Career Opportunities

Program Lead

We are seeking a dynamic Program Lead to coordinate the execution of multi-site ecological restoration and watershed interventions. The ideal candidate will bring strong field leadership, project management rigor, and the ability to coordinate diverse stakeholders including field teams, contractors, scientists, and labour groups.

The role requires hands-on leadership, close monitoring of field execution, scientific accuracy, and strong reporting discipline—while keeping sight of the broader strategic objective of creating a sustainable, future-ready plantation model.

The position will oversee a Site Leader(s) and contractors who will be responsible for day to day labour management.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Management
   • Lead weekly and monthly planning, scheduling, logistics, and resource management, and obtain approvals from the Director(s) / Landscape Architect.
   • Coordinate with Operations Lead(s) to ensure field execution of watershed interventions and ecological restoration aligns with the approved Master Plan.
   • Ensure preparation of weekly work plans with the Operations Lead and allocate labour accordingly to ensure efficient and effective utilisation of resources.
   • Ensure accurate attendance tracking and address on-site labour issues, payroll for labour, including welfare and compliance.
   • Ensure availability of adequate labour, materials, and logistics to enable smooth execution.
   • Monitor daily progress and ensure accurate collection of field data on labour hours and material usage.
   • Ensure compliance with applicable labour, safety, and environmental regulations.
   • Ensure the project is executed on scientific principles and approach.
   • Ensure appropriate restoration standards are applied.
2. Systems and Reporting
   • Maintain accurate records of work completed, geography covered, labour hours, costs, and materials consumed.
   • Prepare agendas for weekly staff meetings, facilitate meetings, and circulate action points.
   • Track progress using maps, GPS/GIS tools, photo documentation, and monitoring sheets.
   • Prepare periodic progress and impact reports for funders, stakeholders, and internal teams.
   • Support the Director in preparing weekly monitoring reports and coordinate with the ecological restoration lead on scientific documentation.
   •  Assist in preparing presentations for Steering Committee meetings and reviews with MD and Chairman.
3. Financial Coordination
   • Verify and approve wages and contractor payments.
   • Support procurement activities in coordination with the finance team.
   • Negotiate contractor rates to ensure cost efficiency and performance-linked payments.
   • Support the Financial Analyst with budget-versus-spend tracking and reporting.
   • Assist in billing to funders, cash-flow forecasting, and audit processes.
   • Ensure SHGs maintain accurate financial records with guidance from the finance team.
4. Stakeholder Management 
   • Develop working relationship with tribal villages to develop them as recruitment hubs for eco restoration labour. Conduct and lead programs for human resource development of youth in villages.
   • Manage day-to-day coordination with estate managers, field supervisors, and senior management.
   • Engage constructively with local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions.
   • Facilitate collaborations for scientific research, student engagement, and knowledge exchange.
   • Advocate for ecological restoration and climate-resilient watershed practices across plantations.
   • Support the Director’s efforts in fundraising, proposal development, and donor documentation.
5. Soft Skills
   • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
   • Fluent in English with working knowledge of Tamil (proficiency preferred).
   • Collaborative team player with the ability to influence without formal authority.
   • Analytical, detail-oriented, and solution-focused.
6. Technical skills
   • High proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint
   • Working knowledge of GIS tools /Google Earth Pro will be added advantage.
7. Education:
   • Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or Ecology or Forestry, Biology or related field  
   • Master’s degree preferred but not mandatory for candidates with strong field experience.
   • Project Management training will be added advantage
8. Experience:
   • 4–6 years in field-based project management.
   • Prior experience in watershed management, ecological restoration, forestry, or related domains preferred.
   • Experience working with rural/tribal communities desirable.
9. Personal Attributes:
   • Mission-driven, practical, detail and solution-oriented.
   • Culturally sensitive and respectful of local culture.
   • Resilient, adaptable and comfortable working in field conditions.
10. Additional Information
    • Stay at site preferred, accommodation will be provided.
    • Competitive compensation, commensurate with experience.

Internship

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