Programme Lead – TDF Desk at TDF Directorate, DRDO

About the Project

The Project would support the initiatives of the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) executed by the Directorate of Technology Development Fund, aimed at supporting the technology development ecosystem of India's defence sector using grants and agreements to industries, especially MSME and startups.

Under this project, a dedicated TDF desk will be managed by Finovista, to support the TDF scheme's project management, branding, and outreach to industries, industry associations, and other stakeholders.

Finovista, is supporting DRDO to set up and manage the TDF Desk at DRDO. People working on working under the TDF Desk will be associated with Finovista.

About Technology Development Fund (TDF)

TDF of DRDO promulgates the development of defence and dual-use systems, subsystems, Components or technologies, for a product that is Indian Designed, Developed and manufactured (IDDM). The idea is mainly to promote Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) including Startups to develop innovative products for our forces.

About FINOVISTA

Finovista is a Programme Management Agency, specialising in a range of Capacity Building Programmes, Innovation Challenges, Entrepreneurship Development Programme, Investor Pitching & Connect, and Training. As a sector-agnostic consulting firm, it focuses on various fields, such as Defence and Aerospace, Manufacturing, Clean Cooking, Energy, Environment, Low Carbon Growth Technology, Green Finance, Result-Based Finance, Carbon Finance, and Social Enterprise Development. Finovista works with Government, International Agencies, Development Agencies, Academia, and Corporates from India and worldwide. It provides Conceptualization, Design, Development, and Implementation services for their Programme in India.

Job Location

DRDO HQ, New Delhi

Note: As DRDO is a high-security zone, selected candidates will need to get a Police Clearance Certificate upon joining Finovista.

Job Responsibilities

• To lead the Programme at TDF Desk, TDF Directorate, DRDO
• End-to-end responsibility of managing the programme and effectively leading the team for delivering the overall required output from the TDF Desk includes but not limited to:
  • Web portal development and management, including technology grid
  • Expert onboarding & management and research report development
  • Programme outreach and communications
  • Project management coordination/ liaising with stakeholders
• Coordination with the Directorate of TDF, DRDO, armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, IDS), and other Ministry of Defence (MoD) entities for successful execution of the TDF Scheme
• Solicit inputs from defence experts from industry and academia, for effectively delivering on the research reports and knowledge support requirement under the project.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders, including DRDO officials, services, project team members, and senior management.
• Develop ecosystem partnerships to encourage participation from public/private industries, especially MSMEs and startups
• Oversee all project technical and administrative aspects, ensuring compliance with DRDO standards and best practices.
• Translate project requirements into actionable plans, defining work packages, key milestones, and a comprehensive project schedule.
• Develop and manage the project budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation and adherence to financial constraints.
• Mitigate risks and proactively address any challenges that may arise during the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• An Ex-Serviceman with an MBA, preferably Navy veteran, with 10 to 15 years of experience
• Strong management skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams
• Prior experience in leading defense research programme/technology will be preferred
• Excellent drafting skills; the ability to communicate, concisely, and simply, in writing and verbally, to technology and funding decision-makers at senior tiers of government
• Analytical mindset with the ability to analyze and synthesise technical and operational information into concise decision
• Ability to handle project bottlenecks and deadlines.
• Ability to manage extensive travel on short notice.

Kindly share the resume at shriya.johri@finovista.com and career@finovista.com with a statement of suitability/position applied for, current CTC, expected CTC, current location and Notice period.

Only shortlisted candidates will be called for an in-person interaction.