WWF-India, one of India’s leading conservation organizations, is dedicated to building a healthy living planet for future generations. We do this by adopting a two-pronged approach to conservation which includes wildlife and nature conservation, and footprint reduction.We recognize that the ever-growing human demand for resources (food, water, energy and materials) is putting tremendous pressure on the biodiversity of our natural world. Working together with Government, communities and other stakeholders, we act with urgency, integrity and passion to secure a future where both nature and people thrive.
WWF-India's Sustainable Agriculture Program (SAP) is committed to advancing new thinking, technologies, sustainability standards, practices and research in agriculture and food systems that support biodiversity, and reduce environmental footprint. This is done through collective action and stewardship, jointly with farming communities, agri-businesses, startups, research institutions, think tanks and Governments at all levels. SAP works closely with businesses, farming communities as well as Farmer Producers Companies to field test, demonstrate sustainable agricultural practices that enhance livelihoods and support biodiversity conservation. SAP works across diverse agro-ecological zones, landscapes and riverscapes in India covering states of Punjab, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat on aspects of regenerative agriculture, agro-biodiversity, sustainable land, river and wetland conservation.
We are inviting applications from a highly experienced professional to be part of this high impact team. This role requires excellent project management, critical thinking and engagement skills to grow the programme and deliver impacts.
Position: Associate Director, Sustainable Agriculture Programme
Location: New Delhi
Reporting to: Director, Sustainable Agriculture Programme
Job Description:
- Programme/Project Management:
- Provide strategic management oversight and support to the Sustainable Agriculture Programme to ensure effective implementation of projects fortimely delivery of outcomes and achievement of technical and financial targets.
- Ensure efficient and effective monitoring, evaluation and learning processes in the Sustainable Agriculture programme to keep track of the progress towards the achievement of the strategic goals. Enable adaptive management for project implementation in the face of unforeseen challenges.
- Uphold and ensure implementation of organisational policies to achieve greater efficiency and operational compliance
- Coordinate with cross-cutting teams in WWF-India for maximising synergies to ensure effective collaboration at various levels
- Ensure timely technical and financial reporting
- Internal Coordination & Relationships:
- Ensure effectivecoordination with the WWF India HR and Programme Finance teams for third party hiring and staff recruitments in the SAP
- Manage processes for onboarding of partners and consultants, including development, execution and monitoring of relevant MoUs
- Work closely with the Programme Operations to coordinate and track the procurement of goods and services
- Build, maintain and strengthen relationships with external and network donors
- Facilitate collaboration and coordination between Sustainable Agriculture team and other cross-cutting teams in WWF-India for maximising synergies to ensure co-design and implementation offield projects/activities
- Programme Development & Partnerships:
- Support and work closely with the SAP and other teams to provide strategic direction and synergy for the programme
- Identifyand develop strategic partnership opportunities with diverse stakeholders
- Lead the conceptualization and development of funding proposals
- Provide technical advice to the Sustainable Agriculture team to accelerate food/agriculture system transformation.
- Evaluate the potential for innovative tech solutions in sustainable agriculture and determine how to mainstream and scale them up in the public or private sectors
- Policy Engagement & Outreach:
- Undertake regular horizon scans and analysis of emerging policies, regulations and legislation; contemporary as well as emerging issues related to agriculture and food system
- Provide strategic inputs forWWF-India’s engagement with the Government, regulators, business leaders, trade/industry associations and other stakeholders
- Lead and support preparation of policy/white papers, position papers, policy briefs around main streaming sustainable approaches based on WWF-India’s work with partners.
- Support the conceptualisation and implementation of workshops/meetings on relevant issues, and prepare relevant documents for broader dissemination/advocacy.
- Provide inputs for strategic discussions with key stakeholders to facilitate the main streaming of project interventions or learning thereof into policies and plans
- Represent WWF-India in various fora
Requirements
Qualifications & Experience:
- At least a Master’s Degree in Management, preferably in Agriculture and allied management from a reputed institution
- Minimum 8-10 years of relevant, post-qualification, professional experience inthe area of sustainable initiatives in Agriculture or Forestry, Certification, Traceability (Agri-commodities) and working with small holders or FPOs
- Knowledge and proven experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams/partnerships, programme development and technical report writing
- Prior engagement in business innovation and start-up ecosystems is expected.
Desired Skills and Abilities:
- Strong research and analytical skills. Proven experience in policy advocacy work will be an added advantage.
- Good communication, project execution & planning skills
- Excellent interpersonal and team skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
- Ability to multi-task, think strategically and display a strong result-oriented approach
- Full familiarity with relevant computer applications (MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, any other modelling tools and applications, GIS, etc.)
