Feminist Futures Learning Lab and Jalsa Ghar - did not begin as fully developed models. They evolved through implementation, review and adaptation. Programmes are expected to change as new evidence, field experience and community feedback emerge.

Responsibilities evolve with the work. People are encouraged to develop new skills, take initiative and strengthen not only their own programmes but the organisation as a whole. Leadership is understood less as a position and more as the ability to exercise judgement, support others and take responsibility.

Ultimately, the work is judged not only by activities completed or reports submitted, but by whether institutions respond differently, communities sustain the processes they begin, and women gain greater influence over the decisions that affect their lives.

For those who join SWATI, the work is likely to be varied, collaborative and demanding. It requires curiosity, sound judgement and a willingness to work across disciplines. It also offers the opportunity to contribute to ideas that are tested in practice, refined through learning and capable of influencing systems beyond a single project.

About the Role

Location : On-site role based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

As an organisation committed to advancing gender equality, we welcome applications from women candidates for this position.

SWATI is entering a new phase in its organisational journey. Alongside strengthening programmes, we are equally focused on strengthening the organisation - its people, systems, partnerships and leadership.

The Associate Director will work closely with the Executive Secretary in strengthening programmes, people and organisational systems. The role combines programme management, team leadership and external engagement, while offering the opportunity to gradually take on broader organisational responsibilities as both the organisation and the individual grow. 

This is a long-term opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people, strengthening programmes, improving organisational systems, and helping build an institution that learns and evolves. It is ideal for an experienced programme manager who is ready to contribute not only to programme implementation, but also to the organisation's long-term growth and development.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Leadership

• Provide oversight across SWATI's programme portfolio, ensuring quality, coherence and alignment with organisational priorities.
• Work with programme teams to review implementation, identify recurring challenges and support practical solutions.
• Translate field experience, research, monitoring data and community feedback into programme improvements, organisational learning and new approaches.
• Support programme planning, review and decision-making across programme teams.

Team Leadership

• Mentor programme leads and support their professional development.
• Strengthen collaboration across teams and functions.
• Support an environment of responsibility, learning and constructive feedback.

Partnerships and External Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with donors, partner organisations, researchers and public institutions.
• Coordinate donor communication, reporting, review meetings and site visits.
• Represent SWATI in meetings, consultations and collaborative initiatives.
• Contribute to proposal development and resource mobilisation.

What Will Help You Succeed in This Role

This role is likely to suit a woman who:

• has 7-10 years of experience in the social development sector, including experience managing programmes and leading teams.
• has a sound understanding of gender, feminism and social justice.
• is interested in strengthening organisations as well as programmes.
• is comfortable moving between field realities, programme strategy and organisational processes.
• brings sound judgement, curiosity and the ability to work collaboratively.
• communicates clearly, writes well and is comfortable preparing reports, proposals and organisational documents.
• is fluent in Hindi. Working knowledge of Gujarati will be an advantage.

What Matters Most

We do not expect the successful candidate to arrive with expertise in every aspect of this role.

Many aspects of organisational leadership are learned through experience. What matters most is the ability to learn, exercise sound judgement, build relationships, support colleagues, and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Looking Ahead

As you become familiar with SWATI and its work, the role is expected to broaden. As the organisation evolves, and as your experience and responsibilities grow, you may gradually take on responsibilities in areas such as:

• organisational planning and strategy;
• strengthening organisational systems and processes;
• development of new programme areas and institutional initiatives;
• donor and strategic partnerships;
• mentoring colleagues and supporting leadership development; and
• representing SWATI in external forums and collaborative platforms.

The direction and pace of this growth will be shaped by both the organisation's evolving needs and your own development.

Compensation

₹12–14 lakh per annum (CTC), commensurate with experience.