PROJECT MANAGER—ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION ALLIANCE – Nature Conservation Foundation

Please apply before 15 November 2021

The Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) was established in 1996 as a public charitable trust. At NCF, our goal is to contribute to the knowledge and conservation of India’s unique wildlife heritage with innovative research and imaginative solutions. We work in a range of wildlife habitats—from coral reefs and tropical rainforests to the high mountains of the Himalaya. Here, we strive to understand the survival needs of endangered species such as snow leopards and elephants, as well as equally fascinating but lesser-known wildlife such as corals and spiders. Our research also addresses human resource-use and its impacts on wild species and ecosystems. Using this knowledge of wildlife ecology and human society, we design conservation strategies that are locally appropriate. These are implemented in collaboration with local communities who depend the most on natural resources, and the governments that manage them. While promoting wildlife conservation, our programmes also strive to safeguard livelihood and development options for local communities.

The Ecological Restoration Alliance – India (ERA-India) has an exciting opening for those interested in ecological restoration of degraded natural ecosystems. ERA-India is a network of scientists and practitioners working to restore ecosystems across India. The position will be housed at the Nature Conservation Foundation, a leading conservation research institution in India.

We are looking for a colleague (entry to mid-level) who is passionate about ecological restoration, has strong communication and networking skills, and experienced in ecology, wildlife and communication in the Indian context. The candidate will work as a Project Manager to coordinate activities, develop curated materials and online resources for the ERA-India website, manage related social media accounts, and work with Alliance partners to foster responsible ecological restoration. The position is for one year, with the possibility of further extension based on mutual agreement and fund availability.

The main goal of ERA-India is to bring together best practices in ecological restoration on a digital knowledge platform, move away from mindless tree planting to careful restoration following best practices, and enable linkages and partnerships among individuals and organisations interested in restoration.

Qualifications and Desired Capabilities

Required

• Bachelors or Masters degree in any discipline
• Excellent communication skills, and ability to write, design, curate, and present information and materials related to ecological restoration and nature conservation
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in teams and interact with groups of people
• Knowledge of Indian ecosystems, with an interest in plants
• Proficiency in English (writing, speaking, editing)
• High proficiency and comfort with managing and using the internet and software such as for websites, blogs, forums, social media, and other online skills (video and photo editing, using online and mobile apps, curating content for online posting)

Desirable

• Experience in conducting training and outreach related to nature, conservation, or restoration
• Knowledge of native plant identification
• Proficiency in any Indian language
• Background or interest in writing, art, and creative activities to promote nature and restoration

What we can offer you is a fulfilling full-time job, a great work environment, wonderful colleagues, and a chance at making a difference. You will be mostly based at the Rainforest Research Station of NCF at Valparai in the Anamalai Hills, with some travel across the country, if needed. 

How to apply:
Please send us a detailed CV (filename: ‘your name_CV’) and a one page cover letter (filename: ‘your name_CL’) explaining why you would like to work with us, and how you are suited to it (maximum: 500 words). Include names and contact email addresses of two referees in your cover letter. Please email these documents to apply@ncf-india.org with the subject line “Application: ERA-INDIA”. Please apply before 15 November 2021; however, the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

The position is for Indian citizens only. Women and those from under-represented groups or disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to apply.