Senior Manager – Operations (Urban Biodiversity)

Role Overview

Farmers for Forests (F4F) is seeking an experienced Nagpur-based professional to coordinate Urban Biodiversity Hub initiatives, work closely with government authorities and ensure that permissions, land and site-related requirements are addressed in a timely manner. The role involves regular engagement with public departments, documentation, stakeholder coordination and support for smooth on-ground project delivery.

Government Liaisoning, Permissions & Stakeholder Coordination

• Act as F4F’s principal point of contact with relevant government bodies, including the Municipal Corporation, Forest Department, district administration, development authorities, Gram Panchayats and other concerned agencies.
  
• Identify all project-specific permissions, NOCs, approvals, land-use or site-access clearances, and any required renewals; prepare an approval roadmap and take ownership of applications and follow-ups.
  
• Coordinate land identification, site visits, boundary verification, land availability, handover records and access arrangements with land-owning or controlling authorities.
  
• Follow up with competent authorities on lawful encroachment removal, debris clearance, site obstructions, boundary disputes and other constraints affecting project readiness.
  
• Coordinate government-side commitments for water access or supply, fencing and site protection, utilities, entry permissions and other essential enabling infrastructure.
  
• Draft and submit official letters, proposals, meeting requests, permission applications, undertakings and supporting documentation; maintain complete, organized records.
  
• Arrange and attend meetings, joint inspections and reviews with officials; record minutes, commitments, responsible persons and closure dates.
  
• Build sustained professional relationships with government officers and local institutions, and represent F4F appropriately in formal discussions.
  
• Maintain a live government coordination tracker covering authority, contact person, approval status, dependencies, next action and target date; escalate critical delays promptly.
  
• Ensure all liaisoning, approvals and site-related actions follow applicable laws, departmental procedures, ethical standards and F4F policies; do not make unauthorized commitments.
  

Project Execution & Operational Coordination

• Coordinate with internal project teams on site readiness, execution schedules and dependencies arising from government approvals.
  
• Support site surveys, vendor and contractor coordination, basic cost reviews and resolution of local execution issues.
  
• Conduct periodic site visits to verify progress, document constraints and facilitate timely interventions.
  
• Submit concise weekly updates on approvals, stakeholder meetings, site readiness, risks and key operational milestones.
  

Success Measures

• Timely approvals and site handovers.
  
• Closure of government-side dependencies.
  
• Accurate permission records and follow-up tracking.
  
• Effective government relationships.
  
• Clear escalation and dependable support to on-ground teams.
  

Requirements

• Preferably based in Nagpur, with strong familiarity with local administration, geography and government working procedures.
  
• Demonstrated experience in government liaisoning, public-authority coordination, statutory permissions, land/site approvals or similar field-facing roles.
  
• Ability to independently draft official correspondence, maintain follow-up records and conduct professional meetings with senior officials.
  
• Fluency in Marathi and Hindi required; working proficiency in English preferred, including email and documentation.
  
• Strong interpersonal skills, persistence, sound judgment, integrity and ability to resolve administrative issues without compromising compliance.
  
• Comfortable with local travel, field visits and basic Excel/Google Sheets reporting; exposure to forestry, urban greening, CSR or restoration projects is an advantage.
  

Benefits