Program Manager - Forecast Science & Policy (India)

Title: Program Manager, Forecast Science & Policy 

Location: India - remote preferred; open to strong candidates based elsewhere, including the US and Europe
Position: Full-time

Posted on: September 15, 2026
Application deadline: October 6, 2026, 6 pm IST
Summary

Precision Development (PxD) is hiring a Program Manager, Forecast Science & Policy for its weather forecast initiative.

Candidates who studied physics, statistics, applied math, or engineering and moved toward international development or behavioral/development economics are especially well suited to this role. While the position does not involve building forecast models directly, it requires a genuine understanding of ensemble modeling, forecast skill metrics, and model uncertainty, sufficient to engage substantively with atmospheric scientists and translate that understanding into language that informs program and policy decisions with government partners. This is an opportunity to apply strong technical training to real-world problems at scale, working at the intersection of meteorology, program delivery, and public policy.

Precision Development (PxD) is seeking a Program Manager, Forecast Science & Policy to serve as a critical technical translator within its weather forecasting initiative. The successful candidate will sit at the intersection of meteorology / atmospheric science and program delivery — developing a deep enough understanding of the technical details behind PxD's forecasting partners' work (what can and cannot be delivered, and why) to communicate this clearly and accurately to both internal teams and external stakeholders, including government partners.

This is not a data science role, nor is it a traditional government-partnerships role. It requires someone who has foundational knowledge of statistics and can genuinely understand the technical substance of what forecasting partners are saying model capabilities, limitations, and tradeoffs and translate that into language that internal teams and external stakeholders can act on with confidence.

This role builds on PxD's demonstrated success in pioneering digital advisory services. In 2025, PxD worked with partners to disseminate AI-generated monsoon forecasts to 39+ million farmers across 13 states. In 2026, this has scaled to 52+ million farmers. The Technical Project Manager will play a key role in ensuring that the technical realities of this forecasting work are clearly understood and communicated across the initiative, so that decisions — internal and external — are grounded in an accurate picture of what the science can and cannot yet do.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Translation. Develop a working technical understanding of PxD's forecasting partners' methods, capabilities, and limitations (e.g., model uncertainty, forecast skill, data constraints), sufficient to explain, in plain language, why something can or cannot currently be delivered.

Internal & External Communication. Synthesize and translate complex scientific findings — including forecast models, agronomic research, and MEL data — into clear, accessible materials for internal stakeholders, policymakers, practitioners, and general audiences. Prepare reports, presentations, and policy briefs as needed.

Cross-Team Coordination. Support structured, ongoing communication between PxD's technical/scientific partners and internal teams and government stakeholders, ensuring that technical constraints and possibilities are accurately reflected in program and policy conversations.

Qualifications

• At least 4 - 6 years of relevant work experience
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field such as physics, mathematics/statistics, computational science, engineering, and/or economics with a quantitative focus; candidates with non-traditional backgrounds who combine strong quantitative training with experience in technical or scientific environments are encouraged to apply
• Strong foundational knowledge in quantitative and computational methods, with the ability to engage critically and constructively with forecast modeling scientists; familiarity with key concepts such as ensemble modeling, probabilistic forecasting, forecast skill metrics, and model uncertainties, whether from formal training or applied experience, is a plus
• Proficiency in Python or R required; experience with data pipelines, cloud-based workflows, or geospatial data tools (e.g., xarray, netCDF, GIS) is strongly preferred
• Experience working with or interpreting outputs from AI/ML-based models, and translating technical products into decision-relevant information for non-specialist audiences, is strongly preferred
• Strong ability to synthesize and communicate complex technical or scientific information for non-specialist audiences, including translating probabilistic or uncertain findings (e.g., forecast confidence intervals, model limitations) into language that supports rather than undermines confidence in decision-making
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; fluency in Hindi is preferred; proficiency in other languages is a plus
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail; ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously
• Familiarity with climate adaptation, digital agriculture, and experimental economics is strongly desired
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Passion for impact and a strong sense of purpose aligned with PxD's mission to serve smallholder farmers. A collaborative attitude, resilience in the face of challenges, and a drive to continuously learn and innovate
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed

About PxD

PxD is a rapidly scaling global non-profit that harnesses the power of technology, data science, and behavioral economics to provide targeted information to farmers in low and middle income countries. Providing the right information to the right people, in the right way and at the right time, increases incomes, protects the environment, and improves well-being. We are evidence-based: we test our interventions with randomized controlled trials to prove our impact and cost effectiveness, to simultaneously learn from and improve our service, and to demonstrate our value to funders and partners. There are few programmes in international development that are as demonstrably cost effective as ours.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit the PxD website and use the online application form to submit a CV, cover letter, and brief responses to the screening questions. The position will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the application deadline of October 6, 2026, 5 pm IST.

PxD is committed to building an inclusive and diverse organization. We do not make decisions based on gender, gender identity, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristics that are unrelated to the role. We accommodate flexible working to make sure you are as productive and happy as you can be.

We will use any personal data you provide for recruitment purposes only.