Watcher, Karot BMP Field Office

The International Union for Conservation of Nature is hiring a Watcher for the Karot BMP Field Office in Islamabad, Pakistan. This role involves patrolling project areas to monitor illegal activities, preparing reports, and facilitating community engagement for biodiversity management. The position is fixed-term for up to 9 months, with a potential for renewal, and requires coordination with various stakeholders to support the Karot Hydropower Project's environmental objectives.
Vacancy #
7565
Unit
Pakistan Programme Coordination Unit
Organisation
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location
Pakistan Country Office, Islamabad, Pakistan
Reporting to
Project Officer - Karot BMP Field Office
Work percentage
85%
Grade
O
Expected start date
01 April 2026
Type of contract
Fixed-term (up to 9 months with possibility of renewal)
Closing date
09 April 2026
BACKGROUND The Karot Power Company Limited (KPCL), a subsidiary of China Three Gorges South Asia Investment Limited (CSAIL), is undertaking the construction of the 720 MW Karot Hydropower Project on the Jhelum Riverin Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Consistent with the Biodiversity Management (Action) Plan Framework of CSAIL and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standard 6, the preparation of a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) was recommended in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the Project. The main objectives of the BMP are to f develop further the biodiversity mitigation presented in the ESIA, inclusive of determination of environmental flow, hydropeaking management, and to demonstrate ‘No Net Loss’ of biodiversity in natural habitats where feasible, as required by the IFC Performance Standards.


In this regard, KPCL has engaged the services of IUCN Pakistan as the “Implementation Organization” (IO) for the BMP of Karot HPP.


The Biodiversity Management Plan is a critical element of the Karot HPP. It was formulated to address regional biodiversity concerns andachieve ’No Net Loss’ under the IFC’s Performance Standard 6. In addition,it addresses the implementation of Protection Level 2 to conserve, protect and restore the biological resources of the Jhelum River Basin.


While the BMP is designed to achieve these objectives at the basin level, the need for a management plan for Murree Kahutta Kotli Sattian National Park (MKKSNP) and Azad Pattan National Park (APNP) is triggered by the AJK Wildlife and Fisheries Department, the Punjab Wildlife Department, and the Punjab Fisheries Department respectively in AJK and Punjab. NPMPs for MKKSNP and APNP are expected to strengthen the sustainability of the BMP and more importantly the national park itself.


One of the key deliverables of the IO is the development of two National Park Management Offices: one for APNP in AJK and one for MKKSNP in Punjab. Accordingly, the below Terms of References (ToRs) have been developed for hiring staff to carry out activities of APNP and MKKSNP offices for the Karot HPP.


JOB DESCRIPTION
Patrol project areas and be on the lookout for illegal logging, sand/gravel mining, fishing, and poaching activities.Report to the Project Manager, Field office in-charge and respective government line departments and inform them of any suspicious activity.Prepare daily patrol reports and inform and submit to the Project Manager and Field office in-charge.Facilitate social mobilizers in communicating with the local communities and schools for project activities, awareness raising events.Facilitate the organization of various project events and activities.Any other tasks that are assigned by the Project Manager from time to time.
Networking and Representation
Maintain coordination with Project Manager, Biodiversity Management Plan Implementation project, IUCN Pakistan.Close collaboration with local community for any updates related to monitoring, watch and ward of the project area.Close collaboration/Coordination with project stakeholders including government departments, communities, schools, NGOs etc
REQUIREMENTS
Having completed Intermediate from a recognized school/college – with a certificate3 years of demonstrated experience in Watch & Ward/inspections/administrative support.Physically fit for travelling/trekking in rugged mountain areas.Familiarity with the social, cultural, and geographical context of the project area will be an assetAptitude for teamwork and fieldwork;Fair command of Urdu (written & spoken) and local languages of the project area with excellent communication skills.
APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.


Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/


Abo