Senior Director – Agri-Food Systems

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About the Organization

The M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) was established in 1988 as a not- for-profit trust. MSSRF was envisioned and founded by Professor M. S. Swaminathan. The Foundation aims to accelerate the use of modern science for agricultural and rural development through the development and dissemination of technology to improve the lives and livelihoods of tribal and rural communities. MSSRF follows a pro-poor, pro- women, and pro-nature approach and applies appropriate science and technology options to address practical problems faced by rural populations in agriculture, food, and nutrition.

Job Description

• Lead the multidisciplinary team and execution of the Agri-Food Systems Programme, including fund mobilization.
• Develop compelling proposals and pitches to attract funding from diverse sources, including private and government entities.
• Implement a community-centric approach, focusing on vulnerable ecosystems such as agriculture, forests, and wetlands.
• Provide leadership to MSSRF-supported initiatives through strategic planning, networking, and knowledge sharing.
• Oversee grant management and liaise with partner organizations, ensuring regular monitoring and relationship management from inception to grant closure.
• Develop and support donor engagement strategies, including presentations, reports, trackers, and other deliverables.
• Provide deep sector knowledge and insights for communications and collaterals.
• Stay updated on the latest developments in food systems, agriculture, gender and political economy, climate resilience, nature-based solutions, land use, biodiversity, carbon, and effective land use.
• Organise internal and external technical workshops and expert consultations.
• Promote MSSRF’s pioneering work on agri-food systems transformation through conferences, publications, and other public forums.
• Link policy dimensions with practice, facilitate policy analysis, and lead policy advocacy discussions in consultation with the team.

Education Qualification/Required Skills & Experience

• A PhD in agricultural sciences from reputed university in sustainable agriculture management, environmental and sustainability management, or a related field.

Experience desirable

• At least 15 years of relevant work experience in agri-food systems, including a minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in project management and leadership roles.

Requirements:

• Proven track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Strong interest and understanding of Indian food systems, agricultural landscapes, climate issues, and the non-profit sector.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience in creating high-quality reports, presentations, and documentation.
• Strong interpersonal skills with experience managing diverse external stakeholders.
• Ability to process and compile information from multiple sources into presentable formats.
• Attention to detail and excellent review skills.
• Strategic and creative thinking abilities, with strong project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently.
• Solutions-oriented, resourceful, and adaptive in thinking.
• Commitment to the mission and values of MSSRF, including a dedication to environmental conservation and social justice.

For more information please check the Link

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