Open to opportunities

Illora Rabha

@illorarabha

Message

Dynamic professional with 15 years in rural development and empowerment.

India

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a role that allows me to further empower women and enhance rural livelihoods through innovative programs and collaborative partnerships.

I am a dynamic professional with over 15 years of experience dedicated to promoting rural livelihoods and empowering women-led enterprises. My extensive background encompasses people management, donor relations, capacity building, and financial management, all aimed at fostering an inclusive and values-driven culture. I have successfully led rural development programs funded by multilateral organizations, managing relationships with esteemed donors such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UN Women.

Throughout my career, I have built collaborative partnerships and implemented gender-sensitive training initiatives that have positively impacted the lives of over 65,000 women. My expertise in mentoring and coaching has allowed me to train more than 400 professionals and government staff on critical topics such as gender-responsive budgeting and climate-resilient farming practices. I am passionate about creating sustainable solutions that enhance household incomes and promote women's economic empowerment.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Team Coordinator (Convergence Lead–State)

Current

PRADAN

Dec 2022 - Present (2 years 9 months)

Led a comprehensive livelihood promotion initiative for 3 lakh women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Women Economic Empowerment Project. Implemented value chain interventions to enhance household annual income, focusing on farm, off-farm, and non-farm activities with youth skill development and employment.

Value Chain Development Partnership Building Capacity Building Market Linkage Stakeholder Engagement Project Management

Team Coordinator

PRADAN

Apr 2016 - Present (9 years 5 months)

Led various livelihood projects and supervised, directed, and supported team members, assistants, and community facilitators. Mentored team members, apprentices, and interns to develop well-defined objectives and problem-solving skills.

Livelihoods Team Supervision Mentoring Program Design Resource Mobilization Internal Functions Management Budget Management

EXECUTIVE

PRADAN

Jun 2010 - Present (15 years 3 months)

Worked extensively with 7000 women in Dighalbank block on social mobilization, women’s identity, leadership skills, and building expertise through livelihood farm activities. Contributed to the larger learning system by generating lessons from the field, experience, reflection, and regular documentation and review.

Community Based Institutions Training Delivery Credit Linkage Leadership Development

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Biju Patnaik University of Technology

B-Tech, Mechanical Engineering

Grade: first class grade

Completed a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering, achieving a first-class grade. This program provided a strong foundation in mechanical principles and engineering applications.

Cotton College

Higher Secondary (10+2), Science

Grade: second class grade

Completed Higher Secondary education with a focus on Science, achieving a second-class grade. This foundational education prepared for further studies in technical fields.