Associate Coordinator-Aquatic Biodiversity

WWF-India; Rupnagar; On-site; INR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

WWF-India is seeking a field-focused conservation professional to plan and execute population and habitat surveys across the Sutlej River basin, focusing on key aquatic species and their habitats. The role involves analyzing field data, preparing technical reports, and coordinating with stakeholders for restoration activities.

The candidate will support species recovery plans, develop management plans for keystone species, and assist in communicating conservation outcomes to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written communication in English and Hindi; Punjabi knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct population and habitat surveys for Dolphin, Gharial, Otters, Turtles, and fish in Sutlej River basin.

Skills

English & Hindi communication

Punjabi knowledge

Time management

Technical communication

Liaison with govt & communities

Movement ecology

Acoustics

Species research

Computer basics

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Job description

• Plan and conduct population and habitat surveys (including distribution and abundance) to understand the current status of Dolphin, Gharial, Otters, Turtles, and fish species, their habitats and threats faced in the Sutlej River basin.
• Collate and analyze field data to prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and other publications as required for the project, ensuring timely delivery.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders in preparing species recovery plans for flagship species in the Sutlej Basin.
• Support in development of species-specific management plans for keystone species.
• Liaison with a range of local stakeholders, such as government departments, local community and farmer groups for permissions, support, planning of restoration activities in the identified biodiversity hotspots in the Sutlej basin.
• Support on-ground implementation of species and their habitat conservation initiatives in the Sutlej basin.
• Plan and conduct capacity building of key stakeholders, including – government department and riparian communities for the scientific monitoring of aquatic species and their habitats.
• Support in designing and implementing communications and outreach material to generate awareness, build capacity and change attitudes to generate support for conservation of aquatic resources.

Requirements

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Hindi. Knowledge of Punjabi will be an added advantage.

• Basic knowledge of computer applications.
• Experience in movement ecology (migration studies), acoustics, and advanced approaches in species research will be an added advantage.
• Experience with technical research equipment handling and field use such as camera trap, compass, chart plotter, and VHF, UHF transmitters.
• Knowledge of ArcGIS, QGIS or other statistical software is desirable.
• Meet deadlines and effectively prioritise work under time constraints.
• Ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information for a non-technical audience, with effective communication skills reaching target audiences.
• Good liaison skills with government departments, local communities as well as with other NGOs and agencies working on same issues are desirable.