Senior Project Officer / Senior Specialist– Ecological Restoration

WWF-India is seeking a Senior Project Officer/Senior Specialist in Ecological Restoration to lead restoration efforts in the Eastern Himalayas, based in Darjeeling. The role involves implementing reforestation initiatives, conducting field studies, and engaging with stakeholders. Candidates should have a Master’s degree in a relevant field and experience in ecological restoration, particularly in Himalayan flora. Proficiency in Nepali and Hindi is preferred.
WWF-India, one of the country’s leading conservation organizations, invites passionate and skilled individuals to be part of our mission to restore and protect the fragile ecosystems of the Eastern Himalayas. If you’re excited by the idea of understanding forest degradation at its roots, designing context-specific ecological restoration strategies, and helping forests—and their biodiversity—come alive again, this role is for you.

We’re looking for candidates with hands-on experience in ecological restoration, natural resource management, and the planning, implementation, and monitoring of restoration projects. A background in plant taxonomy or botany, with strong field skills in plant identification, is highly desirable.

Based at our Darjeeling Field Office, you will lead and support restoration efforts across the Khangchendzonga Landscape, with opportunities to contribute to similar work in Sikkim. From analysing degraded forest systems to nurturing landscapes back to life, this position offers a rare opportunity to witness transformation—of forests, ecosystems, and communities.

Join us in crafting resilient landscapes and restoring the wild heart of the Himalayas.

Job Profile

The candidate will work closely with the KCL team towards the following:

Programme Implementation and Technical Support
• Lead and oversee on-ground implementation of reforestation and nursery initiatives.
• Design and conduct field studies and assessments to inform and refine restoration strategies.
• Monitor ecological restoration outcomes and assess improvements in ecosystem services.
• Identify degraded forest areas and prioritise sites for restoration.
• Contribute to high-quality reporting and the development of peer-reviewed publications.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
• Engage regularly with the Forest Department, District Administration, Panchayats, Tea Garden Management, village and community groups, and other key stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation and coordination.
• Collaborate with partners for planning, knowledge sharing, and joint actions.

Reporting
• Support the preparation of quarterly technical reports, annual summaries, publications, and other communication outputs.

This role offers a dynamic opportunity to shape and steer restoration efforts in one of the Himalaya’s most vital landscapes—translating science into action and watching forests come back to life.

Requirements

Desired Qualifications, Experience and Skill:
• Master’s Degree, preferably Botany/Forestry/Agroforestry/Ecological Restoration or a related field.
• Candidate with field experience in the Eastern Himalayas, particularly in Himalayan flora and fauna, with strong knowledge of plant taxonomy, species identification, reforestation, and ecological restoration practices.
• Experience and familiarity with basic GIS tools, along with data entry and analysis skills, is essential.
• Preference will be given to candidates with prior work experience in the Sikkim-Darjeeling Himalaya.
• Proficiency in Nepali and Hindi is desirable.