Senior Program Associate – Responsible Restoration Value Chains

Job Highlight

WRI India is seeking a Senior Program Associate – Responsible Restoration Value Chains to support the development of bamboo‑based restoration value chains in central India, particularly in Maharashtra and surrounding regions. The role focuses on implementation, coordination, and applied research, helping develop practical solutions that link landscape restoration with livelihoods and market opportunities, while also supporting systems to monitor and track restoration outcomes (MRV). The role will involve working with government agencies, community institutions, businesses, and civil society organizations to strengthen the ecosystem needed to scale restoration activities.

The Position Will Contribute To

• Development of bamboo‑based livelihood and restoration value chains
• Monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems for restoration
• Research and analysis to inform policy, financing, and implementation
• Partnerships that enable scaling of restoration programs

What You Will Do

Restoration Value Chain Development (55%)

• Map key actors across the bamboo value chain, including producers, processors, traders, and buyers
• Identify gaps in production, processing, market access, logistics, and finance
• Support the design and implementation of pilot initiatives that improve bamboo‑based livelihoods
• Work with farmer producer organizations (FPOs), community groups, and local enterprises
• Engage with private sector partners to strengthen market linkages
• Identify opportunities to increase value addition and income for local communities
• Support development of scalable models for restoration‑linked value chains

Project Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement (25%)

• Coordinate research and project deliverables
• Support engagement with government agencies, private sector partners, NGOs, and community organizations
• Organize or contribute to workshops, consultations, and meetings
• Represent WRI India in selected events and discussions
• Support internal reporting and documentation

Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) (20%)

• Support data collection and management related to restoration activities
• Help develop indicators and monitoring frameworks
• Support analysis of restoration outcomes such as:
  • Area restored
  • Ecological outcomes
  • Livelihood impacts
• Contribute to data systems, dashboards, and monitoring tools
• Ensure data quality and support reporting requirements

What You Will Need

Education
Master’s degree or higher in Public Policy, Economics, Environmental Studies, Development Studies, Environmental Governance, Natural Resource Management, or related fields.

Desired Experience (4–7 years)

• Landscape restoration
• Environmental policy or land‑use policy
• Rural livelihoods and value chains
• Climate or natural resource programs
• Environmental or restoration finance
• Applied research and program implementation
• Restoration‑linked business models

Experience working with community institutions, producer organizations, or value chains is desirable.

Skills and Competencies

• Experience with policy and program analysis
• Ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative research
• Familiarity with monitoring, evaluation, or impact measurement
• Reliable analytical and writing skills
• Ability to translate complex information into clear and practical insights
• Strong coordination and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience engaging with cross‑sector stakeholders (government, finance, enterprises, community institutions, research organizations)
• Ability to work independently (location‑based role) and manage multiple tasks

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint
• Some experience using research databases and analytical tools
• Fluency in English; Marathi is a must; Hindi is an added advantage
• Creating reports, supplementing reports, etc.

Location

Nagpur, Maharashtra

Salary and Benefits

• Potential salary: ₹14,00,000 – ₹18,00,000 (commensurate with experience and skills)
• Comprehensive benefits package (see below)

Duration

One year, subject to extension based on performance and project requirements.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

WRI India values and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion across all areas of work and workforce. The organization is committed to creating a welcoming environment for people of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, fostering a safe and inclusive workplace where DEI is part of ongoing dialogue and development.

People‑Centric Benefits (Non‑Monetary)

• Health benefits: Health insurance for you and your loved ones up to INR 8 lakhs
• Term insurance: Life coverage of INR 50 lakhs per staff member
• Employee Assistance Program: Support for mental well‑being and work‑life balance
• Health & Nutrition: Personalized diet recommendations from a certified dietitian
• Flexible work schedule: Alternative work arrangements for eligible employees
• Learning culture: Workshops and trainings to empower staff and encourage new learning opportunities
• Rest and Recharge weeks: Time off to rest, rejuvenate, upskill, and pursue interests
• Leave policy: 36 personal days per year plus public holidays, maternity, paternity, and adoption leaves