Lead Strategy & Operations

Varaha is seeking a seasoned professional for the role of Strategy Operations Lead. In this key position, you will be instrumental in shaping and executing operational strategies to drive the success of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) projects. The primary focus will be on effective team management, strategic planning, and seamless execution of initiatives aligned with Varaha’s overarching goals.

This role is ideal for someone with core competencies in program management and operational excellence at scale, combined with practical business acumen. Prior experience in smallholder fields/value chains is desirable but not mandatory.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and drive operational strategies aligned with organizational goals and objectives.

• Manage multiple field teams to ensure effective execution, timeline adherence, and project objective achievement.

• Build resilient partnerships with key field stakeholders across the entire value chain (inputs procurement, ground implementation, and monitoring).

• Implement operational improvements for efficiency and cost/resource optimization.

• Drive and monitor all ground activities related to NBS projects, ensuring effective day-to-day operations and prompt challenge management.

• Act as a central point of coordination between field staff, senior management, and external stakeholders.

• Own rollout planning across new regions, ensuring coordination across multiple internal and external stakeholders.

• Develop and monitor operational KPIs and unit economics across project types, geographies, and channels (e.g., farmer count, cost per enrolment, retention, delivery risk).

• Build and manage standardized payment structures for farmers, FPOs, field partners, and delivery agencies.

• Coordinate with Finance Legal to ensure timely, rule-based, and audit-compliant payment disbursement.

• Lead recruitment and selection for field staff.

• Develop and drive comprehensive training programs for team skill development.

Qualifications

• 10–12 years of experience in strategic planning, operations, and program management.
• Strong educational pedigree in Business, Operations, or a related field.
• Proven track record in scaling operations while ensuring compliance with organizational targets.
• Strong optimization acumen: analyze and maximize project economics.
• Experience working with distributed networks and end-to-end supply chains.
• Comfortable with compliance, reporting, and handling large disbursement flows.
• Strong team management and leadership skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Willingness to travel and work in the field as needed.
• Passion for climate action, impact at scale, and solving real-world problems.
• Prior experience with smallholder value chains is a plus (e.g., field teams, rural partners).

Additional Information

What We Offer

• Join a small, ambitious, international team and enjoy:

• Competitive salary and benefits package (ESOP)

• Key role in shaping a fast-growing climate-tech startup

• Support for learning and professional development

• A culture of undogmatic, unbureaucratic creativity and collaboration