Essential Functions

The Project Manager provides scientific/technical leadership as a subject matter expert for regenerative agriculture in a variety of initiatives. S/he oversees the implementation of our strategies related to agriculture and soil health in India, including, but not limited to, crop residue management, agri-entrepreneurship, and zero-tillage agriculture. S/he actively promotes nature-based solutions to climate change as well climate adaptation through a mix of field projects and policy interventions. S/he will build upon the current body of work to have a cohesive and comprehensive project portfolio to meet the organisation’s goals related to conservation, restoration, and climate change.

S/he builds the organisation’s scientific and programmatic capacity in the field and collaborates with other scientists, practitioners, and institutions to enhance our impact, both at the field and policy level. S/he also negotiates complex and innovative solutions with government agencies, academic and research institutions, corporations, and local partners as well as communities and develops and implements conservation strategies at scale. S/he strives to mainstream conservation and climate mitigation/adaptation strategies in the Indian agriculture sector planning processes. S/he develops and manages the project team, consultants, and partners in order to ensure effective and successful delivery of our priority projects. S/he will also help establish the organisation as a major player within the Indian conservation agriculture space and represent the organisation in a variety of forums.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Role and Responsibilities

• Develops and implements the strategies under the guidance of senior management to achieve the organisation’s goals and quantified targets related to regenerative agriculture, soil health, and climate change mitigation and adaptation, including those related to people metrics.
• Strengthens and expands the programme for impact at scale. Ensures that the programme achieves its strategic objectives.
• Recruits, retains, and manages high quality and effective multi-disciplinary staff, consultants, and partners with responsibility for performance management and successful delivery of projects.
• Acts as the technical liaison within and outside of the organisation; may provide training on regenerative agriculture and related issues.
• Supports team members to effectively implement complex projects with our partners, including ongoing projects for ending crop residue management and building out additional initiatives
• Makes strategic decisions based on sound analysis and judgement in consultation with the Reporting Manager.
• Collaborates with a wide range of partners to identify projects, associated research needs, present technical concepts, and support fieldwork.
• Negotiates complex agreements, managing risks and anticipating challenges.
• Leads stakeholder consultations on regenerative agriculture issues.
• Leads preparation of succinct reports and other communication products for a wide range of audiences.
• Promotes organisational leadership and visibility in the area of regenerative agriculture.
• Takes responsibility for all budgeting and financial management aspects of the assigned projects.
• Establishes and maintains optimal performance standards within budget.
• Leads fundraising along with the fundraising team, including preparing proposals, reviewing contracts and preparing donor/client reports.
• Resolves complex problems through systematic and thorough analysis and effective programme leadership and management.
• Persuasively conveys the organisational mission and USP to diverse groups including potential donors, clients, corporates, academics, and others critical to the organisational vision and mission.

May require frequent travel domestically and occasionally internationally

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a science-related field (e.g., agriculture, agronomy/agroecology, environmental science, or soil science) with five years of experience in conservation/ regenerative agriculture practice or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of principles and practices of sustainable agriculture, including soil health, climate mitigation, climate adaptation, and nutrient management.
• Demonstrated capabilities in project management, including ensuring collaboration and coordination of project activities among partners to achieve the desired project results.
• Excellent team player with experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams, using interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with conservation teams, internal scientists, corporations, academics, and policy makers.
• Excellent communication skills – written and spoken and graphical.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Fluency in English and Hindi.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in agriculture, crop science, soil science, natural resource management or related discipline with experience in systems-related work and ten years of experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge and experience of developing systems for monitoring, reporting, verification, and evaluation of impact of agricultural systems on climate, soil health, and environment.
• Knowledge of and experience related to the production, storage, processing, and commercialisation of rice, wheat, and other key crops in India.
• Field experience including direct interaction and/or partnering with farmers.
• Expertise in spatial analysis/remote sensing as well as applied statistics/data science.
• Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders and interest to work in interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience of training others.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work successfully in a fast-paced organisation.
• Knowledge of multiple Indian languages.