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Program Lead

TopHills77 Foundation is seeking a dynamic Program Lead to oversee the execution of multi-site ecological restoration and watershed interventions in the Nilgiris.

This role requires strong field leadership, project management capabilities, and the ability to coordinate diverse stakeholders including field teams, contractors, scientists, and local communities. The ideal candidate will ensure that all interventions are executed with scientific accuracy, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability in mind.

Key Responsibilities

Program Management

  • Lead weekly and monthly planning, scheduling, and resource allocation
  • Coordinate with operations teams to ensure execution aligns with the approved Master Plan
  • Oversee labour deployment, attendance tracking, and on-site workforce management
  • Ensure availability of materials, logistics, and workforce for smooth execution
  • Monitor daily progress, field data, and resource utilisation
  • Ensure compliance with labour, safety, and environmental regulations
  • Maintain scientific integrity and restoration standards across all activities

Systems & Reporting

  • Maintain accurate records of work completed, labour hours, materials, and costs
  • Track progress using maps, GPS/GIS tools, and photo documentation
  • Prepare weekly, monthly, and impact reports for stakeholders
  • Facilitate team meetings and document action points
  • Support scientific documentation and reporting in coordination with the restoration team
  • Assist in preparing presentations for internal reviews and leadership meetings

Financial Coordination

  • Verify and approve labour wages and contractor payments
  • Support procurement and vendor coordination
  • Ensure cost efficiency through contractor negotiation and performance tracking
  • Assist in budget tracking, cash flow planning, and reporting
  • Support funder billing and audit processes

Stakeholder Management

  • Build strong relationships with tribal communities and support local employment initiatives
  • Coordinate with estate managers, field teams, and senior leadership
  • Engage with government agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions
  • Facilitate partnerships for research, student engagement, and knowledge exchange
  • Support fundraising, proposal development, and donor reporting

Required Skills

Soft Skills

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Fluent in English; working knowledge of Tamil preferred
  • Collaborative and solution-oriented mindset
  • Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking

Technical Skills

  • Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint
  • Working knowledge of GIS tools / Google Earth Pro (preferred)

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Forestry, Ecology, Biology, or related field
  • Master’s degree preferred (not mandatory for strong field candidates)
  • Project management training is an added advantage

Experience

  • 4–6 years of experience in field-based project management
  • Experience in ecological restoration, watershed management, forestry, or related fields
  • Experience working with rural or tribal communities is highly desirable

Personal Attributes

  • Mission-driven and impact-oriented
  • Practical, resilient, and adaptable
  • Comfortable working in field conditions
  • Culturally sensitive and respectful of local communities

Additional Information

Competitive compensation, commensurate with experience

On-site stay preferred (accommodation will be provided)

Apply now
Internship

We are looking for passionate and motivated interns to support our ecological restoration and community development initiatives on the ground and remotely. This internship offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of environmental conservation and community impact.

Key Responsibilities

Field-Based Work (Nilgiris)

  • Assist in ecological restoration activities such as invasive species removal, nursery work, and tree planting
  • Support watershed restoration and monitoring activities
  • Participate in field surveys and data collection
  • Work with local communities and support livelihood initiatives

Community & Program Support

  • Assist in education, awareness, and community engagement programs
  • Support coordination of field activities and documentation

Remote / Hybrid Work

  • Help with research, reporting, and documentation
  • Support content creation (social media, website updates, storytelling)
  • Assist in fundraising and outreach initiatives

Who Can Apply

  • Students or recent graduates in:
    • Environmental Science
    • Forestry / Botany
    • Social Work / Rural Development
    • Sustainability or related fields
  • Individuals passionate about ecology, conservation, and community work
  • Willingness to work in field conditions (for field roles)

Duration

  • 1–3 months (flexible)

Location

  • Nilgiris (Field-based)
  • Remote / Hybrid options available

What You Will Gain

Opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental impact

Hands-on experience in ecological restoration

Exposure to real-world conservation projects

Experience working with tribal communities

Certificate of completion

Apply Now