Director – Brahmaputra Programme

BACKGROUND For three decades, WWF-India has pioneered area-based conservation across the Brahmaputra Basin. To lead its next phase of impact, WWF-India is appointing a Director – Brahmaputra Programme. This high-profile executive role sits at the critical intersection of terrestrial and freshwater conservation, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and community empowerment. Operating as the institutional leader and public face of WWF-India across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, the Director will orchestrate cross-functional teams, cultivate high-level technical, political and donor partnerships, and drive transformative landscape-level conservation strategies. This includes conservation-related issues (freshwater and terrestrial species and habitats restoration & monitoring, addressing human-wildlife conflict and strengthening protection); social development (community empowerment, sustainable livelihoods); as well as engaging with external drivers such as nature-safeguards in infrastructure, land use change, and agricultural production. Approaches include research & monitoring, capacity building & institutional development, policy & advocacy, and engagement with multiple partners, including local communities, industries, government agencies, and CSOs. As Director, the person is expected to drive the implementation of the programme to deliver its strategic outcomes in close coordination with the internal Programme Steering Group (PSG). The Director – Brahmaputra Programme will have to manage a team of 30+ staff, comprising ecologists, agriculture specialists, and social scientists, working across various districts of Assam. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES VISIONARY LEADERSHIP & STRATEGIC GROWTH Strategy Execution: Internalise, evolve, and communicate a compelling multi-year vision for the Brahmaputra Programme across WWF-India, the global WWF network, and external partners. Innovation & Adaptation: Partner with the Programme Steering Group (PSG) to continually refine landscape conservation models, integrating cutting-edge approaches to climate adaptation, habitat restoration, and human-wildlife coexistence. Resource Mobilisation: Drive strategic fundraising, capital pipeline development, and donor diversification to ensure long-term financial sustainability for the landscape. OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE & PROGRAMME GOVERNANCE Portfolio Management: Oversee the end-to-end execution of all committed grants, ensuring technical precision, high-impact deliverables, and financial compliance. Team Leadership & Talent Development: Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing, multidisciplinary team of specialists, scientists, and consultants. Cross-functional Integration: Facilitate coordination between the various cross-cutting teams to align strategies and maximise collaboration for seamless project delivery. Institutional Safeguards: Embed WWF’s Environmental and Social Safeguards Frameworks (ESSF) across all field operations, ensuring ethical, inclusive, and…