FOUNDATION FOR ECOLOGICAL SECURITY
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE : District Lead
REPORTING TO : State Head - Maharashtra
LOCATION : Gadhchiroli, Maharshtra
POSITION SUMMARY:
Gadchiroli, one of the most significant districts in Vidarbha and Maharashtra, will lead district-level program strategy and execution in a context characterized by rich natural resources and advanced Community Forest Rights (CFR) interventions. The role will provide overall leadership for district-level planning, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of program interventions and also involves coordination with District Administration, NGO partners, and community institutions to ensure effective program delivery.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential functions but not exhaustive):
• Provide strategic guidance to Block Teams to ensure all planning and projects align with the organizational vision and thematic goals.
• Serve as the primary lead for networking and liaising with the District Administration, donors, and various NGO partners.
• Act as the central point person and Coordinator between the State Office and the individual Block Teams.
• Support teams in adopting new strategies, such as block-level planning and systems approaches, while integrating research findings into action plans.
• Establish and maintain strong review mechanisms and undertake regular project monitoring with Block Teams. Also ensuring timely and accurate documentation of both qualitative and quantitative aspects of all active projects.
• Identify the training needs of Block Teams and collaborate with the State Office to develop comprehensive capacity-building plans.
• Facilitate the development of long-term and annual action plans of District based on specific district, state and block-level considerations.
• Support the State Office with recruitment, team composition, and mentoring to ensure a progressive work culture. Also manage fluctuating workloads by temporarily reassigning staff members across different blocks as needed.
• Take up any other task as deemed fit or entrusted/assigned by the reporting officer from time to time
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES:
• Post-graduate degree in Rural Development/ Social Work (MSW)
• Ecology/Environmental Science/ Agriculture, or a related Social Science field.
• Ability to translate an organizational vision into actionable district, block-level plans and long-term strategies.
• Proficiency in instituting review mechanisms and ensuring both qualitative and quantitative reporting.
• Strong conceptual clarity on Commons, ecological security, natural resource management, or "systems approach" planning.
• Skill in mentoring diverse teams, managing local recruitment, and maintaining a "healthy and progressive" work culture. Capability to manage differential workloads by reassigning staff and facilitating cross-team forums.
• Ability to integrate findings from academic or field studies into practical, groundlevel action plans.
• Ability to lead and act as a effective bridge between State Office requirements and grassroots Block Team realities.
REMUNERATION & OTHER DETAILS :
• FES provides renewable contractual employment and compensation levels and other monetary / non-monetary benefits at FES are considered good within the development sector. The Cost to Organization (CTO) for the position is as per the experience and role.
• FES is an equal opportunity organization and women candidates are encouraged to apply. Interested candidates may send their CVs to careers@fes.org.in with the subject line “District Lead - Maharashtra” latest by 15th March 2026.