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.
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.
- 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.