Program Manager, AIM for Scale | South Asia (Limited-Term)

Company Description

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Job Description

This position is a remote (U.S.-based), limited-term, grant-funded position expected to run through September 30, 2029, with frequent travel across South Asia. 

About the Role:

Are you a seasoned international development professional driven by the power of technology, evidence-based innovation, and climate resilience?

As the Program Manager for South Asia, you will lead regional program operations within our flagship AI Weather and Advisory Services portfolio. You will sit at the intersection of cutting-edge artificial intelligence, agricultural transformation, and high-stakes global development.

In this role, you will serve as the primary operational anchor and strategic connector across South Asia—partnering directly with government ministries, national meteorological and agricultural agencies, multilateral development banks (MDBs), and world-class research institutions. You will transform ambitious global commitments into high-impact, on-the-ground work plans that deliver life-changing AI weather tools and actionable agricultural advisories to millions of smallholder farmers.

About AIM for Scale:

The Agricultural Innovation Mechanism for Scale (AIM for Scale) works to identify, adapt, and scale evidence-based, cost-effective agricultural innovations across low- and middle-income countries. Backed by world-renowned institutions—including funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the OpenAI Foundation, and the International Affairs Office of the Presidential Court, awarded through the University of Notre Dame—the AIM for Scale Secretariat is proudly housed within the Keough School of Global Affairs.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Regional Program Management & Operational Execution

• Work Plan Co-Development: Lead the design, execution, and continuous optimization of multi-country technical assistance work plans across South Asia for AI-driven weather and agricultural advisory services.
• Portfolio Oversight: Manage day-to-day operations for moderately complex, multi-partner regional programs, ensuring strictly aligned deliverables, milestones, and high-quality outputs.
• Financial & Risk Management: Monitor regional budgets, resource allocation, and grant compliance; proactively identify, assess, and mitigate operational, financial, and political risks.

2. Strategic Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Primary Regional Focal Point: Serve as the trusted, day-to-day point of contact for host-country government ministries, national meteorological and agricultural services, MDB representatives, and implementation partners.
• Team & Partner Coordination: Align and mobilize country-based partner teams, ensuring clear communication, accountability, and shared ownership across diverse institutional cultures.
• Diplomatic Alignment: Navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments with political tact, collaborating closely with the Secretariat Director on high-level, sensitive, or strategic country engagements.

3. Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact Reporting

• Milestone Tracking: Establish robust tracking mechanisms to measure program progress against regional benchmarks and global strategic targets.
• Reporting & Synthesis: Synthesize field data, technical insights, and operational metrics into actionable reports for the Secretariat Director, donors, and advisory boards.

Qualifications

Education & Prerequisites:

• Advanced Degree: Master’s degree in International Development, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, Economics, Climate Science, or a closely related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.
• Alternative Credentials: A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline plus an advanced professional certification with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.

Required Experience & Technical Skills:

• Portfolio & Program Leadership: 7+ years of progressive experience managing complex, multi-partner international development programs—preferably with an emphasis on agriculture, climate services, digital tools/ICT4D, or scalable technology.
• Institutional Alignment: Demonstrated track record of interfacing and collaborating with host-country government institutions, national agencies, and multilateral development banks (MDBs).
• Partnership Engagement: Proven ability to convene, align, and maintain momentum across diverse stakeholder groups, including government entities, research institutions, non-profit implementing organizations, and philanthropic funders.
• Core Project Management: Exceptional command of baseline program management disciplines, including budget monitoring, multi-country work planning, risk assessment, and milestone-based donor reporting.
• Communication & Coordination: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; adept at synthesizing complex technical data into clear strategic insights for executive, donor, technical, and government audiences.
• Mobility: Willingness and ability to undertake frequent international travel across the region as program needs dictate.

Preferred Experience:

• Regional Expertise: Direct professional experience in South Asia (or South East Asia) managing field operations, country office partnerships, or regional technical assistance portfolios.

Additional Information

Compensation: Starting at $80,000/salary

This position will be accepting applications until October 31, 2026.

This position requires a resume and cover letter in order to be considered.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.