Project Director

About SEEDS Trust: SEEDS Trust (Social Education and Environment Development Scheme Trust) is a non-profit, working for the development of livelihood of forest dependent communities and for the conservation of landscapes and species, in Tamil Nadu. It works on conservation plus initiatives, to ensure better landscapes to ensure better livelihood to the communities dependent on them. More details available in the organization website: The Project: Currently SEEDS Trust is beginning an agroforestry project in the Ayyalur landscape of Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, with the support of the Livelihoods Carbon Fund SICAV-RAIF-LCF3, Luxembourg. The main objective of the project will be to rehabilitate the degraded landscape and to achieve better livelihoods for the communities that are largely dependent on the surrounding forests. The project will plant multi-purpose and fruit tree saplings in around 8,000 ha in private farmlands of about 8,000 families in the fringe villages of the proposed Kadavur Slender Loris Sanctuary. The income generation from the trees and other allied income generation activities promoted by the project are expected to reduce the pressure on the Ayyalur forest and improve the resilience of the communities, both of which will directly impact contribute to the key Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the UN at the larger level. In order to manage the project implementation, SEEDS Trust seeks to recruit services of one (01) Project Director on an annual contract basis, renewable based on annual performance evaluations. This is a full-time position, requiring local travel and will be based at Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. Main functions The Project Director will be accountable for the overall project activities, budget, deliverables and risk management. He/She will also lead the strategic planning, execution, and oversight of the Ayyalur Livelihoods Project, including managing partnerships, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, overseeing technical and operational teams, and representing the project at regional and national levels. Key Responsibilities: · Provide strategic leadership and vision for the project. · Oversee planning, budgeting, and implementation of all project components. · Ensure compliance with donor agreements, reporting timelines, and quality standards. · Supervise and mentor the Project Manager, MEL Officer, and other senior staff. · Liaise with government agencies, donors, and community stakeholders. · Lead the Project Management Committee and ensure coordination across departments. · Monitor project risks and develop mitigation strategies. · Promote gender equity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. · Represent SEEDS Trust in external forums and build visibility for the project. Expected skills, competence. · Master’s degree in social sciences, environmental studies, agriculture, or related field. · Minimum 15 years of experience in project leadership roles in development or conservation sectors. · Proven experience in managing large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects. · Strong understanding of agroforestry, carbon finance, and rural livelihoods. · Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills. · Proficiency in English and Tamil. · Willingness to live in close proximity to and travel extensively within the project area. Contract Type: Annual (with a probationary period of three months), with a possibility of extension based on annual performance assessments. Salary corresponds to industry standards To apply: Please send your CV to with Project Director in the subject line