Project Associate - Managing the Human-Tiger Interface in Nepal (HTI Project)

Job Posting Organization:
WWF Nepal is part of the global conservation organization, WWF, which is dedicated to leading international efforts for a living planet. Established with a mission to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment, WWF Nepal operates with a vision of a prosperous Nepal where people live in harmony with nature. The organization has grown significantly since its inception, now active in over 100 countries, and has a strong focus on biodiversity preservation and sustainable development. WWF Nepal emphasizes the importance of community engagement and environmental stewardship, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve its conservation goals.

Job Overview:
The Project Associate will play a crucial role in the implementation of the 'Managing the Human-Tiger Interface in Nepal' project, which aims to enhance human-wildlife coexistence and reduce human-tiger conflict in the Terai Arc Landscape. This position requires expertise in community engagement and mobilization, as the associate will work closely with local communities and stakeholders to implement social behavior change measures that address the risks associated with human-tiger conflict. The role involves frequent travel to project sites and necessitates a proactive approach to fostering collaboration among diverse groups to achieve project objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Technical Backstopping: Provide technical guidance for effective community and stakeholder engagement, ensuring the successful rollout of social behavior change measures for communities affected by human-tiger conflict.
• Capacity Building: Train local communities and user group members in forest management and strengthen their capacity in livelihood activities.
• Planning: Engage with vulnerable communities to incorporate their needs into annual work plans and support local municipalities in integrating human-wildlife mitigation activities.
• Project Implementation: Facilitate the planning and execution of project activities, organize workshops and training sessions, and assist in preparing grants and contracts.
• Coordination: Communicate with local stakeholders and project partners, coordinate logistical arrangements for meetings, and ensure timely completion of activities.
• Reporting and Documentation: Assist in preparing project progress reports, document lessons learned, and support communication efforts.
• Inclusive Conservation: Integrate gender equality and social inclusion considerations into project activities and ensure that indigenous peoples benefit from project efforts.
• Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as needed to support project goals and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or a related field. A minimum of 2 years of experience in project implementation and local stakeholder engagement is required. Demonstrated expertise in community engagement and knowledge of integrated human-wildlife conflict interventions is highly desirable. Familiarity with WWF and GEF projects is preferred, and experience working on national GEF projects will be an added advantage.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding the ecological and social dynamics involved in managing human-tiger interactions and implementing conservation strategies effectively.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant experience in project implementation and engaging with local stakeholders. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with communities to address human-wildlife conflict and should demonstrate expertise in mobilizing stakeholders for conservation efforts.

Languages:
Fluency in Nepali is mandatory, as strong communication skills are essential for preparing documents and engaging with local communities. Proficiency in English is also beneficial for reporting and documentation purposes.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with no supervisory responsibilities. The role involves working closely with project management unit staff and various partners, including government and non-government organizations. Interested applicants should submit their applications by 17:00 hours on October 26, 202

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and all information will be kept confidential according to Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines. WWF is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages all qualified individuals to apply.