Program Director (Forest Rights and Governance)

Job Title: Program Director (Forest Rights and Governance)  
Thematic Area: Community Forest Rights and Governance
Number of Positions: 1  
Place of Posting: Bhubaneswar  
Type of Engagement: Full Time  
Last Date of Application: 20 June 2025  

About Vasundhara:
Vasundhara is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation focused on natural  resource governance and sustainable forest-based livelihoods. We mainly engage in research and  policy analysis, capacity building, and community-based forest management systems, particularly  concerning the Forest Rights Act, 2006.  

Role Overview:

• We are looking for a Program Director to lead a multi-talented and diversified team  within Vasundhara working on programs on Forest Rights, Community Forest Governance,  Conservation, and forest-based livelihoods.  
• The Program Director will be responsible for overall coordination and mentoring of a multi disciplinary team, and for networking with diverse civil society organizations, government agencies  and policy makers to realize the core objective of the organization. 

Core Responsibilities:  

 

• Overall coordination of Program activities of the thematic teams including program  planning, implementation and monitoring;  
• Capacity Building of the Vasundhara team and partners/collaborators involved in the  programs;  
• Networking with Civil society organizations, government agencies (state and central  government) and policy makers;  
• Coordination with donors or support agencies;  
• Preparation of Progress reports/ project reports as required by the organization; 
• Preparation of project proposals and assistance in fund raising activities for the programs;
• Lead programs related to the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and governance of community forest  resources.  
• Facilitate training and capacity-building workshops.  
• Engage with government officials and other stakeholders for policy advocacy. 
• Conduct research and documentation to support forest rights initiatives.  

Competencies:  

• Minium 7 years of proven and relevant experience in a senior program position in a reputed  organization;  
• Ability to build and lead teams and foster team work;  
• Ability to take up challenges and handle critical situations;  
• Ability to address issues and challenges faced by the team members while executing  assigned tasks; 
• Excellent communication, writing and interpersonal skill;  
• Strong ethics and reliability;  
• Fair knowledge on action research;  
• Fair knowledge on laws related to natural resource governance, especially the Forest Rights  Act, 2006, PESA.  
• Excellent computer skills, fair knowledge on data base analysis, presentation, social media  etc. 

Qualification and Skill:  

• Master's degree and higher studies (PhD) in social science, political science, development  studies, natural resource management.  
• Expertise in working with tribal and forest-dwelling communities.  
• Proficiency in English, Hindi and Odia; knowledge of tribal languages of Odisha is  advantageous.  
• Strong leadership and team management skills.  

Duration: This is a long-term program with an initial contract for 1 year with 6 months (probation),  renewable based on performance.  

Reporting: Executive Director  

Remuneration: Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 90,000 pm based on experience and suitability along with other  benefits according to the organization norm.  

 

Interested candidates should apply with a CV and cover letter to hr@vasundharaorissa.org  by 20  June 2025. 

Applications must include as the  subject line. Applicants are required to provide contact details (active phone number and email ID)  of two professional references familiar with their current or previous work experience.

Vasundhara is  an equal opportunity employer, and women and SC/ST candidates are especially encouraged to  apply.

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