Lead - Terrestrial & Freshwater

Era India; India; On-site; INR 1,000,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Era India is seeking a seasoned professional to lead the Terrestrial and Freshwater Programme aimed at protecting India's vital ecosystems. The ideal candidate will have 12-15 years of experience in biodiversity conservation, with proven project management skills. Responsibilities include overseeing project execution, setting strategic goals, and ensuring high standards in scientific integrity. If you are an empowering leader who thrives in complex environments, this opportunity may be your next frontier.

Qualifications

• 12-15 years of hands-on experience in biodiversity conservation.
• Proven track record of completing a major conservation project.
• Specialised expertise in Terrestrial or Freshwater taxon groups.

Responsibilities

• Oversee execution of the Terrestrial and Freshwater portfolio.
• Identify critical landscapes for interventions.
• Ensure rigorous scientific standards for data collection.

Skills

Biodiversity conservation

Project management

Analytical skills

Technical writing

Influential communication

Education

Master’s degree or PhD in Wildlife Sciences/Conservation Biology

Job description

Are you ready to take on a definitive challenge in Indian conservation? The Habitats Trust is looking for a seasoned, high‑calibre professional to lead our Terrestrial and Freshwater Programme (T&FP). This is not merely a management role; it is an invitation to steer a complex, high‑stakes portfolio of large‑scale projects that protect India’s most vital ecosystems.

We are seeking a leader who is energised by operational complexity and possesses the scientific rigour to translate ambitious vision into measurable, on‑ground impact. If you have the grit to navigate demanding landscapes and the strategic foresight to manage multiple major initiatives simultaneously, this is your next frontier.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Portfolio Ownership: Command the end‑to‑end execution of the Terrestrial and Freshwater portfolio, ensuring every initiative aligns with THT’s long‑term goals.
• Landscape Prioritisation: Strategically identify and prioritise critical landscapes and freshwater basins across India for high‑impact interventions.
• Integrated Solutions: Drive interdisciplinary strategies that bridge the gap between complex ecological needs and socio‑economic realities

2. Operational Excellence & Precision

• Multi-Project Command: Orchestrate multiple large‑scale projects with a relentless focus on deadlines, ensuring scientific integrity remains uncompromised under pressure.
• Scientific Oversight: Maintain rigorous standards for field data collection and analysis, serving as the ultimate guardian of the Trust’s ecological data.
• Impact Evaluation: Design and implement robust monitoring frameworks to ensure every project delivers verifiable conservation wins.

3. Empowering Teams & Providing Agency

• Leadership through Empowerment: Provide the strategic direction and professional agency your team needs to thrive, fostering a high-performance culture rooted in accountability.
• Strategic Growth: Lead the expansion of the programme by identifying and integrating top‑tier technical talent.
• Operational Troubleshooting: Act as the primary catalyst for progress, removing bottlenecks and mentoring team members to take full ownership of their project components.

4. Financial & Technical Stewardship

• Budgetary Command: Develop comprehensive programme budgets and exercise strict oversight of high-value expenditures.
• High-Level Reporting: Serve as the definitive point of contact for technical reporting, providing the Director of Operations and Lead - Conservation with precise, data‑driven insights.
• Knowledge Production: Author authoritative technical reports and peer‑reviewed outputs that set the standard for conservation excellence.

Technical Essentials:

• Experience: 12-15 years of proven, hands‑on experience in biodiversity conservation, with a significant portion dedicated to field‑based operations.
• Project Mastery: A demonstrated track record of taking at least one major conservation project from conceptual design to successful completion.
• Academic & Technical Depth: A Master’s degree or PhD in Wildlife Sciences, Conservation Biology, or a related discipline. You must possess specialised expertise in at least one broad taxon group (Terrestrial or Freshwater).
• Analytical Prowess: Advanced quantitative skills for data-driven decision-making and rigorous programme evaluation.
• Influential Communication: Exceptional technical writing and verbal skills, with the ability to engage, persuade, and collaborate with government bodies, scientific communities, and local stakeholders.

The Ideal Candidate:

• The Disciplined Taskmaster: You are focused on delivery and results, moving projects forward with precision and speed without sacrificing quality.
• The Empowering Leader: You believe in giving your team the space to lead, providing the resources and support they need to succeed autonomously.
• The Resilient Professional: You are undeterred by the logistical and environmental challenges of India’s wild landscapes and thrive in high‑pressure scenarios.
• The Accountable Partner: You take complete ownership of your portfolio, standing behind the impact of your programme with unwavering professional integrity.

Are you up for the challenge? Join us in securing the future of India’s natural heritage.