Director – Programmes

The Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment is seeking a Director – Programmes in Bengaluru, India. This leadership role involves shaping ATREE's research vision, managing programmes, fostering innovation, and building collaborations. The Director will oversee monitoring and evaluation systems and support resource mobilization while working closely with various teams. This is a full-time position that reports to the Executive Director.
Description

The Director – Programmes will play a critical leadership role in shaping and implementing ATREE’s research vision. This role involves providing intellectual and managerial direction, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, and ensuring strategic coherence and high impact across ATREE’s programmes. The Director will also build and nurture collaborations, oversee monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems, and support resource mobilisation.

The position will work closely with the Programme Leads, the Centre for Policy Design, the Academy for Conservation Science and Sustainability Studies, the Development Office, and Communications at ATREE.

This is a full-time position, based in Bengaluru, India, and reports to the Executive Director of ATREE.

About ATREE

The Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) was established in 1996 as a non-profit organisation headquartered in Bangalore, India, with an initial focus on assessment and monitoring of biodiversity. Over the years, ATREE has built global recognition and credibility as an institution focused on rigorous interdisciplinary knowledge generation for use by policy and practice, towards environmental conservation and sustainable, socially just development.

ATREE is today a premier institution in India that encompasses an academy focused on developing the next generation of scholars and environmental leaders; research centres focused on science-based knowledge and evidence for influencing policy and scaling practice; and community-based conservation centres focused on grassroots solutions, rooted in participatory approaches and democratic institutions.

ATREE envisions a society committed to environmental conservation and sustainable, socially just development. ATREE strives to deliver on its vision, mission, goals, and objectives through four key impact pathways—Research, Action, Policy, and Education—with its work focusing on issues of biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, land rights and livelihoods, forest governance, water security and governance, and sustainable agriculture in rural and/or urban contexts.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Programme Development
• Lead the realisation of ATREE’s research and action agenda by overseeing the design, execution, and integration of programmes.
• Ensure programmatic alignment with ATREE’s mission and strategic goals.
• Foster cross-cutting and interdisciplinary initiatives within and across programmes.
• Establish and oversee a robust MEL framework to track scientific quality and measure outcomes and impact.

Talent Development and Mentorship
• Identify and recruit Fellows and senior technical staff aligned with ATREE’s programmatic needs and future directions.
• Provide mentorship to early-career researchers, technical staff, and Fellows.

Partnerships and Representation
• Represent ATREE in national/international scientific, policy, and practitioner forums.
• Build strategic alliances with research institutions, government agencies, technology providers, and science-focused donors.
• Amplify the visibility and influence of ATREE’s work among stakeholders and the broader public.

Institutional Governance and Policy
• Participate in institutional planning and budgeting processes.
• Review and recommend research-related policies, including those related to recruitment, evaluation, and promotion of Fellows.

Qualifications
• PhD in ecology, environmental science, sustainability studies, or a related

interdisciplinary field.
• At least 15+ years of relevant experience in applied research, with a proven track record

in programme leadership.
• Strong publication record and evidence of translating research into policy or practice.

Attributes
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational rigour and excellence.
• Proven experience in managing large, interdisciplinary teams and research portfolios.
• Deep understanding of action research approaches and stakeholder engagement
• Strong network among national and international academic, policy, and science-

focused donor communities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising for multiple projects and institutional

development.
• Familiarity with MEL frameworks and outcome-based research planning.
• Ability to foster an inclusive and collaborative organisational culture.

Remuneration

ATREE recognizes that the right candidate will have a significant impact on the success of the organization and is prepared to offer an attractive compensation package for the non-profit sector, commensurate with experience.

How to Apply

Contact

Please direct your questions regarding this position to hr@atree.org

Note
• Only candidates who are shortlisted for the interview will be contacted.
• The above responsibilities outline the primary duties of this position. Flexibility and willingness to undertake additional tasks may be required, subject to consultation with the reporting manager.

Diversity Policy

The institution is an equal opportunity employer that encourages women, people with disabilities, and those from economically and socially excluded communities to apply for positions with the requisite skills and qualifications.

Date Posted

29 May 2025

Valid Through

June 30, 2025

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Location

Bangalore