Program Director (Livelihood Initiative)

Job Title: Program Director (Livelihood Initiative)  

Thematic Area: Forest Based Livelihoods, agroforestry and Community Institutions Development  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 promoting community-based forest management systems,  particularly using the opportunities created by enabling laws like the Forest Rights Act, 2006.(For  details see website: https://vasundharaodisha.org) 

Role Overview:

The Program Director (Livelihood Initiative) will lead initiatives to promote forest based livelihoods and address the economic vulnerabilities of marginalized communities through the  strengthening of community-based collectives. This role requires strategic planning, policy analysis,  implementation, and scaling of livelihood programs to align with Vasundhara's mission.Where  IFR/CFR claims are recognized integrate MGNREGS and other government schemes to improve  productivity of agriculture and ensure sustainable development and management of water  resources to increase family incomes. Ensure women’s leadership and skill development in all  programs to move towards gender equity. 

Core Responsibilities:  

• Develop and execute strategies to enhance forest-based livelihood programs. 
• Wherever possible integrate programs for agriculture and horticulture development 
• Engage with stakeholders, including forest dependent communities and their collectives,  government officials, and CSOs, to drive impactful interventions.  
• Mobilize resources and design sustainable scalable livelihood models.  
• Oversee program monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.  
• Conduct policy analysis and advocacy required to influence sustainable livelihood initiatives.  

Qualifications:  

• Master’s Degree in Rural Development, Social Work, Anthropology, or a related field. 
• At least 7 years of post-qualification experience, with significant exposure to livelihood  programs.  
• 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.  

Skills and Competencies: 

• Strategic planning and program development.  
• Effective stakeholder engagement.  
• Data collection, analysis, and presentation.  
• Proven ability to work in a multidisciplinary and dynamic environment.  

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 organization norms.  

Interested candidates should apply with a CV and cover letter to hr@vasundharaorissa.org  by 20  June 2025. Applications must include <Program Director, Livelihood Initiative> 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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