Ritesh is CSR and Management professional with more than 20 years of professional experience spanning various industry domains with experience of heading CSR in corporate sector.
He has been instrumental in translating organization vision into CSR strategy and project initiative, streamlining of CSR process, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of CSR projects that advance project performance, ensure project qualitative outcomes, enhance organization goodwill, growth with stakeholders and community development. Preparation of all documents for branding, enhancing impact, Successful planning, coordination and execution of Planning, strategies for Resettlement and Rehabilitation implementation, planning, budgeting, executing and liasioning.
He has supported various environmental protection initiatives and Preparation of Sustainable report (GRI G3), resettlement and rehabilitation plan and coordinating for Social Impact assessment studies and liasioning with Govt, NGO and institution for program support.
Linkedin : https://in.linkedin.com/in/ritesh-sinha-32687119
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. It has been a wonderful journey after IIFM. IIFM added lot of value in my career. I came with 2 years of prior work experience to IIFM after my Rural Management. IIFM developed my understanding of development sector.
I got opportunity to work in diverse sector, starting with Consultancy organization involved in Social and Environment Impact assessment. Later I worked with environment and wild life conservation project of WWF, India. It was a great learning experience on field working with different communities, different cultures and understanding various aspects of environmental protection measures.
After 4 years, I moved to Corporate sector where I started by heading a single unit and later got the role of Group CSR Head responsible for managing the entire CSR for the company.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. Let me list the key learnings here:
● Upskilling in Social and Environment sector
● Understanding and analysis of the issues and challenges and clarity on the Goals
● Clear decision-making in embarking on the journey
● Listing and compiling all organization working in relevant field along with understanding of their vision, goals, and activities
● As this is diverse field, we need to clearly set area of interest and most importantly relevant area of focus, set up clear measurable objectives along with direction and purpose. Obviously, the skill set required varies for NGOs, Consultancy and Corporates.
● Develop your ‘Brand’ in a way that shows clear value to an organization
● Prove yourself through initiative and proactive approach
● Top Management should always see you as integral part of their vision and strategy
● Overcoming challenges of transition from NGO to a Corporate or any sector by adapting to changes, flexibility and open to learning new skills and cultures
● Developing and building teams and Effective collaboration
● Implementing best practices and models on pilot basis and creating impact and stakeholder appreciation
● Transitioning from small achievements to broader, systemic success
● Scaling operations, impact, or influence and learning from best practices of other companies suitable to area of operation of the present organisation
● External validation through awards, feedback, or measurable impact. These moments can mark a turning point and provides lot of motivation.
Q. How has been your experience in your current organization? What all areas have you been working here?
A. I have been working for the last 7.5 years in the present organization, from setting up and stabilizing of CSR department to the recognition.
Q. Kindly tell us about your recent National Award.
A. I am deeply honored to share with you that I have been recipient of National Icon Award in the Development sector, recognized by the Government of India. This President award was presented with support of Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Ministry of Rural development acknowledging efforts in impactful development work and dedication to building a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future aligned with our nation goals. This award was given for exemplary work in upliftment of underserved community in various sector of education , Health , Skilling , youth and women empowerment and environment.
The award was presented by Central Minister Shri Shyam Jaju Ji and Shri Jagdambika Pal Ji (Member of Lok Sabha & Former Chief Minister of U.P), Shri Raghu Raj Singh Ji (Employment Minister, Uttar Pradesh),—a truly humbling and unforgettable experience.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. Trust and faith of my management in me is the best part.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. Learning from IIFM has helped a lot in developing academic as well as practical exposure to various development issues.
Q. Who (or what) are the biggest influences or drivers in your careers? What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles.
A. In my case biggest drivers are interest and passion to reach best in this field. I believe in Persistence and Consistence approach while continuously seeking opportunities for learning and improvement.
My advice to young professionals and others who are seeking a role in development sector is to try and spend more time in field even if you are having a desk job as there is lot to learn in the field, understand ground realities and develop strategy as per the requirements of stakeholders.
Also keep updating yourself with new technologies and short term courses to help yourself in moving up in your career. Also it helps in being expressive and sharing your views with other departments, try and make your work noticed by other departments through impactful work and highlighting your achievement through best communication channel.
Q. How did you decide to go for higher studies beside IIFM? And how was the experience?
A. Prior to joining IIFM, I have done MBA in rural Management. My interest in Community development and Environment, in order to get direction and excel in my career through innovative learnings at IIFM and practical exposure has been my driving force.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. All the time spent at IIFM Campus was memorable. Working late night during research dissertation and time spent at hostel with batchmates is still itched in my memory. I still remember all my batchmates very fondly.
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
A. Library and faculties had the biggest impact and contribution in shaping my career.
Learnings from IIFM has played a very crucial role in my career. Major takeaway from IIFM is utilization of rich learning resources of IIFM, in-depth knowledge about sustainable practices in forestry, wildlife conservation, and rural development with core management concepts and practical exposure in rural development, forestry projects, and community engagement.
Q. What would be your advise for recent graduates who look for changing their sector after working for couple of years?
A. We need to first understand and believe in our interest and passions before opting for change. The key quality one should have is adaptability and flexibility towards new challenges and opportunities. Also learn from mistakes and move forward. Stay consistent over time in putting efforts, developing relations, and fostering trust for growth.
Q. What was your typical day at the work? And how does it look like while you are on a break?
A. My typical day at work is combination of corporate life at the office with documentation, approvals, planning, and team coordination. Also regular field visits to villages and interaction with stakeholders, spending quality time on different projects being implemented and solving problems at the field and corporate level. I make the most of my break by visiting new places and interacting with friends.
Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family and anything else you want to add?
A. Weekends are spent on various things including spiritual growth and spending time with family. Also I like to participate in the society development work.
Q. Favorite Books?
A. Man’s Search for Meaning, The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle.
Q. IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitments towards its goal. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni, students? Your engagement with IIFM Placement or OT/SI?
A. I would like to use my network to get students placed in the sector.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there? When was the last time you visited IIFM?
A. It has been a long time since I last visited IIFM in 2008.