Country Program Director (India)

Wildlife Conservation Society-India (WCS-India) is a Section 25 Company whose overarching goal is the protection and conservation of the natural environment, its flora and fauna, and in particular the preservation of wildlife and wild places in India. WCS-India aims to combine wildlife conservation action with rigorous principles of conservation science, in partnership with government partners, local communities and non-government organizations. WCS-India’s conservation actions aim to address overarching threats such as habitat fragmentation, poaching and wildlife trade as well as human-wildlife conflict, which impacts India’s biodiversity and its habitats.

Position Objectives:

* Lead Wildlife Conservation Society-India (WCS-India) to meet its conservation objectives. In consultation with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), set program priorities, strategy, and approaches; develop and implement projects; oversee fundraising; coordinate financial and administrative support for various field projects and for the program as a whole; primary liaison with WCS; facilitate communication and coordination with donors and other partners.

* Promote wildlife conservation in India among national government, state government, international agencies, and other non-governmental organizations; and recommend policies that promote the long-term persistence of wildlife and wild lands in India.

Principal Responsibilities:

In consultation with WCS:

1) Manage and support senior program staff; establish the WCS-India priorities, strategy, and approaches. Oversee and support the implementation of established projects; develop new projects and country initiatives as appropriate.

2) Hire, train, and assist senior field staff in their projects; promote teamwork and provide feedback to staff; ensure proper collection, analysis and publication of field data; review and evaluate field reports and project documents.

3) Maintain regular and close communications with the WCS-India Board to ensure that the Board is kept appraised of long-term strategy and key programmatic developments.

4) Act as liaison between WCS-India and the Indian government; between WCS-India and local partners; and between WCS-India and other international agencies active in India, especially in the environmental sector; attend relevant national and regional meetings, workshops, strategy sessions, government events, etc.

5) Oversee the fundraising of WCS-India and in collaboration with WCS assist with the raising of further financial support for projects.

6) Ensure WCS-India maintains and expands its role in producing the highest quality wildlife science with clear conservation implications, through publications of scientific articles, books and reports and maintains a high-quality academic program.

7) Oversee the production of reports and other required documents (e.g., workplans, implementation plans, activity reports, and financial reports) for WCS and donors on schedule with explicitly stated links between activities and (a) desired outputs, outcomes and results, (b) project funds allocated from appropriate budget lines and (c) agreed timeframes.

8)  Promote wildlife conservation in India with national and state governments, and other non-governmental organizations through meetings, speaking engagements, media interviews, writing, and general communications. Direct national and international attention to conservation of important sites and species in India, and influence policies that promote their long-term persistence.

9) Oversee the creation of program promotional materials such as brochures, newsletters, web pages and other materials. 

10)  Promote a healthy work culture and ensure implementation of WCS-India policies and compliance with applicable laws and regulations, contractual obligations and donors’ policies.

Qualifications

PhD or Masters degree and extensive equivalent experience in a field related to biodiversity conservation in India; strong leadership and management skills with 5 years minimum of management experience; ability to foster teamwork and build capacity within the program; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work in a range of cultural contexts; and familiarity with Hindi or another major Indian language and English.

WCS-India is an equal opportunity employer and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. 

Please submit CV and Cover Letter including two references, no later than April 13^th to director@wcsindia.org. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.