Sarita Mehra

M&E LEAD – CSR & DONOR-FUNDED PROGRAMS , FINISH SOCIETY, Rajasthan

Jaipur, Rajasthan

A scientist-turned CSR Impact & MEL Leader with 20+ years of grassroots and strategic leadership, transforming ?60+ crore CSR investments into measurable, scalable, community-owned impact. Architect of resilient socio-ecological models linking biodiversity, water, climate resilience, and women empowerment, delivering outcomes across 145,000 lives and advancing multiple SDGs.

Contact Sarita Mehra
Area of Expertise:
  • Director, CEO, COP, President
  • Disaster, Aid, Emergencies, Relief
  • Environment, Climate, Energy, Water, Sanitation
  • Fundraising, Business Development, Grants Writer
Professional Experience:

With over two decades of pioneering leadership at the intersection of science, CSR, and sustainability, I have consistently transformed fragmented initiatives into resilient, community-owned ecosystems that endure beyond funding cycles. My career reflects a rare blend of scientific rigor, systems thinking, and grassroots execution—mobilizing ?60+ crore CSR investments, impacting 145,000+ lives, and advancing multiple SDGs through integrated water, biodiversity, livelihoods, and governance models.

FINISH Society (2025–2026) – As CSR Impact & MEL Transformation Leader, I spearheaded the Kalakh Model Village Project, a ?3.7 crore initiative co-owned by donors and communities, benefiting 3,900+ residents across WASH, health, education, and climate resilience. I architected a cohesive MEL ecosystem anchored in Theory of Change and SDG indicators, shifting the organization from activity tracking to evidence-based program management. Dashboards, quarterly reviews, and data quality systems converted monitoring into decision-making tools, strengthening donor confidence. My authored case studies and impact narratives positioned FINISH Society as a benchmark for scalable, community-driven development.

Rajputana Society of Natural History (2009–2024) – As Secretary General & CEO, I transformed RSNH from a regional conservation NGO into a multi-sector impact powerhouse. Mobilizing ?60+ crore investments, I delivered integrated programs that directly impacted 145,000+ lives. Landmark initiatives included the Boond–Neer Project (?20+ crore), constructing 125+ rainwater harvesting structures and recharging 10+ billion litres annually, securing water resilience for 45,000+ residents. I empowered 1,800+ women through 100+ SHGs, reviving Moonj craft into resilience economics during COVID-19. Partnering with Coca-Cola Foundation and NABARD, I rejuvenated three rivers, restoring ecosystems and enabling cash crop cultivation across 600+ hectares. Through PrakrutiShala, I embedded ecological literacy in schools, fostering generational custodianship of sustainability. WASH programs, IHHL construction, and relief mobilization further strengthened community resilience. RSNH was repositioned into a socio-ecological model builder advancing SDGs 2–17.

WWF-India (2006–2008) – As Lead Consultant, I bridged scientific documentation, policy advocacy, and community mobilization in fragile landscapes. I directed biodiversity documentation and eco-sensitive zone notification for Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary (288 sq. km), trained 50+ guides and tribal members in sustainable tourism, and engaged 1,000+ students in conservation education. My work repositioned WWF India’s Rajasthan programs from site-specific conservation projects into community-anchored eco-sensitive models linking biodiversity protection with livelihoods, education, and water security.

Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) – In my early career as IBA Officer & Research Associate, I strengthened avifauna research and grassroots conservation across India. I enabled identification and ecological assessment of 450+ Important Bird Areas under BirdLife International & RSPB UK frameworks, advanced bioacoustics monitoring for 30+ threatened species, and supported wetland ecosystem conservation across 10+ critical sites. This role laid the foundation for my journey as a scientist turned CSR leader, combining research, field mobilization, and policy advocacy into actionable conservation outcomes aligned with SDGs 6, 13, 14, 15, and 17.

Education:

PhD, Biological Sciences – Advanced research in ecological systems and biodiversity conservation, integrating scientific rigor with applied sustainability models.
MSc, Environmental Sciences – Specialized in natural resource management, climate resilience, and community-based sustainability approaches.
BSc (Chemistry, Zoology, Botany) – Strong interdisciplinary foundation in life sciences, enabling holistic understanding of ecological and social systems.
ICAR-NET Qualified – Certified expertise in agricultural and environmental sciences, strengthening credibility in research and policy domains.
Professional Trainings & Certifications
ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) & Climate Change Adaptation
Land Use Planning & Sustainable Development
Ornithology & Avian Biology
Organic Farming Practices
Scientific Journalism & Knowledge Dissemination

Affiliations and Achievements:

IUCN – Commission on Education and Communication (CEC): Active contributor to global knowledge-sharing platforms on conservation education and sustainability communication.
BirdLife International & RSPB UK Networks: Collaborated on Important Bird Areas (IBA) program, strengthening avifauna conservation across India.
WWF India & BNHS Alumni Networks: Continued association with biodiversity and conservation communities, contributing to ecological research and advocacy.
National CSR & Sustainability Forums: Regular participant in CSR roundtables, ESG dialogues, and impact measurement consortiums.
Academic & Policy Platforms: Engaged with universities, research councils, and government agencies for curriculum development, policy input, and technical advisory.

Available for:

  • Job opportunities

Years of Experience:

More than 20 years

Highest Qualification:

Doctorate

Languages:

English, HINDI; GUJRATI; MARATHI

Nationality:

Indian

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