Manasi Nafde

About Manasi Nafde

I am a seasoned social impact professional with over 14 years of experience working at the intersection of climate, livelihoods, gender inclusion, and economic development. My work has focused on designing and scaling complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives, where I bring together strategy, partnerships, and execution to drive systems-level impact. Currently, as Director – Development & Partnerships at Climate Asia and Arthan, I work on building and strengthening strategic collaborations across the climate and development ecosystem. My focus is on unlocking catalytic capital, enabling ecosystem-led approaches, and shaping institutional positioning to scale high-impact climate solutions. Prior to this, I have led large-scale programs and business development efforts across e-commerce, livelihoods, and capacity building with a strong focus on enabling small-scale sellers, particularly women entrepreneurs, to access markets and improve economic outcomes. As part of the ONDC initiative, I led efforts to onboard underserved sellers, strengthen digital enablement, and build pathways for inclusive participation in digital commerce. My experience spans working closely with government systems, corporates, philanthropic institutions, and social enterprises to design inclusive growth strategies and translate them into on-ground impact. I am particularly interested in how partnerships, capital, and ecosystem thinking can come together to solve complex development and climate challenges. Beyond work, I enjoy strength training, meditation, and supporting animal rescue initiatives. I’m always up for a thoughtful conversation, ideally over a good cup of coffee.

Experience

1. Director, Development and Partnerships

   Climate Asia

   Apr 2026 — Present · New Delhi, IN

   Focusing on building and strengthening strategic partnerships across the climate and development ecosystem by closely working with funders and collaborators to unlock catalytic capital, enable ecosystem-wide collaboration, and scale high-impact climate solutions. I will support Climate Asia’s institutional positioning through strategic counsel, ecosystem insights, and senior-level engagement, helping shape how we partner, influence, and contribute to the broader climate agenda.

Education

• Golden Kids English High School, Amravati

  S.S.C., Science, Maths

  2004 — 2005

• Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta

  TLP WE Program, Business Administration and Management, General

• Shivaji Science College, Amravati

  H.S.C., Science

  2005 — 2007

• Institute Of Chemical Technology

  B.Tech, Dyestuff & Intermediates

  2007 — 2011