GDI is an incubator for transformational development ventures, working to build and scale the next generation of social impact solutions. From climate to agriculture, health to economic inclusion, we build across sectors to drive game-changing impact at scale. Whether the concepts originate from sector experts, or are developed and tested ourselves, we create new approaches to address persistent global issues.
GDI (South Asia) Pvt Ltd is a for profit entity legally registered in India. GDI South Asia is part of the GDI network of locally-run and independently-managed global partners with a shared vision and mission. We work with our partners in the US, Africa and Hong Kong to build knowledge and capacity in our incubation services, and we often collaborate across initiatives.
Over 12–36 months, we deploy our functional teams to help early-stage initiatives design their business strategy and model, develop their brand identity, hire and retain talent, and construct their financial and operational infrastructure. Since our founding in 2013, GDI has built a significant track record in our field, having now shaped over 75 social impact ventures.
The Director role with GDI South Asia’s Strategy and Build (S&B) team is a unique opportunity to shape and lead a portfolio of initiatives. GDI’s S&B Director(s) collaborate with social sector leaders, experts, and entrepreneurs to address some of the world’s toughest problems, helping to turn big ideas into effective, value-adding organizations.
Sometimes S&B Directors hatch initiatives in-house. In other cases, entrepreneurs or donors come to us with a big idea that needs an incubation partner. In either case, you will act as a strategist, advisor, integrator, implementer, and often board member. You will work closely with a cohort of Strategy & Build managers and associates; you’ll also collaborate with GDI’s four other functional teams: finance and operations; brand, marketing, and communications; resource mobilization; and people/talent.
While each GDI Director has significant autonomy to lead their own portfolio, we also collectively form a global community of practice of social entrepreneurs and system-strategists.
Responsibilities
GDI Leadership
- Contribute to overall growth and management of GDI South Asia as a key member of the Leadership Team, including by proactively contributing to resource mobilization, ongoing development of our incubation practice and mentoring staff.
- Manage an overall thematic portfolio of Initiatives against milestones, budget, and target outcomes; participate in quarterly portfolio reviews with the GDI leadership team.
- Support broader thought leadership and knowledge management, including documenting best practices or authoring articles, blogs and other publications.
- Perform other duties as requested.
Portfolio Leadership
- Cultivate prospects and shape new opportunities for GDI incubation. Lead outreach, network-building, and fundraising effort.
- Serve as the strategic advisor, executive coach, and chief operator to GDI’s incubation partners.
- Develop a roadmap to scale for initiatives; ensure an iterative approach to developing strategy and then building-the-plane-while-flying-it.
- Deliver end-to-end accountability in managing priority relationships throughout the incubation lifecycle.
- Oversee budgets for financial sustainability of the initiative and of GDI South Asia.
- Integrate services provided by other GDI teams and external consultants and experts and ensure implementation.
- Travel as needed.
- 15-18 + years of work experience in social enterprises or other impact organizations, management consulting, and/or responsible investing; a mix of strategic and operating professional experiences is ideal. Established network of funding and knowledge partners in the development sector preferred.
- Successful track record of developing strategy and ensuring a team’s ability to deliver against it, including through periods of growth, adaptation, and ambiguity.
- Demonstrated success developing cross-sectoral partnerships.
- Fluency in the languages of global development and public-private partnerships.
- Entrepreneurial mindset and experiences, in the private, public, and/or social sector.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; effective influencer of diverse perspectives with a demonstrated ability to facilitate change at the senior level of organizations
- Thematic portfolio areas of interest/exploration: Agriculture, Mental Health, Technology, Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship
Additional attributes we look for in our incubation practice leadership include:
- Proactive problem-solving skills
- Collaborative leadership style: team player; excellent listening skills; trust-builder
- Ability to self-manage work streams and tasks; self-directed and resourceful with high standards for quality output.
- A curious and creative intellect and a style that includes flexibility, levelness, and a sense of humor and humility.
Note: This role will involve significant external consultations with global stakeholders and will require a work schedule that can periodically accommodate calls slightly earlier or later than usual work hours, despite their time zone.
Position: Director, Strategy and Build
Office: GDI South Asia
Location: Remote (Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi preferred)
Reports to: Managing Director, GDI South Asia
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is INR 80L – 90L.
GDI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions to Provident Fund, health and personal accident Insurance, generous leave allowances and professional development support.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position and meet the qualifications above, please submit a single PDF document containing a one-page cover letter and resume here. Please note that the cover letter is considered an important aspect of the application and will be evaluated against the qualifications above. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Global Development Incubator is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
