Development Organiser (Localizing Waste Solutions and Livelihood Enhancement), Aga Khan Foundation, India

• Location: Patna, Bihar

• Apply by: 26th April 2026

Position Summary

The Development Organiser (Localizing Waste Solutions and Livelihood Enhancement) will play a key role in facilitating grassroots engagement and implementation of project activities across assigned wards of either the Patna Municipal Corporation or Nagar Parishad Danapur Nizamat. Working under the guidance of the Team Lead and Circle Coordinator, the position will support community mobilization, stakeholder coordination, and behavior change initiatives related to solid waste management. The position will engage closely with households, SHGs, sanitation workers, and informal waste pickers to promote waste segregation, improved waste handling practices, and inclusive waste management systems. The role also involves supporting training programs, community campaigns, quick ward-level assessments, identification of opportunities for decentralized waste processing, facilitating access to entitlements for rag-pickers through convergence with Common Service Centres. In addition, the position will help strengthen collaboration between Urban Local Bodies, community institutions, and other stakeholders while maintaining relevant field data and reporting project progress regularly.

 Key Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of field level project activities related to decentralized solid waste management and community engagement across assigned wards under the guidance of the Circle Coordinator and Team Lead.

• Mobilize and engage households, formal and informal waste pickers, community groups, and local institutions to promote segregation of waste at source and adoption of improved waste management practices like home composting.

• Facilitate the formation and strengthening of community-based institutions such as Self-Help Groups (SHGs), resident groups, and ward-level committees to support decentralized waste management initiatives.

• Conduct ward-level rapid assessments and community consultations to identify gaps in waste management practices and inform local action planning.

• Build and maintain effective coordination with Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), ward representatives, sanitation workers, waste pickers, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of project activities.

• Facilitate access to government entitlements and schemes for rag-pickers through convergence with existing Common Service Centres (CSCs). Support CSCs in expanding their community outreach activities to enable the urban poor in the assigned wards access relevant government entitlements and schemes. 

• Support the identification of suitable locations and facilitate community consensus for establishment of decentralized waste processing units such as composting units, transfer stations and segregation centres.

• Assist in developing and maintaining a database of sanitation workers, informal waste pickers, SHGs, and other relevant stakeholders in the project areas.

• Organize and facilitate community awareness campaigns, training workshops, and capacitybuilding sessions for communities, sanitation workers, and ULB staff on waste segregation, recycling, composting, and occupational safety.

• Support initiatives aimed at strengthening livelihoods and social inclusion of sanitation workers and informal waste pickers through capacity building and improved linkages with municipal systems.

• Maintain regular documentation of field activities, prepare progress reports, and support data collection for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of project outcomes.

• Contribute and support the development of clear monthly/ quality/ annual workplans and key deliverables, and participate in regular reviews to ensure high quality programme delivery in alignment with approved timelines.

• Facilitate convergence with other AKF initiatives in the assigned wards, aligned with the objectives of the programme (eg adolescent girls empowerment programme, Satat Jeevikoparjan Yojana – Shahari (SJY-Urban)).

• Carry out any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the organisation from time-to-time.

Qualifications and Skills Required

• Graduate degree in Social Work, Sociology, Rural Development, Environmental Studies, Development Studies, or any other relevant discipline.

• Minimum 2 years of experience in community mobilization, field coordination, or implementation of development projects, preferably in urban sanitation, solid waste management, WASH, or livelihood programs. 

• Good understanding of government programmes such as Swachh Bharat Mission

• (Urban/Rural), livelihood missions, or urban development initiatives is desirable. Experience working with Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), community-based institutions, SHGs, or informal worker groups will be an added advantage.

• Ability to work independently in field conditions while maintaining regular coordination with the project team. Ability to facilitate group discussions, training sessions, and community meetings effectively.

• Practical understanding of behavior change communication (BCC) and community mobilization approaches. Demonstrated experience inconducting community meetings, awareness campaigns, training sessions, and participatory field activities.  

• Willingness to travel frequently within assigned wards/ULBs and work closely with communities at the grassroots level. This position will require extensive (70- 80%) field travel within the designated ward / cluster.

• Basic understanding of data collection, field reporting, and documentation processes. Basic understanding on usages of MS Suite (MS Office, MS Excel, Power Point Presentation, Outlook, and MS Teams). 

• Ability to multitask and work well with multiple stakeholders, both internal and external. 

• Passionate about working to improve the quality of life of marginalized and vulnerable communities, and a commitment to transforming the lives of the under-privileged. 

How to apply

Please submit your updated CV, accompanied by a cover letter stating the reasons for your interest in the position by 26^th April 2026 using the link below –  

 https://forms.gle/zVthnBV5S4TPoVyU7