Program Director

1. POSITION VACANT: Program Director (Livelihood Initiative), Vasundhara Odisha, Bhubaneswar

2. ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Vasundhara is a leading non-profit organization based in Odisha, dedicated to natural resource governance, sustainable forest-based livelihoods, and the empowerment of tribal and forest-dwelling communities. Since its inception in 1991, the organization has been instrumental in advancing community-based forest management, facilitating the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and promoting equitable, sustainable livelihood opportunities. Vasundhara continues to play a pivotal role in shaping inclusive and community-driven development through research, policy advocacy, and grassroots action.

For details see website: https://vasundharaodisha.org

3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the Executive Director, 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 and in convergence with the Forest Rights Act, MGNREGS and other government schemes to improve forest-based livelihoods, agricultural productivity, and sustainable resource management. It also emphasizes women’s leadership and skill development in all programs to promote gender equity.

Key Job Responsibilities:

(1) Develop and execute strategies to enhance forest-based livelihood programs;

(2) Engage with stakeholders, including forest dependent communities and their collectives, government officials, and CSOs, to drive impactful interventions;

(3) Mobilize resources and design sustainable scalable livelihood models;

(4) Wherever possible integrate programs for agriculture and horticulture development;

(5) Oversee program monitoring, evaluation, and reporting;

(6) Conduct policy analysis and advocacy required to influence sustainable livelihood initiatives;

(7) Drive growth of cooperative and community-based organizations (CBOs) by expanding and diversifying their businesses;

(8) Strengthen leadership, governance, and management skills of community federations to ensure institutional sustainability and business expansion;

(9) Expand community outreach initiatives to increase participation, visibility, and impact;

(10) Implement strategies to significantly enhance the incomes and livelihoods of community members;

(11) Design, plan, and execute advocacy campaigns to influence policies in favour of people’s initiatives and community-led control.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:

Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in Rural Development, Social Work, Anthropology, or a related field.

Experience:

(1) A minimum of seven years of post-qualification experience, with significant exposure to livelihood programs;

(2) Experience in working with tribal and forest-dwelling communities, or in relevant areas of sustainable livelihoods such as natural resource management, land and forest rights, and inclusive welfare initiatives;

(3) Experience of working with community institutions engaged in social enterprises.

(4) Having basic understanding on Forest Rights Act 2006, its implementation and scopes on livelihood convergences and management under this Act.

(5) Proficiency in English, Hindi and Odia; knowledge of tribal languages of Odisha is advantageous;

(6) Strong leadership and team management skills.

Skills And Competencies:

(1) Strategic planning and program development;

(2) Effective stakeholder engagement;

(3) Research, analysis, and presentation;

(4) Proven ability to work in a multidisciplinary and dynamic environment;

(5) Increase incomes through livelihood and business interventions.

5. COMPENSATION OFFERED:

Gross compensation budgeted for the position is Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 90,000 pm (based on experience and suitability) along with other benefits according to organization norms.

6. LOCATION: Bhubaneshwar, Odisha

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

8. REFERENCE: PDLI-VO

9. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Team SAMS

Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.

1/1B, Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar

New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110 025

Phone Nos.: 011- 4081 9900; 4165 3612

10. APPLICATION PROCESS:

Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to apply using the link https://sams.co.in/jobs/job-description/program-director-livelihood-initiative/318by or before 9th October.

Applicants are to provide two work-related references along with a cover letter.

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