Location: Maharashtra, Goa (With travel to headquarters as required)
Program: Area-based management project, Marine Program.
Reporting Head: Program Head
Duration: 1 Year (extendable)
Desired language proficiency: Marathi and English
About us: The Wildlife Conservation Society-India works to conserve wildlife backed by science. We work in partnership with governmental and non-governmental organizations to deal with conservation challenges such as human-wildlife interaction, countering wildlife trafficking, conservation of marine ecosystems and species, conservation of endangered species, livelihood development of local communities, and so on. Committed to wildlife conservation and the ecological worldview that recognizes the inextricable link between human welfare and the protection of wildlife and wild spaces, WCS-India endeavours to inspire positive attitudes in people towards wildlife.
WCS-India is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.
The WCS-India Marine Program aims to conserve the unique diversity of India’s coastal habitats and seas by working with communities and partner organizations to overcome these challenges through a multidisciplinary approach. The program’s efforts are focused on five broad work streams: (1) strengthening the area-based management, marine protected area and/or Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM) network of India (2) reducing marine megafauna bycatch (3) addressing the decline of sharks and rays (4) incorporating sustainability into marine-centric tourism; supporting sustainable fisheries and (5) generating awareness on India’s marine biodiversity.
Project Background: The project aims to develop spatial conservation strategies for marine habitats through applied research, strengthening local and regional capacity, and increasing awareness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs). We focus on habitat management by encouraging participatory approaches that involve local communities, governmental and non-governmental partners as stakeholders. At present, our project sites include the coastlines of Maharashtra and Goa states.
Roles and Responsibilities:
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Conduct field surveys to assist in ecological and/or social-economic data collection as per project requirements
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Assist with the collection of primary and secondary materials relevant to the project through desk-based research and visits to government offices, as and when required.
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Assist in designing and executing outreach activities pertaining to the project.
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Liaise with individuals, research institutes, and governmental and non-governmental agencies towards collaborative efforts.
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Assist in maintaining databases, preparation of annual work-plans, budgets, scientific publications, popular articles and reports as required by WCS-India and donor partners.
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Collaborate with members of the Marine Program or WCS-India on research ideas, ancillary projects, and activities such as fundraising.
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Contribute to the WCS-India social media and any assigned outreach activities of the Marine Program.
Qualification & Requirements:
Experience and Knowledge
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0-3 years of work experience in wildlife sciences, ecology, and marine conservation, and/or with coastal communities.
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Verbal and written communication skills in Marathi.
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Highly motivated individual demonstrating a willingness to learn and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to project activities.
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Basic understanding of issues pertaining to marine sciences, conservation, and ecosystem management.
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Experience in academic and non-academic writing and editing or outreach activities is desirable.
Education
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Post-graduate degree, preferably a Master's degree in Wildlife Biology, Anthropology, Social Sciences, Conservation Sciences, or allied subjects
OR
Equivalent years of work experience.
Desirable Skills
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Knowledge of curating, analysing, and visualizing data using GIS platforms and analytical software such as MS Excel, R, etc.
Compensation: Offered as per the qualification and experience.
It's time to apply:
To apply, please send together in one file a cover letter and an updated resume. Submit your application using the position title “Project Assistant - Marine” in the subject line to careers@wcsindia.org latest by March 10, 2023.
Candidates should mandatorily share the contact details of at least two professional references. Please mention your driving licence, driving skills, and language proficiency.
All applications will be reviewed; however, only shortlisted candidates will be notified for further process.