Biodiversity Specialist – Sundarbans Programme

Roles and Responsibilities:

WWF India’s conservation programme is spread across many geographies located in diverse ecosystems from the Himalayas to the Nilgiris; from arid western regions to the cloud forests of Northeast, and from central India to the Sundarbans delta. Conservation at a particular geography, often designated as a landscape includes a wide range of actions ranging from research & monitoring, capacity building & institutional development, policy & advocacy and engagement with multiple partners including local communities, industries, government agencies and CSOs.

One of WWF India’s long-term initiatives is the Sundarbans Programme. The Sundarbans region in India comprises of the world’s largest mangrove forests that harbour wild tigers. This region is also home to a large and climatically vulnerable human population. Sustainable development of this region is critical to ensure the long-term wellbeing of the people living here as well as the conservation of its biodiversity – both of which are intrinsically linked.

WWF India is seeking a Biodiversity Specialist with a focus on conservation of tigers and prey, and their habitats in the Indian Sundarbans. The position will be based out of WWF India’s Sundarbans Programme office in Kolkata. He/ She will be responsible for ensuring successful execution of WWF India’s wildlife & habitat conservation programme in Sundarbans; coordinate with other members of the Sundarbans programme team, particularly for the Sundarbans component of the overall Climate and Nature Initiative which aims to demonstrate energy transition and Nature Based Solutions.

Location:

• Kolkata

Strategy, Management and Coordination:

• Internalise and communicate the biodiversity and wildlife conservation component of the Sundarbans programme strategy to the West Bengal Forest Directorate and other relevant stakeholders.
• Manage the biologists working in Sundarbans programme for implementation of the conservation strategy.
• Coordinate with the authorities of Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve and Sundarbans Tiger Reserve and develop partnerships with scientific institutions for implementing wildlife and biodiversity conservation strategies.

Programme Implementation:

• Promote tiger, prey and habitat monitoring with guidance from Lead, Tiger Conservation of WWF India.
• Explore human – tiger interactions in Sundarbans, bring about innovative strategies in collaboration with the internal and external stakeholders for reducing loss to people and wildlife.
• Facilitate studies to understand tiger behaviour in the mangroves.
• Keep track of projects being implemented for biodiversity and wildlife conservation in Sundarbans, and their finances. Work with the Sundarbans Programme Lead for ensuring smooth fund flow.

Networking and Communication:

• Be the main liaison for WWF India’s biodiversity and wildlife conservation initiatives in Sundarbans for internal and external partners.
• Coordinate with the Core Team of the Wildlife & Habitats programme to ensure timely publication of reports, facts and stories, particularly external facing.

Programme Development:

• Work with the Wildlife & Habitats programme Core Team for strategizing the wildlife conservation activities in Sundarbans and bring about innovative ideas for further development of the biodiversity conservation portfolio of Sundarbans programme.
• Working on any other issues or matters arising out of this area as may be within the purview of WWF-India.

Education:

• UG: Any Graduate in Any Specialization
• PG: MS/M.Sc(Science) in Zoology, Environmental science, Biology
• Doctorate: Doctorate Not Required

Desired Qualifications, experience & skills:

• Post-graduate degree in wildlife science, bioscience, environmental science or a related field
• At least 10 years of experience in implementing biodiversity and/or wildlife conservation programmes
• Experience of implementing the NTCA/WII protocol for monitoring tigers, co-predators and prey would be an advantage
• Experience of team management will be an added advantage
• Experience in networking, stakeholder engagement, government and donor liaison
• Strong writing and oral communication skills in English and ability to converse effectively in Bengali

Last Date for sending applications:

• 10th April, 2021