Senior Program Associate – Restoration Planning and Implementation

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About the Organization

WRI India, an independent charity legally registered as the India Resources Trust, provides objective information and practical proposals to foster environmentally sound and socially equitable development. Through research, analysis, and recommendations, WRI India puts ideas into action to build transformative solutions to protect the earth, promote livelihoods, and enhance human well-being.

We are inspired by and associated with the World Resources Institute (WRI), a global research organization. Currently over 250 researchers are working with WRI India in our offices at Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. 

Job Description

We are looking to recruit a Senior Program Associate to strengthen the enabling ecosystem for implementing landscape restoration in Madhya Pradesh as a critical Nature-based Solution (NbS).

You will support key outcomes of the ongoing projects by aligning financial resources from government schemes and departments to advance landscape restoration. You will also contribute to building capacities of the relevant stakeholders, identifying barriers through research and analysis and strengthening monitoring systems.

The role requires close collaboration with the Department of Panchayat Raj and Rural Development (DP&RD), Government of Madhya Pradesh, other state government departments, civil society organizations, implementation partners, and WRI India staff. You will help develop a scaling strategy for landscape restoration in selected districts, provide strategic guidance on enabling conditions, and identify solutions to overcome barriers and incentives for restoration.

You will work closely with the State Manager and other team members to provide technical support, facilitate stakeholder engagement, build capacities, and ensure smooth implementation of restoration activities. The role requires strong field engagement, data analysis, and project management skills, with willingness to travel across Madhya Pradesh, including remote areas. The position is most suited to an individual willing to take on the challenge of a new, fast-growing, and developing work program.

Job Responsibilities

Project Support and Coordination (55%)

• Support the implementation of landscape restoration in selected districts of Madhya Pradesh, working closely with implementation partners.
• Provide technical assistance for developing and implementing landscape restoration plans, including support for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) investment planning and establishing monitoring systems.
• Coordinate with government departments, Restoration Champions/projects, and other stakeholders for effective project execution.
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder engagement through meetings, workshops, and restoration dialogues at both state and local levels.
• Represent WRI India in meetings with government agencies and partners, sharing best practices and lessons from WRI India’s landscape restoration work.

Research, Monitoring, and Capacity-Building (45%)

• Conduct background research and data collection in collaboration with team members and external mentors for knowledge products on restoration policies and incentives, focusing on socio-ecological and economic impacts.
• Contribute to drafting reports, case studies, outreach materials, presentations, and blogs.
• Summarize and communicate key findings from research and program activities for targeted audiences such as governments, private sector, and community-based organizations.
• Assist in applying monitoring tools for landscape restoration, with emphasis on inclusive and participatory approaches.
• Assist in monitoring activities and provide support to restoration champions/projects.
• Provide logistical and technical support for capacity-building sessions and training for program partners.
• Support discussions and workshops on landscape restoration in Madhya Pradesh, including documentation and coordination with government institutions, experts, and CSOs.
• Assist in identifying and reaching out to experts/mentors through the knowledge network.
• Participate and document internal meetings and contribute to external events as needed.

Education Qualification/Required Skills & Experience

• Master's degree or Diploma in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Civil Engineering, Development Studies or related fields, with an understanding of their application in the fields of natural resource management, restoration, land use planning and management in India.
• Strong understanding of landscape restoration/watershed/natural resource management approaches, with familiarity in restoration-related policies, schemes, and programmes in Madhya Pradesh and India. Prior experience in implementing restoration/watershed/natural resource management work in Madhya Pradesh will be an advantage.
• At least 5 years of full-time experience in implementing and/or managing landscape restoration or natural resource management projects.
• Proven ability to build partnerships and coordinate activities across diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector.
• Fluency in English and Hindi, with strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong analytical skills, knowledge of research methods, environmental policy analysis, and social impact measurement.
• Ability to present complex technical information clearly and concisely to varied audiences.
• Demonstrated initiative, with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in high-performance team settings.

For more information please check the Link

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