Job Opportunity for Project Officer – Community Engagement at WWF India in Kohora

WWF India is seeking a Project Officer for Community Engagement in Kohora, Assam. The role involves implementing and monitoring community-led conservation projects, strengthening local institutions, and promoting sustainable resource management. Responsibilities include planning activities, capacity building, and liaising with stakeholders. Candidates should have a Master's degree in a relevant field and experience in the development sector. This position is not remote, as it is based in Kohora.
About Us

WWF-India, one of the country’s largest conservation organisations, invites applications from enthusiastic candidates with experience in relevant fields for implementing community-led conservation of natural and cultural heritage and management of natural resources in districts under the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) of Assam.

WWF-India wishes to promote a community-based conservation model in Karbi Anglong where the local community would be empowered to protect and manage their natural surroundings.

The recruit will be responsible for implementing and monitoring community-based conservation project(s) in KAAC districts and will closely work with the local communities on issues related to the promotion and strengthening of traditional and grass-root institutions on natural resource management and sustainable use, conservation of species and habitat, and governance & livelihoods.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Implementation:
• Implement and monitor key programmatic activities- Planning and implementation of community-based conservation activities, building and strengthening community-based institutions, CCA Management Committees (CCAMCs) for management of natural resources, sustainable use of natural resources, (alternate) livelihoods, support CCAMCs in making CCA by-laws, management plans etc., conduct social assessments, impact evaluation studies and contribute to achieving the larger goals of natural resource management in CCAs. Develop a yearly (Quarter-wise) plan of action, identify actions required to successfully implement the project/ programme, and implement the identified actions in coordination with the program team, communities and other stakeholders.
• Capacity building: Work closely with the leads to identifying needs and opportunities for training and capacity building of focal members of CCAs; Organize periodic capacity building programs on relevant issues to strengthen functionality of CCAMC and better manage the natural resources.
• Building community cadre: Building a strong community cadre by providing mentorship and hand-holding support in work planning and implementation, evaluating activities on ground and facilitate cross learning by conducting regular meetings, organizing trainings and exposure programs and other need-based support.

Networking & Advocacy
• Liaise with stakeholders and partner organizations to implement activities.
• Establish a wide network for promotion of community conserved area concept.
• Facilitating information flow from partners/landscape about conservation and livelihood issues to the Landscape team and the team at secretariat (New Delhi).

Reporting
• Provide periodic updates/ written reports to the BHL team on the progress of the assigned work.
• Assist in preparation of quarterly/half-yearly/annual technical reports, scientific publications and other communication material.
• Contribution to the regular communication shared from the landscape.

Requirements

Desired Qualifications and Experience:
• Master’s Degree in Social Science preferably in Rural Development, Social Work, Sociology, Public Administration, Development Studies or a related field.
• Ideally, a candidate with work experience (one to three years) in the development sector with experience in Institution and Capacity Building, Natural Resource Management, Decentralized
• Planning & Governance, and Rural Livelihoods is preferred. However, newly passed out candidates with relevant academic qualifications and interest, will also be considered should they do well in the interviews.
• Preferred oral languages are Karbi/Assamese/Hindi/ English with good writing communication skills in English.