Development Sector Associate
Also known as: Programme Associate · Project Coordinator (NGO) · Field Officer
Works with NGOs and social programmes on projects in areas like health, education and livelihoods.
What you’d do
A development sector associate works with NGOs, foundations and government-supported social programmes on projects in health, education, livelihoods and similar areas. Employers include NGOs, CSR foundations, research and evaluation organisations and international agencies. A typical day may involve field visits, coordinating with communities and partners, collecting data and writing reports.
- Coordinates field activities and partners
- Collects and reports programme data
- Engages with communities
- Supports proposals and documentation
How you get in
Freshers usually enter through fellowships, internships or programme associate roles in NGOs and CSR foundations. Fieldwork experience and a regional language are often expected.
Salary in India
Fresher salary over the years
middle of the 0–1 yr range, ₹ lakh a year
Fewer than two years of fresher data so far — the trend shows once there are two.
Skills you’ll use
From our guide · a curated list is coming
- Field work and community engagement
- Survey and data collection
- Monitoring and evaluation basics
- Report and proposal writing
- Working in a regional language
About this field · for freshers
Job openings by year
Is demand growing?
Not added yet.
Competition4
How many graduates enter each year?
B.Plan graduates in 2023-24 at institutions that reported to AISHE — everyone finishing that degree, not only those entering this role.
Who hires
IT firms, banks, government, startups?
Not added yet.
Where the jobs are
Which cities?
Not added yet.
Women in the field4
Is it diverse?
Share of women among B.Plan graduates in 2023-24 — the entry degree, not people already working in this role.
At a glance
- Many roles are project-funded and on fixed-term contracts.
- Next roles: programme officer, programme manager, M&E specialist.
- A master's (MSW or development studies) is common for moving up.
Stay safe
No legitimate employer ever asks you to pay to get a job.