Dr. Rohini Chaturvedi is the strategy and MEL(Monitoring Evaluation and Learning ) lead for a global collaborative called Forests, People, Climate(https://forestspeopleclimate.org/). The focus of FPC is on mobilising funding (ambitiously $2billion from philanthropies and HNIs), support and impact for tropical forests and local communities, particularly in Indonesia, Brazil and Congo Basin. She is supporting ten teams to develop strategies in a decentralized, inclusive and consultative way with deep involvement of expertise that is proximate to the strategy context, whether regional or thematic (e.g. finance or IP&LC rights).
Rohini serves on the Board of the Global EverGreening Alliance. She is also the India Focal Point for the International Land and Forest Tenure Facility. She has a MPhil and Ph.D. in Geography (political ecology stream) from the University of Cambridge, where she was a Gates Scholar and the recipient of the Overseas Research Studentship. She was also the gold medallist of PFM 2001-03 at IIFM.
Linkedin ID :https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohini-chaturvedi
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM to this role?
A. The journey from 2003, when I graduated from IIFM has been exhilarating – filled with ups and downs, peaks and the deepest of crevices, Basically, it’s been a usual life!! And if I’m honest, there was no career plan guiding this journey. In fact, there couldn’t have been because so many opportunities have emerged over time. If I had looked into a crystal ball in 2002, charted a beautiful plan, and stuck to it I know I wouldn’t be where I am. Instead, my focus was on doing good, satisfying work that involved learning, and could deliver impact, and now, impact at scale. For some reason, I didn’t really worry about salaries and progression and so on. Why? Well, perhaps it was a naive overconfidence that I would always be able to make ends meet; perhaps it was sheer arrogance! But, I feel, to a large extent, it was the support from my family. Without that support, I wouldn’t have been at IIFM in the first place.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. Looking back, I think what served me well in addition to the IIFM brand, were three things: a commitment to quality work which built my credibility, openness to opportunities that may emerge, and risk-taking ability that enabled me to embrace uncharted waters–many thought I was completely stupid for accepting a campus placement offer in Jharkhand and they were right; many thought I was stupid for independently consulting really early in my career, but in this instance I think I was right!.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A.IIFM was a turning point in my life. The campus, the friends, the faculty, the exposure to a completely different India – all culminated into an unparalleled experience. From walking down the hill in our first week there, to watch Lagaan; to dancing around a fire made using broken furniture (I hope there is a statute of limitations!), crazy Holi, a spontaneous trip to Khajuraho on a shoe-string budget, the fun memories are endless. These are beautifully complemented by rigorous class-room learning, assignments, projects, quizzes, field-attachment, and field-trips. I am filled with gratitude when I think of all the time, patience, and thought the faculty invested in us.
The beauty and privilege of being an IIFM alum lies in the fact that you end up being part of a large, extended family for life. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know each other at all, or haven’t met before, or are years apart in age. As an IIFM alum you can be rest assured that there are alumni who will instinctively look out for you, support you and have your back. The connection is that strong!
Q. As an alumnus, what is your advice to freshers or those who are joining IIFM to get the best out of the 2 years there?
A. For the current batch, I would say make the most of the time you have on campus. Having two years of learning is a luxury and unless you decide to pursue academia, it’s a luxury you won’t have again. And take the time to build relationships that go beyond (transactional) networks. They’ll stand you for life. I know that my 3 am friends are from IIFM!
Q. What is your typical day at the office?
A. FPC is in start-up mode, thus I am involved with several dimensions of organizational design. My work includes creating a disruptive approach to grant-making, for the learning it offers, and for the invigorating collaboration with globally dispersed colleagues – and the travel it entails!! No two days are the same!
Q. IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitment toward its goal. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni, and students?
A. If there is anything I can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to reach out! And if you are in Pune or catch me in Bhopal, remind me that I need to host you well, or at least take you out for a meal! That’s the basic rule of the IIFM current student-alumni unwritten code of conduct!