Pravin Sonawne

Development sector professional with 15+ years of experience in end-to-end CSR project design, implementation, monitoring and impact evaluation, with a strong focus on health, sexual & reproductive rights, and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I). Extensive, practical knowledge of Indian CSR regulations, including Companies Act 2013, Section 135, Schedule VII, CSR policy and reporting, due diligence, FCRA, and donor compliance. Certified in ESG and BRSR reporting (NSE & KPMG), with advancing proficiency in integrating ESG commitments within CSR strategies.

Proven track record of designing and leading large-scale CSR projects (annual budgets up to INR 2.6 Cr) from concept note to closure, achieving >95% budget utilisation and strong, documented social impact, managing multi-stakeholder partnerships with corporates, NGOs, government bodies and communities, leading large teams (up to 95 staff) and driving employee volunteering (75+ senior volunteers, 95% participation, 16 community projects), and championing D&I and LGBTQIA+ inclusion, POSH compliance, and community-centric approaches.

Branch Manager - Family Planning Association of India (FPA India) - Pune

(2018-11)

Leading branch operations and CSR-funded programmes with responsibility for strategy, governance, fundraising, compliance, donor relations, and impact outcomes.

• End-to-end CSR project management of three major projects with annual budgets of approx INR 2.6 Cr, 60 Lakhs and 15 Lakhs: Project design, log frame development, activity planning and implementation.
• Risk assessment, due diligence of partners, and compliance with CSR rules.
• Quarterly, bi-annual and annual reporting to donors and internal management.
• Ensuring adherence to Companies Act 2013, Schedule VII, CSR policy commitments and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Leading governance and management of the branch: documentation, statutory records, audit support, and annual reports.
• Stakeholder management – internal teams, local authorities, corporate CSR teams, community leaders, NGOs and technical experts.
• Acting as a bridge between governance and management, contributing to policy decisions, strategic frameworks, and sustainability planning.
• Designing and scaling innovative CSR models, including: Male Involvement in Family Planning, Dedicated Transgender Health Clinic, Safe Abortion Services and rights-based SRH interventions.
• Managed 75+ senior volunteers, achieved 95% participation, and completed 16 community projects with strong social impact and stakeholder appreciation.
• Achieved 92–98% budget utilization across projects, with donors repeatedly recognizing the branch for best implementation and impact.
• Developed IEC materials, community engagement tools and innovative educational approaches to drive behavior change and project visibility.
• Championed Diversity & Inclusion, POSH awareness and inclusive service delivery within the branch.
• Enabled the FPA India facility/branch to achieve top rank in the local district for performance and impact.
• Mobilized funds above INR 4 Lakhs multiple times via Tata Mumbai Marathon (2020, 2022, 2023, 2025).
• Recognized by CSR donors for best practices, high budget utilization and strong field-level outcomes.

Senior Program Manager - Gujarat State Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GSNP+) - Ahmedabad/Surat

(2016-06 - 2018-11)

Provided technical assistance and capacity building to 26 Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) across Gujarat. Supported NGOs in implementing HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support programmes funded by various donors (including CSR and government). Managed stakeholder relationships at district, state and national levels – government departments, civil society, networks of PLHIV, and donors.

Led monitoring, data analysis and periodic reporting, ensuring programme and financial indicators met donor requirements. Represented the organisation in key forums and consultations, advocating for community-led approaches.

Deputy Director - Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) - Mumbai

(2015-05 - 2016-03)

Strengthened NGO/CBO-led HIV/AIDS prevention programmes across Maharashtra. Planned and implemented strategies to improve coverage of core and bridge populations. Conducted field visits, provided technical inputs and reviewed programme quality. Monitored projects against financial and physical indicators, ensured adherence to guidelines. Maintained liaison with government, CSR donors and development partners.

Program Manager - Aarju Foundation

(2012-06 - 2015-05)

Designed and led programmes focusing on LGBTQIA+ rights, HIV prevention and sexual health. Developed advocacy strategies, IEC tools and community mobilisation activities. Collaborated with Lawyers Collective and other stakeholders on rights-based interventions and legal literacy. Managed programme implementation, reporting and donor communication.

Project Coordinator - Humsaaya Welfare Sanstha - Thane

(2010-01 - 2010-12)

Managed and governed LGBTQIA+ and HIV prevention programmes. Conceptualised innovative strategies and frameworks for organisational growth. Represented LGBTQIA+ issues in various forums and networks.

Community Mobilizer - The Humsafar Trust - Mumbai

(2008-11 - 2009-12)

Mobilised LGBTQIA+ communities for HIV prevention and rights-based initiatives. Facilitated awareness sessions, referrals and community events.

Medical Representative - FDC Ltd. - Mumbai

(2004-06 - 2008-03)

Promoted products in the dermatology and ophthalmology segments. Conducted CMEs, seminars and training for super-speciality physicians. Performed basic market research and competitor analysis.

Master of Social Work - Social Work - College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketan (2013)

B.Sc. - Chemistry - CHM College of Arts, Science & Commerce (2004)