District Team Leader

Programmes · Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) · Posted 2026-10-27

About the Organisation

Centre for Aquatic Livelihood Jaljeevika is a nationally recognised nonprofit organisation committed to strengthening aquatic livelihoods, promoting ecological restoration, and creating inclusive rural economies. Established with the vision of mainstreaming aquatic-based livelihoods into the development discourse, Jaljeevika has worked for over a decade with rural and coastal communities across ponds, rivers, wetlands, and marine ecosystems. What began as a fisheries-focused initiative has grown into a holistic development institution that addresses the interconnected challenges of livelihoods, food security, and environmental sustainability. The organisation also actively supports coastal communities by promoting climate-adaptive practices and diversified marine farming models, reaching some of India’s most climate-vulnerable regions—from flood-prone wetlands in Bihar to saline coastal belts in Maharashtra.

Jaljeevika’s strength lies in combining grassroots mobilisation with technical expertise and institutional innovation, integrating ecosystem restoration with enterprise promotion to achieve both ecological and economic returns. Central to its mission is social equity, with a focus on engaging women, youth, Scheduled Castes and Tribes, and landless households in planning and benefit-sharing, while fostering women-led enterprises and youth entrepreneurship.

As Jaljeevika expands, it continues to reimagine rural economies through nature-based, community-driven, and economically viable solutions — aligning local action with national priorities and global commitments to contribute meaningfully to India’s sustainable development and blue economy agenda.

Position Details

Position Name: District Team Leader
Number of Vacancies: 1
Mode: On-site
Type of Employment: Contract
Location: Ratnagiri, with frequent travel to the project locations
Remuneration: ₹39,900/- per month + Travel

Position Overview

A highly motivated young individual with outstanding credentials for the key leadership role of District Team Lead. The District Team Leader will shoulder key responsibility in developing, managing, and strengthening the value chain and market linkages for our ongoing and proposed projects. The Team Leader will bring demonstrated knowledge of project management in rural and semi-rural areas, including value chain development and marketing strategies, as well as experience working with local producers and entrepreneurs.

Other responsibilities include leading the programme's implementation, building and managing the team and key external stakeholder relationships, and collaborating closely with the SPMU GCF-ECRICC Project in strategic direction. The District Team Leader will be directly accountable to the State Project Manager and Socio-Economic & Livelihood Associate for the timely and quality delivery of programme goals.

Key Responsibilities

Display capabilities in categorising identified project beneficiaries based on vulnerability mapping/index from coastal landscapes across Maharashtra.
Value Chain Development: Identify opportunities to strengthen value chains in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and other relevant sectors within the project landscapes.
Market Linkages: Build and maintain relationships with potential buyers, wholesalers, retailers, and other market actors to establish strengthened market access for local producers.
Product Development: Support local producers at the community/village level in product quality, packaging, and branding as per market demand.
Market Research: Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for products within the district. Also, work on the concept of ‘One District One Product.’
Capacity Building: Lead capacity building and training initiatives crafted for local communities, producer groups, and cooperatives in enhancing business skills, marketing strategies, and value-addition to low-cost, readily available raw materials.
Supply Chain Management: Ensure efficient coordination of the supply chain from production to market, optimising costs, quality, and delivery times.
Monitoring & Reporting: Regularly monitor the progress of marketing and value chain initiatives, prepare reports, and provide feedback to the project management team at the DPMU level.
Collaboration: Work with district-level officials, private sector players, and other NGOs to create a supportive ecosystem for rural producers.
Sustainability & Growth: Promote eco-friendly practices and sustainable business models that ensure long-term growth for community businesses.
Report and work in close coordination with the District Coordination Associate to accomplish tasks assigned on a priority basis.

Qualifications & Experience

Relevant work experience of a minimum of 3 years and a professional postgraduate degree in Business Marketing, Business Management, Social Work, etc. or work experience of 5+ years with an undergraduate degree in the same field.
Proven expertise in building networks with market forces for developing strong market links and enhanced consumer access.
Experience in negotiations with market players, including companies, wholesalers and value-chain specialists, will be an advantage.
Candidates applying for field-related positions must possess a two-wheeler and a valid driving license.

Type of Employment

This position is purely contractual. The appointment will be made on a contract basis, and the duration of employment will be subject to the tenure and continuity of the project.

Note

Please note that Jaljeevika strictly follows the qualification and experience criteria prescribed by UNDP India for this position. Applications from candidates who do not meet the specified requirements will not be considered, and such applications may be rejected without further communication. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Remuneration

₹39,900/- per month + Travel.

The consolidated remuneration will be ₹39,900/- per month, subject to applicable TDS and professional tax deductions, with an additional payment of ₹2,000/- per month for mobility mileage expenses. To claim travel expenses, the candidate must submit an activity report and detailed travel information; payment will be made only after these documents are produced and verified.

Apply for this role