Program Lead – Freshwater Resources

In this position, you will lead and develop innovative water resource management initiatives that align with TNC-India’s mission, integrating technical expertise in freshwater conservation, river rejuvenation and watershed restoration with program development and advocacy. The role emphasizes building strategic partnerships with governmental, private, and community stakeholders, promoting nature-based solutions, and advancing sustainable water management through policy advocacy and capacity building. You will oversee project implementation and monitoring, deliver training, represent TNC in international forums, and contribute to knowledge-sharing platforms, all while identifying funding opportunities and supporting the organization’s global water conservation objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Water Resources Management, Hydrology, Environmental Science, with Water Resource Management as a specialization with a minimum of 10 years of experience.
• Proficiency in hydrological modelling, GIS, and watershed management tools.
• Knowledge of nature-based solutions, watershed management, river restoration practices, hydrology, ecosystem-based adaptation etc. required.
• Preference for those with previous experience working in NGOs, government agencies, and other similar research/development organizations.
• Proven ability to lead and manage large-scale, multi-stakeholder conservation projects.
• Strong communication skills in English (both written and spoken).
• Experience in handling complex projects, strong leadership, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent written/verbal communication skills, including ability to present complex ideas to diverse audiences.

Desired Qualifications

• Ph.D. in in Water Resources Management, Hydrology, Environmental Science, with Water Resource Management or a minimum of 12-15 years of experience in freshwater conservation, water resource management in freshwater ecosystems, river restoration or related fields
• Team management experience with strong networks in freshwater conservation.
• On-ground implementation expertise.
• Strategic thinking and advanced analytical abilities

Reporting and Supervision: The Program Lead, Freshwater Resources is a senior-level position within NCIS. S/he will directly report to Director of Programs and work closely with TNC’s conservation teams, external partners, and stakeholders.

Who We Are :

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor . Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Bring :

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! TNC offers competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process. TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.