The Deccan Development Society is engaged in establishing working models for the people-oriented participative development in the areas of food sovereignty, ecological agriculture, traditional seed conservation practices and women empowerment for over 40 years in Zaheerabad region of Sangareddy District, erstwhile Medak. It is also trying to reverse the historical process of degradation of the environment and people's livelihood system in this region through a string of land-related activities such as Permaculture, Community Grain Bank, and Collective Cultivation through land Lease etc. These activities, alongside taking on the role of Earth care, are also resulting in human care by giving the women a new found dignity and profile in their village communities. The society is trying to democratize the people's knowledge in the area of health and agriculture. DDS founded Millet Network of India which is working in 10 States of India.
The community over the last 40 years has adopted ecological agriculture and community actions. However, it now faces new challenges due to financialization of land and government declaration of the area as National Investment Manufacturing Zone (MIMZ). Therefore the organization needs to address new emerging needs of women farmers, single and landless women/men and youth who face unemployment.
Job Description:
DDS is seeking to hire a dynamic Leader to strategize and strengthen the past relevant interventions and start new initiatives. S/he will be instrumental in leading the Multi sector DDS over the next 5 years including all aspects of program/project planning, fund raising, organizational and program management. A successful leader should be able to implement the projects, partnerships and raise the required funding support for the projects/program which can take the organizational vision forward. To provide guidance to DDS-KVK and integrate the KVK &Sangham’s vision mission to increase the outreach. The ED is also expected to manage the assets of the organization and give direction to their deployment,
Roles and Responsibilities:
• Lead the implementation of DDS programmes across its work with the women’s Sanghams in Zaheerabad, including traditional seed conservation, ecological agriculture, community media and market cooperative, working with and through the existing programme team.
• Take primary responsibility for fundraising: maintain and deepen relationships with existing institutional donors, identify new sources of support, and lead the preparation of concept notes, proposals and consortium bids.
• Serve as the principal point of contact for donors and partners, including reporting, grant compliance and hosting field visits.
• Work with the Board to set the next phase of DDS’s direction, including diversifying the funding base and developing new programme areas that build on the organisation’s four decades of work.
• Provide guidance to DDS-KVK and integrate the KVK and Sangham vision and mission to increase outreach.
• Oversee organizational systems: financial management, statutory and FCRA compliance, human resources, and the governance calendar.
• Represent DDS in policy and advocacy spaces at the state and national level, including the Millet Network of India and other platforms of which DDS is a part.
• Build and hold the team, including succession planning for senior positions and mentoring younger staff drawn from the communities DDS works with.
Preferred Education Qualification:
Master’s degree in any Social Science and Agriculture.
Experience: 10 years field experience to promote Sustainable Agriculture, Community Institutions, advocacy for public policy.
Good knowledge of English and Telugu language is essential.
Age:35 years +
Location: Pastapur, Zaheerabad, Sangareddy District, Telangana.
Remuneration: Salary is negotiable
Rent free simple accommodation can be provided at Pastapur premises.
Minimum commitment: 3 years, expectation long term
Application Process:
Applicants should submit a current resume and cover letter describing their previous experience to dds@ddsindia.org. Women candidates are highly preferred. Candidates from marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.