Rajashree Joshi

About Rajashree Joshi

Programme Director | Social Scientist | Climate-Resilient Livelihoods, GESI & CSR PartnershipsDr. Rajashree Joshi is a senior development professional with deep expertise in designing and leading large-scale, CSR-supported and donor-funded development programmes focused on climate-resilient livelihoods, natural resource management, Gender Equity & Social Inclusion (GESI), and inclusive rural transformation.In her role as Programme Director at BAIF Development Research Foundation (India), she leads the strategic coordination of multi-state, multi-donor programmes implemented in collaboration with government agencies, corporate CSR partners, international development organisations, and research platforms. She has extensive experience managing complex CSR portfolios, building long-term corporate partnerships, and aligning community-led interventions with national priorities and global frameworks, including climate adaptation, nature-positive agri-food systems, and the SDGs. She has been instrumental in mobilising resources, strengthening CSR engagement models, and embedding Gender Equity & Social Inclusion (GESI) and climate resilience across livelihood and natural resource management interventions. Her leadership has contributed to the advancement of nature-positive, community-led development solutions, enhanced organisational capacities, and the generation of practice-informed knowledge for the development sector.Her key areas of specialisation include:Climate Change Adaptation & Climate-Resilient Livelihood SystemsNatural Resource Management, Agro-biodiversity & Nature-Positive ApproachesGender Equity & Social Inclusion (GESI) and Women-Centric DevelopmentRural & Tribal Livelihoods, Skilling and Enterprise DevelopmentCSR Engagement, CSR Strategy & Multi-Partner Programme ManagementProgramme Governance, Knowledge Systems & Capacity BuildingDr. Joshi brings a strong practice–research–learning integration, ensuring that programmes are inclusive, evidence-based, and scalable. She actively contributes to technical studies, programme learning, and institutional capacity strengthening, and serves as a resource person,seasoned trainer and mentor for development practitioners and partner organisations.Her leadership reflects a commitment to equity, sustainability, and systems change, positioning her as a trusted partner for international donors, CGIAR platforms, UN agencies, and corporate foundations seeking grounded, implementable, and socially inclusive development solutions.

Experience

1. Program Director

   Baif Development Research Foundation

   Apr 2021 — Present · Pune, IN

Education

• University of Mumbai

  Bachelor’s Degree, Economics

  1985 — 1990

• Savitribai Phule Pune University

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Economics, Rural Development

  1996 — 2006

• Tata Institute of Social Sciences

  Master’s Degree, Rural and Urban Community Development,Mumbai campus

  1990 — 1992