Manager & Division Head

Wildlife Trust of India; Dadri; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Wildlife Trust of India seeks a Division Head – Wild Rescue to provide strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for all Wild Rescue projects. You will coordinate with project heads, field teams, donors, and government agencies to ensure quality delivery and growth of the division.

The role emphasizes programme quality, financial management, stakeholder engagement, and staff development across multiple field stations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Biological Sciences (Wildlife biology, Ecology, Forestry, Environmental sciences) or equivalent.
• 8-10 years in conservation, particularly in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning, supervision, and monitoring of projects under the Wild Rescue Division in consultation with Project PIs and organizational leadership.
• Develop concepts, strategic frameworks, and project plans for new and existing initiatives.
• Lead fundraising efforts, donor engagement, and development of project proposals in coordination with the Development Division and project teams.
• Ensure effective implementation of project activities, deliverables, outcomes, and outputs as outlined in approved Project Implementation Plans (PIPs).
• Oversee project data archiving, documentation systems, and appropriate utilisation of data for reports, publications, and knowledge products.
• Lead preparation and dissemination of technical reports, scientific manuscripts, policy documents, and communication outputs related to division projects.
• Build and maintain partnerships with government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, academic organisations, scientific bodies, and experts to strengthen division objectives and project implementation.
• Mentor, guide, and monitor project staff, interns, consultants, and team members associated with the division.

Education

Master’s degree in Biological Sciences

Job description

Qualification

At least a master’s degree in Biological Sciences (Wildlife biology, Ecology, Forestry, Environmental sciences), Veterinary Science or equivalent.

Experience

8-10 years in conservation, particularly in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

Role Context

The Division Head – Wild Rescue shall provide strategic, operational, technical, and administrative leadership for all projects and programmes under the Wild Rescue Division. The role is responsible for ensuring effective implementation, coordination, monitoring, compliance, financial management, stakeholder engagement, and quality delivery of all divisional activities. The incumbent shall work closely with Project Heads, Programme Officers, field teams, support departments, government agencies, donors, and external stakeholders to achieve organizational and project objectives. The position shall function as a key leadership role responsible for strengthening programme quality, operational efficiency, team development, institutional partnerships, and long‑term growth of the division.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning, supervision, and monitoring of projects under the Wild Rescue Division in consultation with Project PIs and organizational leadership.
• Develop concepts, strategic frameworks, and project plans for new and existing initiatives.
• Lead fundraising efforts, donor engagement, and development of project proposals in coordination with the Development Division and project teams.
• Ensure effective implementation of project activities, deliverables, outcomes, and outputs as outlined in approved Project Implementation Plans (PIPs).
• Oversee project data archiving, documentation systems, and appropriate utilisation of data for reports, publications, and knowledge products.
• Lead preparation and dissemination of technical reports, scientific manuscripts, policy documents, and communication outputs related to division projects.
• Build and maintain partnerships with government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, academic organisations, scientific bodies, and experts to strengthen division objectives and project implementation.
• Mentor, guide, and monitor project staff, interns, consultants, and team members associated with the division.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, statutory requirements, donor commitments, and reporting standards across all projects under the division.
• Lead preparation, review, and revision of Project Implementation Plans (PIPs), annual work plans, budgets, and operational strategies.

Project Management & Operational Oversight

• Ensure effective implementation of all divisional projects in alignment with approved objectives, timelines, donor commitments, and organisational priorities.
• Provide operational guidance to Project Heads and field teams for achieving project outcomes and outputs.
• Conduct periodic reviews, monitoring visits, and performance assessments of projects and field stations.
• Ensure timely completion and submission of technical reports, project reviews, protocols, and organisational documentation.
• Monitor programme quality, field implementation standards, and compliance with organisational procedures.
• Ensure maintenance and updation of divisional databases, rescue records, technical documentation, and reporting systems.

Leadership & Team Management

• Provide leadership, mentoring, and professional guidance to divisional staff and project teams.
• Support recruitment, selection, onboarding, and capacity building of team members in coordination with HR.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide developmental feedback to reporting staff.
• Foster a collaborative, professional, inclusive, and performance‑oriented work culture within the division.
• Address team management and employee relations matters in coordination with HR and organisational leadership.
• Identify training needs and facilitate technical and professional capacity‑building programmes for staff and associated stakeholders.

Administrative & Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with all statutory, legal, regulatory, donor, and organisational requirements related to divisional projects and field operations.
• Oversee maintenance of field stations and ensure operational readiness as per organisational standards.
• Ensure proper documentation, record keeping, and adherence to organisational policies and procedures.
• Approve leave, travel, and administrative requests of reporting team members as per organisational policy.

Financial Management & Resource Utilisation

• Oversee divisional budgets, fund utilisation, financial planning, and cash flow management in coordination with Finance and programme teams.
• Ensure timely submission and review of financial reports, utilisation statements, and budget forecasts.
• Monitor project expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgets and donor requirements.
• Support development of funding proposals, concept notes, and budgetary documents for new and existing projects.
• Ensure effective and accountable utilisation of organisational resources.

Donor & Stakeholder Coordination

• Maintain effective coordination with donors, government agencies, conservation institutions, research organisations, and partner agencies.
• Support preparation and timely submission of donor reports, technical updates, proposals, and presentations.
• Ensure divisional projects meet donor commitments, reporting timelines, and agreed deliverables.
• Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships to support programme sustainability and institutional growth.

External Communication & Representation

• Represent the organisation and Wild Rescue Division at national and international meetings, conferences, workshops, seminars, and technical forums.
• Promote organisational achievements, technical outputs, and conservation outcomes through scientific and public platforms.
• Support publication of scientific papers, technical reports, operational manuals, and communication materials related to divisional work.
• Strengthen visibility and credibility of the organisation through professional engagement and stakeholder outreach.

Monitoring, Evaluation & MIS

• Ensure timely compilation, review, and submission of monthly, quarterly, half‑yearly, and annual divisional reports.
• Monitor project indicators, outputs, deliverables, and programme impact through structured review mechanisms.
• Facilitate internal review meetings, planning discussions, and monitoring exercises for continuous programme improvement.
• Ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and integrity of divisional data and information systems.

Other Responsibilities

• Undertake any additional responsibilities assigned by the Chief of Conservation, Principal Investigator, or organisational management in the interest of the organisation and its programmes.
• Support organisational initiatives, interdisciplinary collaboration, and institutional development activities as required.

Desired Skills

• Experience of working in NGO sector
• Skill in organising, prioritising, scheduling, planning and coordinating projects
• Skills in grant management, technical reporting and monitoring and evaluation
• Ability to multitask, create and work in a team‑oriented, multicultural environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English