The Dibang Team supported by the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) is looking for a Project Coordinator in Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. The Dibang Program is a locally-led biocultural research and conservation initiative that combines traditional knowledge, Western science, and local priorities. Given its interdisciplinary, decentralized, and cross-sectoral ethic, the Project Manager is expected to have an interdisciplinary background, and experience of working as part of large, non-hierarchical, non-urban teams.

The selected candidate will support the Dibang Team in conducting its various initiatives in the region, including coordinating activities, organizing trainings and other meetings/​events, and writing academic and popular articles.

Key responsibilities:

1. Work closely with the local team to manage and coordinate field projects.
2. Develop systems to store and manage data.
3. Help design, coordinate, and supervise ecological and social science research.
4. Produce materials for websites and other online media.
5. Keep meticulous documentation of various ongoing and new initiatives within the Program.
6. Organise skills training for local colleagues, as and when necessary.
7. Write reports and other material, as and when needed.
8. Co-work with the team to organize meetings, and events, and manage logistics/​finances.
9. Help with admin duties across the Program, as and when required.

The position will have a three-month probation period and the candidate would need to commit for a period of at least one year, with an expectation of further extension based on mutual agreement and performance review.

Will be in the range of INR 30,000−40,000 commiserate with relevant work experience. Local travel and expenses are covered separately. Furthermore, additional travel funding will be available to attend conferences/​meetings relevant to the position.

1. Master’s degree in natural sciences with proven social science experience or degree in social sciences with ecology/​conservation experience.
2. Candidates with a Master’s degree are expected to have 3+ years of relevant work experience. Candidates with a fresh doctoral degree with some work experience may also apply.
3. Must be a self-starter and have a proven record of research project management skills.
4. Strong interpersonal and networking skills and ability to coordinate and work in large teams.
5. Proven proficiency in English (writing, editing). Spoken fluency in Hindi.
6. Must be exceptionally motivated and have the humility and patience to learn collaborative, kinship-based, and non-hierarchical working methods.
7. Must be open to working in a horizontal structure, according to local/​traditional protocols, and learn from local ways of being. Importantly, they have a strong overlap with the Dibang Team’s values and work ethic (read more on dibangteam​.com)
8. Knowledge and interest in social sciences, tribal/​Indigenous traditions and histories, forest policy, laws, and governance issues in the Indian context.

Desirable:

1. Critical thinking and advanced reading habits are highly desired.
2. Must be keen to learn local languages.
3. Experience and demonstrable interest in living and working with rural communities.
4. Experience with statistical analysis is an advantage.
5. Keen interest in the intersection of biological and cultural diversity, and motivation for fieldwork.
6. Proficiency in managing and using the internet and software such as websites, blogs, forums, social media, and other online skills.

They encourage all applicants to read more about the Dibang team’s work on dibangteam​.com and reflect on whether and how you’d be suitable for this work before considering applying for the position.

Please send an application package to dibangteam2020@​gmail.​com with the following:

A 2‑page cover letter (filename: ​‘your name_​CL’) that responds to the following questions:

• Explain why you would like to work with us highlighting your interests within the team’s work and suitability for this position.
• What is your understanding of nature-culture relations?
• What do you think about the role of Indigenous/​tribal Peoples in wildlife conservation in India?
• Describe your experiences of and learnings from working with rural teams.
• Please include two referees’ names and email addresses in your cover letter.

Detailed CV (filename: ​‘your name_​CV’) including your academic and professional background and affiliations.

One writing sample (filename: ​‘your name_​WS’) (max 3 pages)

The subject of your email should be: ​“Application: Project Coordinator – Dibang Program”. Applications that do not follow the above required format for the cover letters and other application material will be rejected.

The last date for submitting applications is 30^th November 2024, but the position will be open until a suitable candidate is selected. Please wait for at least 4 weeks to hear back from us about your application before contacting us again. The selected candidate will be expected to start work within a month of being informed of their selection for the position.

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